We often use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably. After all, both can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally drained, and physically tense. But while stress and anxiety share similar symptoms, they are not the same—and understanding their differences can be key to knowing when to seek support and how to Read more…
Stress isn’t always bad—sometimes it helps us rise to the occasion, like practicing extra for a recital or studying hard for a test. But when stress sticks around too long or becomes overwhelming, it can do serious harm. Chronic stress in teens is linked to physical problems like high blood Read more…
As a mental health therapist who works with people of all faiths and spiritual paths, I often meet clients who are genuinely committed to their inner growth. They pray, meditate, journal, and attend spiritual gatherings—but still feel stuck. They can’t shake their anxiety. Their relationships feel disconnected. Old traumas keep Read more…
Substance use and mental health struggles don’t arise in a vacuum. They are deeply connected to brain development, early life experiences, and the environments in which young people grow up. While we have recognized this link for quite a while, groundbreaking neuroscience research is shedding light on how adverse experiences Read more…
Imagine this: you’re sitting in a chair across from a big, blobby figure that seems to be made of shadows. It whispers doubts into your ear, fills your chest with tightness, and makes you feel like every choice you’ve made has been the wrong one. That shadowy figure doesn’t have Read more…
Schedule a Free Consultation Adolescence and young adulthood are full of change, pressure, and confusion—and many young people feel lost in the middle of it all. I specialize in connecting with teens and young adults in a real, non-judgmental way, offering support that’s tailored to who they are and what Read more…
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. However, an ancient practice is gaining new popularity as an antidote to modern mental health struggles: meditation. By taking time to focus inward and cultivate mindfulness, meditation provides powerful benefits for psychological Read more…
In my network of mental health counselors, many of us are recognizing a shift in how American culture processes mental health issues. On the positive end, mental health diagnoses and concerns are becoming far less stigmatized, and society as a whole is more accepting, understanding, and accommodating of mental health Read more…
Self-care is a term that refers to the actions and activities that we do to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care can help us cope with stress, prevent burnout, and enhance our overall health and happiness. But what does self-care look like in practice, and how Read more…
Introduction Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. While the reasons behind substance abuse are multifaceted, one critical factor to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s Read more…
Title: The Connection Between Stress and Cortisol: Unraveling the Body’s Natural Response Introduction Stress is an inevitable part of life, and our bodies have evolved intricate mechanisms to deal with it. One key player in our stress response system is the hormone cortisol. Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” Read more…