Summer Break is Almost Over! ☀️ As the new school year approaches, many children experience anxiety about returning to the classroom. As a parent, you can help ease this transition with these simple yet effective strategies: ✅ Listen & Validate Encourage open conversations about their...
“Inside Out 2,” the sequel to Pixar’s hit movie, dives into the emotional journey of Riley as she enters her teenage years. This film provides a unique lens to compare with teens’ lives and highlight the benefits of therapy. Here’s how it this movie can...
Dear Friends, As the Fourth of July approaches, it's time to gear up for a day filled with patriotic spirit, family bonding, and memorable activities. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a day at the beach, or a gathering at home, here are some fantastic...
Creativity for Personal Growth Summer is the perfect time to let your creativity blossom. Creativity, the ability to generate unique and valuable ideas, is crucial for personal growth. It helps with self-expression, self-discovery, and self-confidence. Engaging in creative activities allows us to explore our passions,...
You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can...
Setting healthy boundaries is like drawing a map for your relationships—it shows where you end and others begin. It’s crucial for maintaining trust and respect, whether with friends, family, or partners. To help your teen navigate this journey, let’s simplify the process with clear steps...
Has one of your friends or family members been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Understanding what OCD entails and how you can offer your support is crucial for their journey toward healing. Below, we delve into the nature of OCD and provide strategies, including those...
In my time as a marriage counselor, there is probably one statement I have heard more than any other, and that is, “I just don’t think I will ever get over this.” This statement is often said by my clients who have recently learned their...
When you build a fire, whether to warm your home or to add a bit of ambience on a cold, winter’s night, you know you’ve got to tend to the fire to keep it going. Relationships are no different. They, too, begin with that initial...
When you first fell in love, you could never imagine that someday, the sound of your partner chewing could make you want to scream. It’s inevitable that once we are out of our honeymoon phase and reality sets in, we realize that all relationships take...
Premarital counseling stands as a guiding light for couples on the verge of affirming “I do,” a phrase brimming with promise and commitment. Yet, the transition from the jubilant “I do” to the daunting realization of “I thought I could” highlights the complexity of truly...
Valentine's Day, often criticized as a commercialized holiday, holds different meanings and expectations for many couples. For some, it may involve extravagant gifts, flowers, boxes of chocolates, or a romantic dinner. These are great ways to express love for our spouse. However, there is something...
Confession time: mornings and I don't get along. Waking up feels like trying to move a mountain, and honestly, I'm not the most pleasant person to be around. My family knows this well, especially my husband, who is the polar opposite in the mornings—always up...
In my last blog post From Ballet Dreams to Play Therapy: Embracing God’s Plan for My Journey, I talked about my unexpected path into the heart of play therapy—a journey that started with a leap into the unknown and blossomed into a profound calling. Since...
My story begins far from the world of therapy, in the picturesque landscapes of France, where I grew up dreaming of becoming a ballerina. My childood was filled with the discipline and beauty of dance as I attended the Conservatoire National de Strasbourg, a prestigious...
Parenting challenges don’t stop just because your child has become an adult. Below are some of the most common challenges that parents face once their child reaches adulthood (ages 22+): Differences in opinion – Even though your child is now an adult, they’ll always be...
Has your child entered the college years (ages 18 to 22)? Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it can also bring a whole new set of challenges for parents. Here are a few of the issues that parents commonly face during this stage: Long...
The teenage years (ages 13 to 18) can present numerous challenges for parents, so if you’re struggling, just remember that you’re not alone. Below are some examples of issues that parents commonly face with their teens, as well as advice for how to handle these...
Are you the parent of a preteen (9 to 13 years of age)? If so, you’ve probably noticed many of their behaviors starting to shift over the past few months or years. Here are a few of the challenges that parents commonly face when their...
Do you have a preschool- or school-aged child (3 to 9 years of age)? If so, you’re probably beginning to encounter challenges that you didn’t experience during their infant and toddler years. Below are some of the obstacles that parents commonly face with children this...