Challenging Myths about Hair-Pulling and Skin-Picking

Challenging Myths about Hair-Pulling and Skin-Picking Hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, cheek biting–these common human behaviors are known collectively as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs.  BFRBs have been poorly understood for decades, allowing several myths to spring up that remain commonly espoused today.  Read on to learn how more recent scientific inquiry into BFRBs … Read more

The Dance of Attachment

The word ‘attachment’ refers to the significant emotional connection between a primary caregiver/parent and child. Across all cultures, races, genders, and communities, healthy attachments between young children and their caregivers impact the development of children in a profoundly meaningful way.

Can Couples Therapy Help?

Can Couples Therapy Help? Many couples wait until it is an emergency to come to couples therapy. Yes – infidelity, financial crisis, or other emergency situations such as a significant breakdown in communication are clear reasons to engage in couples therapy. However, many other typical and common experiences also can indicate a need for couples … Read more

Family Connection Ideas for Fall

Family Connection Ideas for Fall Fall is here! The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and everything is getting a little bit cozier. While every season is great for this, I find as we move into a comfortable and cozy season, it is a great time to refocus and find new ways … Read more

Don’t Just Recount. Reflect.

Don’t Just Recount. Reflect. Working with older teens at this time of year, there is often discussion in my office about the College Application Essay. Many teens find this to be a daunting task, feeling the high-stakes pressure of wanting to get into the right college. The pressure comes in part from the writing itself, … Read more

Fostering a Growth Mindset

Harboring a fixed mindset
can lead to feelings of self-doubt and defeat, and it generally precludes one from even wanting to try at something unless they can envision immediate success.

Helping Your Child to Make Friends

Helping Your Child to Make Friends It is a new school year! Hopefully the transition back to school has gone smoothly for your family. One concern that is often raised by parents at this time of year involves what to do when their child does not seem to be adjusting well socially. It can be … Read more

Quick and Easy Breathing Exercises to Calm Anxiety

Quick and Easy Breathing Exercises to Calm Anxiety Many of us experience anxiety in our daily lives, whether situational or chronic. However, there are breathing practices we can use in the moment of heightened distress or as a regular daily self-care practice to reduce stress, relax us, and promote both psychological and physical well-being. Below … Read more

Understanding and Managing Social Anxiety: Tips for Parents

Understanding and Managing Social Anxiety: Tips for Parents I have seen an increasing number of children and teens with social anxiety over the last few years. Although it is a common issue, it can be challenging to manage. Let’s talk about what social anxiety is and what you as parents can do to help. Social … Read more

Coping with Relocation

Coping with Relocation Moving to a new place is one of the most stressful life events a person can go through. Research suggests that is the third most stressful event behind the death of a loved one and divorce. Surprisingly, even when it is a desired move and what you feel will be an exciting … Read more