Ever feel like your brain is stuck on the same setting—like one of those old TVs that only plays reruns of your worst moments? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “after all these years of [thinking this way / doing this habit / failed relationships / struggling in this way], 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…
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…
Behavioral patterns offer crucial insights into the complexities of addiction. While chemical imbalances play a role, behaviors serve as tangible indicators of addiction’s grip on individuals. The DSM-5 delineates addiction based on behavioral criteria, emphasizing impaired control, social consequences, risky usage, and pharmacological factors. Recognizing addiction through behavioral cues is 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…