Those of us in Northern Virginia have a recent memory of a tornado watch. Schools let out early because of a worrisome forecast of strong storms, high winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. Not too much seemed to come of it, thankfully, but it was likely the first of a series of tornado watches for … Read more

Many busy adults find themselves in a stage of life called the “sandwich generation”. This term refers to a period of time in which parents are simultaneously caring for their children and their aging parents. They are “sandwiched” between two generations who need time, money, and emotional support. For example, a parent might spend the … Read more

Instead of drifting peacefully to sleep each night, do you or your child find that bedtime announces a daily battle with unwanted thoughts and worries? You won’t be able to remember everything for the test. Your friend was mad at you at lunch. You are so worried about a person you love, you don’t know … Read more

Happy New Year!  The new year could be an opportune time to consider therapy for your child if he/she is struggling with any feelings of sadness, worry, or self-doubt. Play therapy is a way to reach children in their “natural language”, helping them work through emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore … Read more

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