Managing emotions can be difficult, especially when anger becomes overwhelming. Without effective anger control strategies, people often feel stuck in patterns of frustration and conflict. Therapy provides practical tools to regain balance and respond to challenges in healthier ways. At FamilyFirst in Vienna, VA, we help individuals learn cognitive techniques and exercises that build long-term … Read more
Anger is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes frequent or uncontrollable, it can damage relationships, affect work performance, and harm your health. Whether you’re dealing with daily irritations or deeper emotional challenges, learning effective Anger Control Strategies can make a difference. At FamilyFirst Psychological Services in Vienna, VA, our experienced therapists have helped … Read more
How to Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety August always brings with it a range of feelings, including anxiety about the upcoming transition back to school. Some children eagerly anticipate returning to school, meeting their new teachers and re-connecting with their peers. Others are not quite so enthusiastic. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind … Read more
As COVID-19 continues, we officially find ourselves deep in the cold winter season. Even before the pandemic, winter has always presented its own set of challenges to our youngsters: colder weather and shorter days mean less time outside to burn off energy; shorter, darker days can mean a change in circadian rhythms, mood, and potentially … Read more
Often a child’s first direct dealing with death involves the loss of a grandparent. A child’s reaction can be influenced by age and his or her own personal relationship with the grandparent. A grandparent often plays a special role in our child’s life, whether he or she cares for our child regularly or only on … Read more
Despite advancements in the general public’s understanding of mental health issues and improved access to mental health services, stigma around mental health remains. The dictionary defines stigma as a mark of shame or disgrace that discredits or ostracizes an individual. Stigma often leads to prejudice, or negative judgments or assumptions about a person based on … Read more
Why do some people fail to reach their potential, while others go on to achieve greatness? How do people persist when faced with tremendous obstacles and challenges? What makes it possible to center our focus, rebound from failure, and handle enormous pressure? In the field of sport psychology many professionals have attempted to answer these … Read more
As we move from the lazy, hazy days of summer to the hectic, jam-packed days of a new school year, I thought it might be helpful to review some ways to manage the inevitable stress that comes with this transition. Stress is a normal physical response to events that make us feel threatened or upset … Read more
Reports of suicide among famous people, in our communities, and in our schools have become all too common. Suicide rates have increased by close to 25% over the last 15 years, and suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 in 2015. What can we do … Read more
If you have a teen who experiences excessive worry or anxiety, you are not alone. Nearly one-third of teens experience a diagnosable anxiety disorder between the ages of 13 and 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is natural for teens to worry occasionally and to experience stress at certain times, such … Read more