Notes from our practice
Reflections from our psychologists on evaluation, development and the therapeutic process.
The Importance of Resilience: Bouncing Back and Moving Forward
A sudden job loss, a heartbreaking loss, a health crisis—unexpected storms roll in, and we’re left to navigate the wreckage. Some people seem to bend without breaking, while others struggle to regain their footing. The difference often comes down to one thing: resilience.
Setting Realistic Intentions for the New Year
The new year offers an opportunity to recalibrate and set new intentions. What’s more—it offers a chance to reframe and build on previous resolutions.
Navigating Tricky Relationships During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for many, it’s also a time when complicated relationships come to the forefront.
The Impact of Journaling on Therapy
Journaling helps to process emotions and motives. When combined with regular therapy sessions—it becomes a transformative tool that helps individuals process thoughts, recognize patterns, and strengthen the therapeutic process.
The Benefits of Creating SMART Goals and How to Start
Setting goals is a crucial part of personal and professional growth. Sometimes, it’s not quite enough to simply have goals. To truly set yourself up for success, your goals need structure, which is where the system of SMART goals come in.
Reducing Friction to Improve Your Good Habits
Creating and sticking to good habits can be challenging, but one key strategy to make it easier is to reduce friction—the small obstacles and inconveniences that prevent us from following through on our intentions.
The Importance of Celebrating Your Wins
Whether it's completing a challenging project at work, reaching a personal milestone, or simply making it through a tough day, celebrating wins is an essential practice that fuels motivation, boosts self-esteem, and enhances overall well-being.
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.
The Link Between Sleep and Mental Health
In a world where it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, many of us are cutting corners on sleep to keep up. The problem? We don’t realize just how much our mental health depends on those precious hours of shut-eye.
Rethinking Mental Health: From Stigma to Wellness
Language is a powerful tool that can shape perceptions and attitudes, particularly in the realm of mental health. Having worked in the mental health industry for over two decades, I often grapple with the term “mental illness.”
Helping Teens Build Better Boundaries with Technology
Teens today are growing up in a digital age, where technology is woven into every aspect of their lives. While technology offers numerous benefits, it also presents significant obstacles that can hinder the development of healthy habits.
Stress Causes and Management for Adults
Stress is an inevitable part of life and it becomes a problem when left unmanaged. Understanding the causes of stress, focusing on key areas for improvement, and implementing practical techniques can help adults reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
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.
Grief Counseling and Therapy for Teens in Orange County
Grief is a profound and complex emotion that can be particularly challenging for teens. The loss of a loved one, whether due to death, divorce, or other significant changes, can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and isolated.