There are few things as frustrating as not being able to fall asleep. As an activity, sleep is right up there with eating and breathing. Sleep is vital for all living beings. When we sleep we grow, we heal, we consolidate memories, and we rest. If we are sleep-deprived, we can have trouble focusing, remembering, … Read more
Childhood anxiety is all too common in today’s world. Parents often ask me for concrete, practical ideas to help school-age children deal with worries. One of the tools I sometimes use in therapy with children is to create a “Worry-Eater.” To try it at home, tell your child that you have a great idea that … Read more
As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to feel stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted. In the face of shopping lists to work through, travel itineraries to plan, and seemingly endless school functions to attend, we often lose sight of the potential for joy, celebration and re-connection with loved ones that this season is supposed … Read more
Wishing something would happen but it never does. Wanting someone to do something different, but she never does. Worrying about what someone else thinks of us, getting angry when the rain spoils our cookout, and stressing about what the traffic will be like when we leave work tonight. These are all things we have no … Read more
One question I am regularly asked is, “how long should I expect therapy to last?” Unfortunately, the answer to this question can vary greatly from person to person, as well as from presenting problem to presenting problem. For example, though two people may seek therapy services from a clinical psychologist aimed at decreasing symptoms of … Read more
When you have a child that has anxiety, it is important to identify what type of anxiety is present. Doing so will help guide his/her treatment. Because not all anxiety is the same, treatments may vary depending on the symptoms and presentation of the worry or worries. A brief description and symptoms of the various … Read more
Many people start feeling blue as the air turns chilly and the days get shorter. However, for some this seasonal change in mood is more serious and may require treatment. Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually beginning in the fall and … Read more
Anxiety is the most common type of psychological problem found in children and adolescents. Problems with anxiety can negatively affect a child’s life. For example, anxious children tend to have fewer friends than other children their age because they may be shy or fear meeting or being with new people. Anxiety can also interfere with … Read more
Summer time is here! For some families the summer season is full of activities and adventures. While children enjoy this time of year, reducing stimulation over the course of the day is paramount. Over stimulation can contribute to irritability, hyperactivity, and melt-downs in some children. Take the opportunity this summer to help your child develop … Read more
