The holiday season brings a mix of joy, connection, and hopeful anticipation for many people, but the holidays also can bring packed schedules, family pressures, disrupted routines, financial stress, loneliness, and memories that stir up emotions. It’s very common to feel pulled in many directions at once, and just as common to notice that your … Read more
As we approach this season of thankfulness, I have been thinking a lot about how we can teach our children the skill of gratitude. As a therapist, I often work with parents and children on managing big feelings like anxiety, anger, and frustration. However, one of the most powerful and proactive tools for building childhood … Read more
The world recently learned of the death of Jane Goodall, who has long been an inspiration to me personally and to millions around the world. She was a seemingly tireless scientist, conservationist, and activist, passing away at age 91 while traveling on a speaking tour. Dr. Goodall’s last book, published in 2022 (when she was … Read more
As the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall, I was thinking about what it means to “turn over a new leaf.” Making positive behavioral change is often very difficult, and making lasting change is even more so. What does it take to start and commit to a new habit? Start Small. Starting small … Read more
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 pointers to keep in mind to ease back-to-school anxiety as the … Read more
The Power of Attention How and when parents pay attention to their children’s behaviors has a powerful influence on their future choice of behaviors. All too often parents naturally gravitate to noticing and calling out negative or disruptive behaviors. One of my favorite parenting tips is “catch your children being good” which refers to looking … Read more
Summer break is often seen as a time for sunshine, freedom, and relaxation. But for many teens and young adults in Vienna, this season can unexpectedly bring feelings of anxiety and unease. Without the familiar routine of school or college, young people may face heightened emotions, social stress, and uncertainty about the future. At FamilyFirst, … Read more
School’s out for summer! While most teens are thrilled for summer break and more “down time,” many parents worry that the decrease in daily demands over the summer will lead to too much screen time for our kids. It can be particularly hard for parents to set boundaries on screen use for teens because phones, … Read more
You’re Strong for Wanting Help Let’s be honest, life gets overwhelming. We all have moments when stress, sadness, or anxiety take over and yet, many people still hesitate to seek help. At FamilyFirst Psychological Services in Vienna, VA, we want you to know: it’s not weak to reach out. Finding Counselors near me is one … Read more
Managing Overthinking, What-Ifs, and Worry Many of us struggle to manage our thinking and find ourselves overwhelmed by racing thoughts, reliving things we wish we could do over, or facing the fear of making a wrong decision. Frustration can peak as overthinking and worry can lead us nowhere nearer to a solution for our problems. … Read more