A lot of parents experience the same confusing moment after school. Their child walks through the door and completely falls apart. Maybe they start crying over something tiny. Perhaps they are irritable or defiant. Some kids shut down completely and some argue with siblings or explode emotionally within minutes of getting home. And parents often … Read more
When adults think about back-to-school stress, academics usually get most of the attention. But for many kids, the social side of school is actually much harder. Friendships carry enormous emotional weight during childhood and adolescence. Spending time learning and focusing on friendships is actually a key developmental stage. Kids spend hours every day trying to … Read more
Back-to-school season isn’t just stressful for kids. Parents feel it too. In fact, many parents walk into August already mentally exhausted. It feels like a fresh start, but there is a lot happening all at once. There are schedules to coordinate, supplies to buy, forms to fill out, sports to organize, lunches to pack, and … Read more
As summer winds down, we receive the school supply list from our kid’s school. Parents start shopping for backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, pencils, and crayons. But as a mental health counselor, I can tell you there’s something else that kids carry into the school year that often gets overlooked big emotions. Kids are carrying so much … Read more
Anxiety is a common mental health condition and is usually characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Anxiety has both emotional and physical symptoms associated with it. Common Anxiety Symptoms Emotional symptoms might include: Physical symptoms might include: Usually, these symptoms lead to some type of avoidance of the situation or triggers that are causing … Read more
OCD is a specialized condition that requires specific therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, many well-meaning therapists without OCD expertise may inadvertently use techniques that maintain or worsen symptoms. Finding a properly trained provider can mean the difference between years of ineffective treatment and meaningful recovery. OCD does not respond to traditional talk therapy. Behavior modification is a … Read more
When it comes to treating OCD, not all therapies are created equal. Decades of research consistently point to one approach as the most effective: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you are seeing a therapist for OCD and they are not using ERP as the treatment, RUN! … Read more
When your child comes to you with anxious thoughts, your instinct is to comfort them with phrases like “Don’t worry, everything will be fine” or “That will never happen.” While these statements are well-intentioned, it is not the best approach because it strengthens anxiety over time rather than reducing it. Offering this type of reassurance … Read more
Every child experiences worry and anxiety—it’s a normal part of development. But when does typical childhood anxiety signal something more serious, like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Understanding this distinction can help parents provide appropriate support and seek professional help when necessary. Normal Anxiety vs. OCD: Key Differences Typical Childhood Anxiety: Often involves realistic worries about school … Read more
Social anxiety can be tough for kids, making everyday things like talking to new people, answering questions in class, or going to parties feel overwhelming. As a parent it can be really challenging to help your child navigate these situations-especially if you have social anxiety as well! It is important to know that you’re not … Read more