Childhood anxiety is an experience that often confuses parents and caregivers. As a child anxiety therapist, I see many different forms of anxiety. Most of us are familiar with classic signs of child anxiety. We see a child hiding behind their mother’s legs. They are unwilling to pet or even look at the playful puppy. […]
Family therapy first established roots as a form of counseling between the 1950s-1960s. It had one focus: to understand the effects of family on loved ones with mental health diagnoses. Bringing the family into the counseling room was meant to help identify how they have affected the diagnosis of the identified patient. This method makes it […]
Families are core to who we are. They are often the essential building blocks of our personality, patterns, and values. Regardless of size or make-up, all families face challenges. Ultimately, if left untreated, you might find that these challenges start to grow and impact the relationships within your family unit. This is where family therapy […]
Today, I want to discuss a topic often misunderstood: food allergies. As a psychologist and food allergy parent, I’ve seen firsthand and secondhand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with managing food allergies. So, let’s dive in together. We debunk some common myths. Explore the psychological impact. And find ways to support those walking this tricky […]
Parenting teens can be a challenge. Navigating the challenges of adolescence while tacking on gender identity concerns adds a new layer of complexity and uncertainty. In my experience as a therapist counseling transgender youth in New Jersey, it is not uncommon for parents to wonder if the gender journey is “just a phase” or something […]
The therapeutic benefits of play are numerous. You can find these discussed in Part 1 of The Vital Role of Play in Easing Anxiety in Children. In fact, play is very frequently integrated by our clinicians who provide child anxiety treatment at home and in our Scotch Plains, NJ and Branchburg, NJ offices. There are […]
Play is a powerful tool for children and adults alike. However, academic pressures and extracurricular commitments frequently overshadow the importance of play. We live in a society that can be very focused on accomplishments. This can even seep into therapy. There can be an expectation in therapy that we fix the problem, develop coping skills […]
You can read all the books and take all the classes, but nothing fully prepares you for parenthood. The number of new experiences you can have as a new parent is endless. So how could we possibly prepare for everything motherhood brings? As a professional who has worked with kids, I have been a caretaker […]
Hey there, fellow mom! If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in a sea of guilt over the myriad challenges of motherhood, you’re not alone. Mom guilt is a universal experience. Understanding its nuances and learning how to navigate it can be transformative. Here are 5 lessons I have learned through being a mom and a […]
We all know that “just 2 hours” at the barn can easily turn into 6. Our non-equestrian family tries to be understanding but it’s truly a balancing act sometimes. We do our best to juggle caring for our horses, spending time with our family and managing a household. While our passion for horses can be […]