admin Working with parents, I frequently hear myself saying, “You have to love the child you have – not the child you imagined you would have.” And as a parent, I frequently tell myself the same thing. Everyone who has children, is expecting a child, or is even contemplating having a child fantasizes about what his … Read more
Adolescence is a time of change, changes in one’s body, in one’s mood, and in one’s relationships. Helping teenagers form and maintain healthy relationships, especially with peers, is critically important because research has shown that teens who do not have good peer relationships tend to do worse in school and are at risk for behavior … Read more
For many living in the fast paced and sometimes even competitive Northern Virginia area, can often feel like no matter how hard you work that it is never enough. This ranges from the teenager who studies hours for their final quarter exam with the hope of earning an “A,” to the mother who balances her … Read more
1. What are psychological assessments? Psychological assessments are specialized evaluations, conducted with your child by a licensed clinical psychologist. They include interviews with parents, with the child in question, as well as with other adults involved in the child’s life (e.g. teachers, other professionals). Such interviews often also incorporate questionnaires that ask specific questions about … Read more
Even when two adults have the best of intentions, communication can be strained and emotions can run high when they are ending their relationship as spouses. A normal and natural part of divorce is the experiencing of distressing feelings, such as unhappiness, anger, guilt, frustration, and anxiety. If the marriage includes children, these youngsters are … Read more
If someone told you taking an eight-week class could help reduce your felt stress levels, help you manage pain, relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, increase your capacity for empathy and loving-kindness toward yourself and others, and make measurable changes in the parts of your brain associated with memory and sense of self, would … Read more
Here are 10 simple resolutions to consider with regard to your parenting as you enter 2015, in the hopes of raising happy, healthy children: 1. Be present. It’s easier than ever to get sucked into our devices and to let them distract us from human connection. If we want to parent kids who have a … Read more
One of my favorite books to reference in the therapy room is “The Five Languages of Love” by Dr. Gary Chapman, an experienced marriage counselor. After the success of his first book, Dr. Chapman expanded his Five Love Languages series with special editions that reach out specifically to singles, men, and parents of teens and … Read more
It’s the holiday season again! While many of us expect to be excited and joyful at this time of year, the holidays can also bring feelings of stress and sadness. Extra responsibilities, high expectations for the holidays, and negative memories from past holidays can all lead us to feeling less than happy on the holidays. … Read more
Let’s admit it – we all love holiday food! Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, Hanukkah latkes, pumpkin pie, cookie exchanges, cocktail parties… the list goes on and on. Add to that the time pressures and stress brought on by preparations, shopping, and family gatherings, and healthy habits can fall by the wayside. All too often, indulging … Read more
