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Eat to Boost Your Mood: How Food Affects Your Mental Health
You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but did you know your meals can literally shape your mood? According to Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of This Is Your Brain on Food, what you put on your plate directly affects how you feel. Your brain and gut are deeply connected, and a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can play a major role in managing anxiety, depression, and even cognitive clarity. Dr. Naidoo emphasizes foods rich in fiber, a
barbbloom
6 days ago2 min read
Mattering v. Invisibility
I’ve been thinking about an article that circulated a while ago about becoming invisible as we age. In The Invisibility of Older Women, Akiko Busch explores how aging can change the way women are seen by the world. As she observes, older women may experience “less public scrutiny” and gain “a wider set of choices about when and how they are seen.” There is something both liberating and unsettling about that idea. What does it mean to be invisible? And when does invisibility f
barbbloom
Oct 134 min read
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy—and How Can It Help You?
Have you ever wondered what is psychodynamic therapy? Psychodynamic therapy offers a gentle, insightful way to explore the deeper parts of ourselves. It helps us understand the roots of our feelings and behaviors, often leading to lasting change. When life feels overwhelming or confusing, it’s natural to seek support that goes beyond the surface-level. The Benefits Psychodynamic therapy is more than just talking about your day or venting frustrations. It’s about uncovering th
barbbloom
Sep 283 min read
Supporting Your Child's Unique Journey: A Guide for Parents
Your job as a parent is not to shape your child into who you want them to be. Instead, your role is to support them as they grow into their own unique person. This journey can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The Importance of Understanding Your Child When I was growing up, it was common for parents to gift their teens a membership to AAA—the emergency roadside assistance service. This gift helped parents feel secure about their kids' safety as they starte
barbbloom
Sep 154 min read
Can’t Afford Therapy? Out of Network Benefits can help.
You finally found a therapist who gets you, is taking new clients, and has openings that fit your schedule—only to find out they don’t take your insurance. And if you’re a college student or in your first job, paying $150–$200+ out of pocket every week may simply not be realistic. So now what? Start your therapist search all over again? Maybe not. Many therapists in private practice don’t accept insurance for several important reasons. First, insurance companies often pay the
barbbloom
Sep 83 min read
Navigating the First Weeks of College: A Guide for New Students
The first few weeks of college are exciting, but they can also be really stressful. You're learning a new campus, meeting new people, and figuring out your classes. Suddenly, you're responsible for many things your parents used to handle. You don't have to figure it all out at once. A little preparation can make those first weeks much easier. Here are six things I want every college student to know: 1. Set Up Your College Email—and Check It Regularly I have a friend who works
barbbloom
Aug 255 min read
A Balanced Summer: The Key to Happy, Healthy Kids (and Teens)
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
barbbloom
May 12 min read
5 Quick Ways to Relieve Anxiety - Right Now!
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
barbbloom
Apr 172 min read
The Appeal of AI Chatbots: Why Some Prefer Virtual Connections Over Real Relationships
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
barbbloom
Feb 172 min read
Staying Connected: How to Communicate with Your College Student
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
barbbloom
Dec 12, 20253 min read
What Did Your Teen Teach You Today?
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 learned that there is a Pulitzer Prize for music. Earlier I learned how to better capture a reflection in a photo by changing a setting on my phone. And last month I learned what fast fashion is, how it affects poor countries, and where to shop instead. I am better today because I have a new skill and a deeper knowledge about what's impor
barbbloom
Mar 1, 20252 min read
5 Ways to Feel a Little Less Lonely
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...
barbbloom
Feb 12, 20253 min read
I Resolve to...NVM.
It's January. Inevitably people are asking, "What are your New Year's resolutions?!" Years ago I resolved not to make resolutions. I...
barbbloom
Jan 1, 20252 min read
Escape the Cult of Busy
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 constantly being on the go checking off tasks can have detrimental effects on your well-being. So, let's explore the negative impacts of this over-scheduled lifestyle and discover some practical tips to help you slow down and find your balance again. In a Boston TED Talk, Dorie Clark shares some interesting findings about why we may choose to be
barbbloom
Nov 1, 20243 min read
Kids need unstructured free play
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 often. Bored? Time to add another team sport. Going out to play? Better come along to thwart any conflicts and make sure no one gets hurt. These days kids don't have the opportunity to structure their own free time (or to even have free time!) For the past year, Jonathan Haidt has been talking to parents and media about his new book, Th
barbbloom
Oct 1, 20242 min read
Book Review: ADHD is Awesome!
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...
barbbloom
Sep 10, 20242 min read
What is that first therapy session going to be like??
The first time you meet with a therapist can be weird. Here is this complete stranger asking you to share your secrets - the stuff that's really hard to talk about. How are you supposed to do that? The therapist's role is to help you feel safe, to be someone you can trust with the hard stuff. Here are some things I do in the first therapy session to create a safe space and make things a little less weird: Check in to make sure you're OK. I may read your facial expressions
barbbloom
Sep 28, 20232 min read
Happy Holidays! Unless you're too stressed to enjoy them.
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
barbbloom
Dec 2, 20222 min read
It’s college application season - Bring on the stress!
I have spent a lot of time conversing with college and high school students. These young people are dealing with a new transition almost weekly. Fall is the time the younger group is applying to and planning for their transition to college. And man is the stress level high! I remember talking to a group of college students about my academic path. None of them had ever heard of the colleges I chose. Yet my bachelor’s prepared me well for grad school, and my masters allowe
barbbloom
Nov 5, 20222 min read
Daily Gratitude
According to researchers at Berkeley, practicing gratitude has lasting effects on emotions and the brain. (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain). Looking for and focussing on good things can change how we see the world. Of course being thankful doesn’t make the bad things in the world go away. But it can rewire your brain by creating new connections to the bliss center, enhancing production of serotonin and dopamine, and m
barbbloom
Oct 26, 20221 min read
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