Advice From A Teen Counselor in Scotch Plains, NJ On How to Help Your Teen If You Suspect They May be in an Abusive Relationship Dating abuse is about power and control. It refers to behavior one partner uses to gain and keep their power and control over the other. While physical violence may be […]
Teenage years are full of exploration and growth. One area that we see this exploration in, specifically, is teenagers’ social lives. Teenagers may be becoming interested in pursuing romantic relationships. They may start navigating the exciting world of dating. However, with dating comes the responsibility of teaching teens the importance of autonomy, boundaries, and consent. […]
High profile acts of violence, especially school shootings, can be frightening and confusing to children. Even well-intentioned safety measures like ‘active shooter drills’ at schools can also amplify intense worries in children who fear their friends or loved ones’ safety. Step 1: Reassure your child that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. […]
As a parent, I imagine you want the absolute best for your child. They are your world, and you want to provide them with the tools to succeed. Signing them up for extracurriculars and athletics, such as attending dance classes can be a great addition to your child’s life. However, it is easy to feel […]
Group therapy is a treatment in which people with similar conditions or goals learn from, and move toward better mental wellness together. Group therapy is one of the most effective treatments for healing and hope. The group setting provides a sense of community, support, and understanding that can be difficult to find elsewhere. The process […]
Let me introduce you to Jess* and Bosco… Jess was 12 years old when she got her beautiful pet rabbit, whom she named Bosco. To her, Bosco was perfect with his gorgeous black fur and little twitching white nose. Jess would spend time snuggling and playing with her rabbit. She loved him very much. However, […]
Are you a self-proclaimed “perfectionist”? Or do others often put you on a high pedestal to achieve and always be on top of things? Perfectionism, while not a diagnosable mental illness, can wreak havoc on those who wrestle with the nagging thought of “Am I good enough?” What is Perfectionism? Merriam Webster defines perfectionism as […]
Going back to school in normal times is already stressful for kids. But, going back to school amid a global pandemic is even more challenging. COVID-related restrictions have lessened in the state of New Jersey. Yet, the Delta variant presents new fears. What will life look like as people venture out and the schools re-open […]
Early adolescence is a turbulent time of enormous physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes and growth. Adolescence is a time to practice self-governance by feeling, behaving, and thinking independently. This is the groundwork for becoming a confident, independent adult who is not unduly influenced by other people or forces. This can be a challenging time […]
In the past two blogs, we have discussed the many ways EMDR can help individuals overcome trauma and PTSD. EMDR is a very well-researched form of trauma therapy that helps individuals who feel “stuck” move forward from trauma. It can be used in a variety of clinical settings by clients of all ages. However, it […]