Summer is a time to relax and recharge, but it can also be a period where children and teens struggle to maintain balance. While it’s important for young people to have freedom from the rigid structure of school, too much unstructured time can lead to feelings of boredom, isolation, or even anxiety. According to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a balanced life includes opportunities for growth, both mentally and emotionally. Haidt’s research emphasizes the importance of pr

Anxiety is a natural and ancient part of your body’s survival system. It’s closely tied to the fight-or-flight response —the mechanism that kicks in during emergencies to keep you safe. At its core, anxiety acts as a warning signal, alerting you to potential danger. However, this system isn’t perfect. Sometimes, your brain misinterprets non-threatening situations—like a math test, a presentation, or even a date—as life-threatening. When that happens, anxiety can feel overwhel

Today I had my regular bi-weekly on-line conversation with a colleague. Usually there are 3 of us who meek regularly to talk about difficult cases. We also talk about kids, partners, hobbies, interesting articles or movies – pretty much everything becomes a learning experience as we seek to become better at our craft. I almost cancelled today because I was in a funk. It’s been raining for days on end, and I’d had an unpleasant conversation with my partner earlier that m

The transition to college marks a huge milestone—not just for students, but for their parents too. While your child is learning to navigate independence, regular communication with you can remain a powerful source of support. Research from Washington State University shows that students who maintain regular contact with their parents report lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and depression, and even fewer high-risk behaviors like excessive drinking. However, there’s a balan

Last night I learned what a crip walk is and why it was important for Serena Williams to be on stage at the Super Bowl doing it. I also...

I spend a lot of time sitting with Quarterlifers - those people between 20 and 30 years old - and I hear one thing over and over, "I'm...

It's January. Inevitably people are asking, "What are your New Year's resolutions?!" Years ago I resolved not to make resolutions. I...

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of the cult of busy where being over-scheduled seems like the norm. But...

https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book "I'm bored." "Bye mom! I'm going out to play!" In the Bay Area these are not phrases we hear very...

By Penn and Kim Holderness ADHD is not a diagnosis I treat, but it is one that is co-occuring for many of my clients. I wanted to learn...

The first time you meet with a therapist can be weird. Here is this complete stranger asking you to share your secrets - the stuff...

According to the Hallmark Channel’s ever popular Christmas movies, problems are surmountable and it all works out in the end - usually by Christmas Eve. Christmas specials solve all your problems with a witty song. And am I supposed to give my partner a car with giant bow on it as a Christmas present? What if you don’t celebrate Christmas? Try finding decorations for any other holiday right now. It may feel like you don’t matter. But life takes more than a simple song and

I have spent a lot of time conversing with college and high school students. These young people are dealing with a new transition almost...

According to researchers at Berkeley, practicing gratitude has lasting effects on emotions and the brain. ( https://greatergood.berkeley...

In episode 2 of Marvel’s series She-Hulk, Bruce works with Jen to manage her emotions and thus control her inner Hulk. He tries to teach...

Counseling is an investment in yourself and your growth. Some people decide to engage in therapy to work on a specific area causing pain...

Jeffery Jensen Arnett (from the Atlantic article below) is pretty sure adolescence ends at 18. But I’m not sure he, nor most experts...

Psychodynamic therapists work with people to explore their history, their relationships, and their core self with the goal of gaining...