Adult

I, like a vast majority of you, am on Facebook. I mainly use Facebook as a tool to keep in touch with those from the past. More recently, however, I’ve been using it to get information. I belong to groups specific to my needs where others can post questions, suggestions and information that might be helpful. Belonging to said groups had generally been a positive experience. That is, until it wasn’t.
30 November, 2017
When we think of the holiday season, two thoughts might come to mind. On one side we have Hallmark’s branding of the happy family gathered around a table, breaking bread, laughing and enjoying their time together. On the other side, we have Hollywood movies portraying a constant chaotic, stressful gathering of people who just barely tolerate one another. Which is truth? Well that probably varies for each individual person...
20 November, 2017
Becoming a parent is an incredible gift–an event so large your life will truly never be the same again. From middle of the night wake-ups, to a house taken over by toys, jumpers, strollers and everything in between; your life is no longer "yours". This past weekend I woke up to a rainy, grey Sunday. My immediate thought was 'what a perfect day to stay in my PJ’s, curl up on the couch and binge watch the newest Netflix docu-series.' I was then immediately brought back to earth by my 6-month-old beckoning me to her crib at 6 a.m.
25 October, 2017
Many of us deal with stress and frustration multiple times each day. From delays on the subway to friendship or family drama, these events can interfere with your mood and create more emotional dysregulation if they are pushed away or ignored. During these times, the IMPROVE skill, developed by Marsha Linehan, can be used to reduce the intensity of their emotions in any kind of situation and feel more in control of their lives.
23 October, 2017
As a flight attendant for the last 22 years, it may surprise you to hear that I have a fear of roller coasters. I understand the anxiety that exists and how it controls my mind when I go to an amusement park. Going to an amusement park, though, is a choice. For many, avoiding flying whether for work, play, or fun, is not always an option. People who feel anxious about getting on a plane can experience  a sense of dread, panic and, at worst, paralyzing fear.
25 September, 2017
Rules are a natural part of life, and having guidelines helps kids learn how to manage in different situations. Rules provide the framework for children to understand what is expected of them at home, with friends and at school. While parents know that this kind of structure is important, it's often challenging to establish and maintain rules at home.
15 September, 2017
Do you know how to reduce social anxiety? Many of those who suffer from feeling insecure, shy or anxious anticipate the worst outcomes when it comes to engaging with others (even peers that they know). What many people don't recognize is that having some anxiety is healthy, we just don’t always know how to handle it. If you learn about how your body responds to fear, you can implement skills to feel more confident.
13 September, 2017
There has been a great deal of research demonstrating that the amount and quality of sleep we get affects our mental performance, mood and overall health. A new study that measured sleep and circadian rhythms, and the association to academic performance in college students found that irregular patterns of sleep and wakefulness correlated with lower grade point average, delayed sleep/wake timing, and delayed release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin.
01 September, 2017
For most of us, smartphones have become extensions of our hands. We rely on them for so much: to connect us to friends and family, to check the time, to manage our busy schedules, and if you’re in DBT therapy, to call your therapist for skills coaching. Our phones can be assets to our day, and they can also be distractions, leading us down a path of time-wasting and mindlessness. They can be reminders of all the stress in our lives, all the to-dos, and can be vehicles of jealousy and “FOMO” when on social media.
14 August, 2017
In light of the contentious 2016 Presidential election, no matter which candidate you voted for, many people are feeling burnt out, sad, defeated and depressed. There is an apparent rift in our country, which trickles down to challenges in our own circles of friends and family. Social media is swarming with articles and arguments. People are being de-friended on the Internet and in real life. Some teenagers are being bullied across the country for their political beliefs. Many people are feeling unsafe. Some people are feeling happy.
20 March, 2017

You would think that as adults, we are mature enough to handle our problems directly and honestly.  Unfortunately, very often, this isn't the case, and...

03 August, 2014