Notes from our practice
Reflections from our psychologists on evaluation, development and the therapeutic process.
How to Explain Therapy to a Child: Steps Included
Talking to your child about therapy can feel daunting — especially when you’re trying to support their well-being without making them feel like something is “wrong” with them. When done with care and clarity, it can be one of the most empowering conversations you have with your kid.
Parent Guide: Cyberbullying and Childhood Depression
Bullying has always existed—but it used to have limits. Kids could escape it once they left school or their neighborhood. Cyberbullying isn’t just an offshoot of traditional bullying—it’s a whole lot worse. It follows kids everywhere and turns their phones into weapons against them.
ADHD Testing: Everything You Need to Know
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, organization, and impulse control. While it’s often associated with children, ADHD can impact individuals at any stage of life, including adults, teens and children.
Understanding Child Therapy: A Guide for Parents
Being a kid can be tough. Every child experiences emotional ups and downs, but when challenges begin to affect their happiness, school performance, or relationships, therapy can help.
Exploring the Phases and Processes of EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective approach to addressing trauma and other mental health challenges.
What is EMDR Therapy and how does it help?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
Social Media and Depression: Children, Teens and Adults
Social media, an integral part of modern life, offers numerous benefits, from staying connected with friends and family to accessing a wealth of information — it has also been linked to adverse mental health outcomes, including depression.
Creating Tech-Free Areas for Children and Families
In today's digital age, creating tech-free areas for children and families is more important than ever. These designated spaces can foster stronger family bonds, improve mental and physical health, and enhance overall well-being.
Helping Teens Build Healthier Habits
Adolescence is a critical period for developing habits that will last a lifetime. Helping teens build healthier habits can significantly impact their mental and physical well-being.
What is the Best Way to Help a Depressed Teenager?
The most common signs of depression in teens include a marked increase in irritability, sadness, isolation, negative attitude, self-criticism, difficulty concentrating, low energy, low motivation and changes in sleep and appetite.
The Link Between Fear and Anxiety and How a Therapist Can Help
Anxiety and fear are emotions that often go hand-in-hand. They intertwine in complex ways and can lead to draining mental and physical effects on individuals.
The Benefits of Online Therapy in Orange County
While online therapy may have been the only means to mental health care during the pandemic, it will continue to be a crucial resource in navigating the post-covid world.
How Can I Help My Child Manage Anxiety?
Childhood anxiety is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children into our office here at the OC Psychology Center. Although accurate assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment are the most effective way to address pediatric anxiety symptoms, there are a number of things parents and siblings can do at home to help manage anxiety symptoms.
5 Ways for Parents to Help Kids with ADHD Get More Done
As a parent, you may feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure how to best help your child succeed academically. Your child may have a difficult time completing (or bringing home) their homework. They may struggle with staying on-task, frequently moving on to other activities before finishing their chores.