Feeling ambivalent, anxious, frustrated, or even scared about the election? In the current political climate, it has become increasingly easy to be overwhelmed. With constant news updates, debates, and social media discussions, election anxiety is a very real and valid experience. So what, exactly, is Election Anxiety? Election anxiety refers to the stress and apprehension individuals may experience when thinking about political events, processes, situations, or outcomes in relation to an election of a political figure. It can manifest as feelings of uncertainty, fear, and even hopelessness, which can feel pervasive, take away one’s felt sense of agency, and often......

If you are that type (Like me!)… Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to horror movies, horror/ mystery books, or violent video games? Perhaps even more so during difficult times? You’re not alone. Many individuals find solace in scary content as a means of escaping real-life stressors, dysfunction, and/ or traumas. Horror can also offer a structured way to engage with difficult emotions. This phenomenon, known as “trauma response escapism,” can be a double-edged sword. While it may provide temporary relief through distraction and fantasy, it’s crucial to recognize when this coping mechanism becomes detrimental.   Escapism is often a......

Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you love the spooky season! Although at times, it can be hard to know the healthy boundary of what’s “just enough” scary and you can sometimes find yourself a bit on edge. Maybe you have some trauma in your past, or anxiety likes to crash your party. Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and you don’t have to miss out on the celebrations! This guide is all about navigating the tricks and treats of Halloween when your brain might be playing some not-so-fun tricks of it’s own or has a difficult......

In the intricate tapestry of mental health, finding moments of brightness, what I will refer to as a “Glimmer”, amidst the shadows can be transformative. These moments are like flickers of hope in the darkness, offering a glimpse of light and possibility. In this post, we delve into the concept of glimmers as a safety cue to the nervous system, and explore how safety cues can support our nervous system, foster resilience, and well-being.  Understanding Glimmers  Glimmers, a concept expanded upon by Deb Dana, are those fleeting instances of comfort, nurturing, or signals of joy, however small, that punctuate our......

This rainy season has me focusing on the here and now. As I push myself professionally to expand what I can offer to my clients, I have personally found life to be quite busy and fast-paced. So, I am attempting to ground myself in the present as best as I can through my senses and nature experiences....

Uneasy about the holidays coming up? I can relate. It’s a time when whatever is complicated in our lives tends to get amplified. Whether we are ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. With that comes interruptions to our routine, a sensory overload of lights and sounds, and an influx of social situations to navigate. Loss, love, expectations, and boundaries. It will most likely get intense, even in the healthiest relationships (with yourself or others!)....

In one way, we can say that we made it!  In the last week alone, we slept through daylight saving time, lived to tell stories about a full blue moon (and on Halloween nonetheless!), and the last of our leaves are falling from the trees here in NYC. Oh!   And as I write this, it is 24 hours since polls have closed for the 2020 presidential election.  The pandemic has not entirely left us yet, but we are here to focus on small wins!  Shifting and adapting is on my mind....

Take a minute to think about your everyday routine.  How many opportunities do you have to observe your environment?  Whether you find yourself living in a city, a suburb, on a farm, or somewhere in between.  Pause and look around now, what do you see?  Hear?  Feel on your skin?   Mindfulness.  I train on it all day long in my school position… staff, students, families, school based mental health professionals.  I teach it in my private practice with children and adults. I, also, practice for myself on a daily basis for at least “10 Minutes” each day (okay, let’s......

Hi there, I would like to take a moment to get acquainted with you, dear reader.  Here is where you will find all of the fun, more eclectic sides of me, in addition to my professional highlights on the official site!  In this space, I will be writing about my in the moment thoughts that (truthfully) end up to be longer than the Instagram world typically enjoys, but shorter than an article or book chapter may necessitate (and who has all of that time!?) Topics will often include personal and professional interests, insights, and topics that I feel are worthy......

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