Therapy

Executive Function refers to a set of cognitive processes and skills that help us plan, monitor, and successfully execute our goals. Think of executive function as the “management” system of the brain. We use these skills every day to manage daily activities, learn and work.
I recently noticed a friend of mine who posted exquisite photos on her social media profile. She isn’t a professional photographer, but she has a knack for capturing the world. I mentioned how impressed I was of her ability, and she replied, "it's all in the lighting, my friend." In that moment, it struck me how important this concept is now more than ever, and not just in regards to Instagram photos.
Anxiety is a hot topic these days and for us in the mental health field, it’s a topic we’ve been talking about for years. As a psychotherapist, it may come as a surprise that I’ve struggled with anxiety, but the beauty of this is that I very much empathize and understand what it may feel like for many of my clients.
Have you ever found yourself avoiding a topic or person in order to avoid discussing something uncomfortable? Difficult conversations are rarely something we look forward to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a romantic partner, a family member or a co-worker, tackling a tough topic is challenging. 
Based on the title of this article, you may be expecting to read about the interpersonally effective significance of using the word please. Such as, "Mom and dad, can I stay out later tonight, please?" "Can you pick up milk from the grocery store, please?" Or, "make sure to clean your room, please."
As human beings in a busy world, we want quick fixes for things and we want them… yesterday! And, who could blame us? We are spoiled in many ways when it comes to problem solving, efficiency and instant gratification. And, as such, we don’t have to put in that much effort.
Sound familiar? Your child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) fidgets and squirms his way through school and homework, but seems laser-focused and motionless sitting in front of the TV watching an action thriller. When a parent or a teacher sees a child who can sit perfectly still in one condition and yet in another they're all over the place, the first thing they say is, “well, they could sit still if they wanted to.”
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.
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.
A new study from Duke University found (as expected) that technology use can lead to increases in attention, behavior, and self-regulation problems in adolescents, but some positive outcomes to technology use were found as well. On days that adolescents spent more time using digital technologies, they were also less likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.
There are many reasons to seek out a therapist. From relationships to no relationships, work to no work, healthy, wealth, worries, and all the other things in between. Whether you think a therapist is right for you, it could be the key to helping you overcome some major road blocks in your life. Here are my top 10 reasons why therapy may be something you need.