Grief is a universal experience, touching everyone at some point in life. Yet, it manifests uniquely for each individual. Whether prompted by the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or another life-altering event, grief can feel overwhelming. Amid its challenges, grief can also be a gateway to healing and growth. While it may sound cliché, grief creates space to reassess one’s needs, reflect on underlying patterns, and consider what’s truly working—or not—in life. What is Grief? Grief is not a single emotion but a complex and deeply personal response to loss. At its core, grief......

18 December, 2024 /

The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it’s also a period of heightened stress and emotional challenges. Between financial pressures, complicated family dynamics, and unmet expectations, the holidays can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to create meaningful experiences, manage routines as a parent, or simply stay balanced, understanding common holiday triggers and equipping yourself with effective strategies can help protect your mental and emotional well-being.   Understanding Common Holiday Triggers Navigating this festive yet complex time starts with identifying the common stressors people face. While everyone’s experiences differ, some......

10 December, 2024 /

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......

04 November, 2024 /

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......

30 October, 2024 /

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......

28 October, 2024 /

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......

07 June, 2024 /

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....

15 May, 2024 /

This Winter, I found myself reconnecting with the Safe and Sound Protocol, or for short, the SSP. I have been listening to a newly added playlist called “Freely,” and I have found it to be absolutely lovely. It’s easy listening and leaves me feeling more connected to my body and experiencing a real sense of openness....

23 January, 2024 /

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!)....

18 December, 2023 /

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....

05 November, 2020 /

Take a moment to think about your everyday routine. How often do you pause to observe your surroundings? Whether you live in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or somewhere in between, nature offers powerful benefits for your mental health—if you take the time to notice.   Look around right now. What do you see? Hear? Feel on your skin? This simple act of observation is a mindful practice that can bring calm and clarity, no matter where you are.   The Power of Nature and Mindfulness Mindfulness has been a cornerstone of my work. I teach it daily in......

14 October, 2020 /

Welcome to my blog! I’m Dr. Sara, a licensed psychologist in New York, and I’m thrilled you’re here. This space is where I share candid thoughts, professional insights, and passions that go beyond my day-to-day work. If you’ve ever felt that social media posts are too short to dive deep into meaningful topics—but don’t have the time to read a full article or book—this blog is for you. Think of it as a balance: thoughtful, bite-sized reflections on mental health, wellness, and everything in between. Who Am I? Most people know me as Dr. Sara. I started my private practice......

14 October, 2020 /

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