The Blog
“Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – Socrates
Recent Posts
Autism Vs. ADHD
Autism and ADHD have many overlapping symptoms. In her ADDITUDE article, Eileen Costello sheds light on the similarities and differences between these two conditions which can be diagnosed together or separately. Here is a link:...
5 Surprising Things That Age You
In her Huffington Post, Emma Haak reviews 5 things that age us. While none of the things on this list surprised me, it's a helpful reminder to stay on top of managing stress, eating well, and surrounding myself with positive and healthy relationships. Here is a link:...
More Than 1 In 4 Medical Students Are Depressed, Analysis Finds
A recent study finds that many medical students struggle with depression possibly due to stress, lack of sleep, and intense competition. In their Huffington Post article, Anna Almendrala and Carolyn Gregoire write about this study, it's findings, and possible...
Blog Archive
7 Things To Help Your Teen Develop A Healthy Body Image
Being a teen can prove to be a challenging time in one's life. Teen girls are often bombarded with unhealthy and unrealistic images which can affect their feelings about their bodies. In Parentingteens.about.com, Amy Morin writes about 7 things parents can do to...
This Is The Best Thing You Can Do For A Happy Life
Life can be stressful and hectic. We may not always have balance despite our best intentions. In the Huff Post, Jodi Aman shares strategies for maintaining a happy life. Here is a link to the article:...
Optimizing Your Child’s Executive Functioning
Many children struggle with executive fucntioning. Dr. Tali Shenfield provides tips for optimizing your child's executive functioning. Here is a link to the article: http:/www.psy-ed.com/wpblog/child-executive-functioning/
1 In 45 Children In The US Has Autism, According To New Estimate
Autism has been on the rise in recent years. New estimates suggest 1 in 45 children have Autism. In the Huffpost.com, Cari Nierenberg writes about possible reasons for higher rates of diagnosis. Here is a link to the article:...
How Counselors Help Survivors Of Terrorists Attacks and Other Tragedies
In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, many people witnessed horrific and deadly acts that may have lingering effects on them. For example, some people may experience anxiety or flashbacks to the events they witnessed during the attacks. In CNN.com, Carina...
Negotiating Screen Time
All children and teens are exposed to technology whether we like it or not. Even schools use IPads and computers for education and communication with students. However, it is important to limit and monitor screen time. In PsychCentral, Ellen Toronto writes about...
10 Natural Ways To Manage Anxiety
We all experience anxiety from time to time. In Foxnews.com, Julie Revelent shares strategies to use when anxiety strikes. Here is a link to the article: http:/www.foxnews.com/health/2014/08/02/10-natural-ways-to-manage-anxiety.html
6 Simple Self-Care Tips That Changed My Life
Most of us require reminders about self-care. In Health.com, Rachel Macy Stafford shares 6 tips that improved her quality of life. Here is a link to the article:...
What If We Treated Other Illnesses Like We Do Mental Illness?
There is still stigma associated with mental illness. Unfortunately, stigma can result in isolation, shame, and worsening of symptoms. In PsychCentral, Rebecca Chamaa highlights this point and what it could look like if people reacted to other conditions like they...
An Open Letter To A Person With Mental Illness
Stigma and shame still lurk around those who struggle with mental health issues. In the Huff Post, Rachel Griffin writes a beautiful letter to those with mental illness. Here is a link to the article:...
How To Reprogram Your Mind
We've often heard that the brain's wiring is set and cannot be altered. However, with advances in neuroscience, we are learning that this may not always be the case. Dr. Metzner writes about plasticity of our brains and how we can all change our wiring to a certain...
Talk Therapy Found To Ease Schizophrenia
A new study reveals that newly diagnosed individuals with Schizophrenia often do best with psychotherapy in conjunction with minimal psychotropic medications, according to New York Times article. Benedict Carey writes about the study that shows hope and promise for...
Many Kids With Mental Health Issues Only See Pediatricians
In LiveScience.com, Cari Nierenberg highlights how a large number of children with mental health issues do not access mental health treatment with trained counselors or therapist. They often see their pediatricians for such concerns. Hopefully, more children and...
Understanding Defense Mechanisms
We all have defense mechanisms that we use to ward off perceived danger. In PsychCentral, Jenise Harmon explains how we use defense mechanism and when they can become disruptive to our lives. Here is a link to the article:...
Music Lessons Spur Emotional & Behavioral Growth In Children, New Study Says
Having a musical talent or interest has many benefits. However, many people may be unaware of how many benefits. According to a new study, playing a musical instrument may help spur emotional and behavioral growth in children. In the Washington Post, Amy Ellis Nutt...
What You Resist May Make You Anxious
We all know what it's like to feel anxious. However, some of us experience more anxiety than others and over time, it may impair our fucntioning. In Goodtherapy.com, Becki A Hein, writes an insightful article on understanding the root of anxiety and how to cope with...
Compulsive Texting Takes Toll On Teenagers
Texting has replaced many other modes of communication. It is easy and quick yet it does not come without adverse consequences. In the NYT, Roni Caryn Rabin reviews recent studies suggestive that compulsive texting may affect academic performance. Here is a link to...
Best Ways To Schedule Quality Family Time
Life is hectic and it is not always easy to juggle all of the demands in life. Anna Kaminsky provides tips for scheduling quality time with your family. Here is a link to the article: http:/www.howtolearn.com/2013/10/best-ways-to-schedule-quality-family-time/
When Homework Stresses Parents As Well As Students
Every parent has helped their child with homework from time to time. However, sometimes a child's homework can become a stressor in the home for various reasons. In the NYT, KJ Dell'Antonia writes about common reasons homework can being stress into the home. Here is...
What About Mom? Reducing Stress In Mothers Of Children With Autism
Parenting can be challenging. However, it can prove even more challenging when you have a child with special needs. In Mother Nature Network, Jenn Savedge discusses the importance of providing stress relief for mothers who have a child on the ASD spectrum. Here is a...
Culturally Competent Mental Health Care For The LGBT Community
Culturally Competent Mental Health Care for the LGBT Community By Stephanie Simpson, LCSW There are endless factors that can prevent an individual from seeking mental health treatment. Stigma, fear of judgment, and being vulnerable are some of the more common worries....
Death Of Pet Can Hurt As Much As The Loss Of Relative
Animal lovers understand the special connection pet owners have with their pets. Losing a pet can be devastating and often gets overlooked or dismissed by others. In the Washington Post, Joe Yonan writes a thoughtful article about his experiences after losing his...
Identifying Low Self-Esteem In Children
Identifying Low Self-esteem In Children by Carolyn Bulmash, LCSW Back to school time is upon us, and the children in our lives will soon be facing new social and emotional challenges. Feelings of self-worth change shape and start to become solidified during...
Stephanie Simpson Participates In The NAMI Walk
A beautiful morning run in Park Ridge with NAMI to "stamp out" the stigma of mental illness. Daniel Carcillo from the Blackhawks joined the group, sharing some of his own personal struggles and introduced his foundation Chapter 5, developed to help players...
More Children Getting Drunk On Hand Sanitizer
We all carry hand sanitizer to help ward off germs. However, having it around does not come without risk. According to CNN.com, children who ingest hand sanitizer often show up at emergency rooms showing signs of intoxication and related injuries. Here is a link to...
Five Reasons We Play The Blame Game
We all know someone who always seems to blame others for things that go wrong. In Psychology Today, Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne helps shed light on why some people tend to engage in the blame game. Here is a link to the article:...
Focus On Abilities & Benefit All Children: A Case For Progressive Inclusion Schools
The landscape of special education is changing rapidly. In the Creativity Post, Nina Fiore writes about important elements for creating a progressive and inclusive academic environment for all children. Here is a link to the article:...
The Easiest Way To Get A Better, Smarter Brain
In the Huff Post, Abigail Libers writes about unlocking different talents or abilities by tapping into different parts of your brain by using new associations. Very interesting! Here is a link to the article:...
Why We Compete
We live in a highly competitive culture where rankings and social comparisons are often the basis for how people define their worth/value. In an interesting article in The Atlantic, Matthew Hutson discusses why people compete with one another. Here is a link to the...
How To Tell The Kids You’re Getting Divorced
Divorce affects the entire family. Many parents feel confusion around how to tell their children that they are getting divorced. In Psychology Today, Vikki Stark shares thoughtful suggestions for broaching the subject of divorce with children. Here is a link to the...
How To Help A Shy Teen Build Self-Confidence
We all know what it's like to feel shy from time to time. However, when someone struggles with shyness often, it can cause issues in various contexts. In About.com, Amy Morin writes about how to help shy teens develop more self-confidence. Here is a link to the...
More Ways To Manage Racing Thoughts
We all feel anxious from time to time. We may also experience racing thoughts. In PsychCentral, Margarita Tartakovsky shares strategies for managing racing thoughts. Here is a link to the article:...
Thoughtbuster: Locate Your Negative Thought And Yank It Out!
The mind-body connection is strong and we all must remember that we will experience negative thoughts from time to time. In PsychCentral, Renee Jain provides suggestions for intervening with negative thoughts. Here is a link to the article:...
Pre-Birth Blues: Depression Doesn’t Always Wait Until The Baby Comes
Having a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman's life. However, some women struggle with depression before and after having their child. In the Chicago Tribune, Alison Bowen writes an article about pre-baby blues. It's important for women to...
How To Know If A Teen Is In Trouble
Sometimes we overlook or miss signs our teens may be struggling with an issue. In PsychCentral, Christine Hammond outlines signs and behaviors that may indicate your teen is battling a problem. Here is a link to the article:...
Talking With Your Teen About Suicide
Talking To Your Teenager About Suicide By Carolyn Bulmash, LCSW One of the unfortunate realities we all must come to accept is that suicide is on the rise. With more day to day stressors of finances, job security, and a whole new world of hate and discrimination...
10 Characteristics In the Most Outstanding Parents
Parenting has it's challenges. There are no manuals out there to guide us through all of the unique challenges we face as parents. In themomiverse.com, Sean Grover shares 10 characteristics of effective parents. Here is a link to the article:...
Controlling Intrusive Thoughts: Suppress, Repress, or Accept
Intrusive thoughts can be distressing and interfere with one's daily functioning. In Brainblogger.com, Dr. Carla Clark writes about strategies for managing unwanted intrusive thoughts. Here is a link to the article:...
Finding Peace In Any Moment
It can be challenging to feel calm especially when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. In PsychCentral.com, Margarita Tartkovsky shares strategies for being more present and feeling peace even in the face of stress. Here is a link to the article:...
Coping With Flashbacks: Techniques For Handling The Memories
Flashbacks associated with trauma or PTSD can be debilitating and distressing. In MentalHealthMatters.com, Sean Bennick writes about strategies for navigating flashbacks. Here is a link to the article:...