Blog Archive
*Important Disclaimer: If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please contact 988, 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-NYC-WELL, to speak with a 24/7 crisis counselor. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and although for many suicide is a painful or distressing subject to discuss, it is important to know how...
What is a Strengths-Based Approach? Most individuals see a therapist because they are experiencing a great amount of distress or conflict in their lives due to harmful behaviors, uncontrollable thoughts, tensions in their relationships or stressful events. All of the pain that accompanies these situations can decrease feelings of self-esteem,...
For many individuals, mental health prospers in the summer. This is because increased vacation time, warmer/sunnier weather, longer days, and more places to get together socially-can improve mood! However, for people who live with body image concerns, summer can increase feelings of anxiety: feeling nervous, tense and panicked. Increased physical...
As a licensed mental health professional, I understand the crucial role that self-care plays in maintaining emotional well-being. In this blog post, I want to share with you 10 self-care ideas that can significantly contribute to your mental health and overall well-being. These practices, backed by professional expertise, can empower...
Pride is about more than colorful parades - it's about recognizing the struggles and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community, including the battle for rights, healthcare, safety, and mental wellness. The mental health of queer individuals can significantly fluctuate based on the amount of community awareness, acceptance, and support they receive....
Exploring Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & The Coming Out Process Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity are an important part of each person’s experiences. Knowing about the diversity of these identities is just one way of becoming more acquainted with yourself and the people in your lives. For members of the...
The Pillars of Reproductive Well-Being Reproductive health is about more than just our sexual organs, it encompasses our entire physical, mental, and social well-being. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are all unique experiences that impact our reproductive health. Our sense of self and safety can be tied to how we experience...
Only a mental health professional can diagnose you with major depressive disorder. However, it can help to know how depression is diagnosed so you know more of what to expect at your in-office or virtual visit. Key Takeaways Depression is a serious condition that needs to be addressed with proper...
Psychiatric disorders are a group of mental illnesses that can cause significant distress, impairment in functioning, and even disability. These conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. They affect people from all walks of life regardless of age or gender. Symptoms vary depending on the type...
Systems Theory Hey there! It's no secret that our mental health can be affected by the people around us, the tasks we do every day, and even the larger structures of society. When things happen outside of our control, it can be really tough to cope. That's where Systems Theory...
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and prioritize short-term pleasures over long-term goals. We may choose to binge-watch a show instead of working on a project, or reach for junk food instead of preparing a healthy meal. However, a short-term orientation can lead...
Intimate Partner Abuse: Knowing the Warning Signs of Power & Control Identifying Danger Romantic relationships are not always free from occasional disagreements, differences in opinion, or arguments. When you spend so much time with a significant other and if you choose to share your living space, goals, friendships, and future...
Microaggressions: Understanding their Impact on the LGBTQIA+ Community What are Microaggressions? Microaggressions are subtle, often unconscious, insults that are directed towards members of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. They can take the form of comments, behaviors, or language that stem from harmful beliefs and biases. These seemingly small acts...
Level 10 Success Affirmations Start your day with these affirmations to help program your subconscious mind for success. They're inspired by "The Miracle Morning" book and are meant to boost your commitment and follow-through to make your affirmations a reality. Building Self-Confidence at "Level 10" I deserve...
You may have heard of the terms self-care or everyday wellness, but in the field of psychology and mental health, integrative wellness is an approach that takes into account all the different ways our support systems, habits, and values can impact our ability to cope and lead fulfilling lives. Essentially,...
Self-help, or the use of literature as a form of personal growth and development, is becoming a more popular way for individuals to improve their emotional and psychological well-being. If you're someone who loves to read, you may be wondering how books can help you with your personal development. The...
Now that the new year has passed, many of us are looking for ways to improve ourselves and our lives. One powerful way to do this is to adopt a new state of mind. But what does it mean to adopt a new state of mind? Essentially, it means shifting...
Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In recent years, the benefits of meditation have been increasingly recognized by the scientific community, and it has become a popular tool for managing mental health concerns. One of the primary benefits...
It's getting cold outside, and the idea of finding someone to cozy up with in the winter might be starting to sound appealing. Dating can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and stressful. It can be especially difficult to navigate the dating world if...
Setting Boundaries this Holiday Season: Family Differences and Ensuring Well-Being Family Stress For many individuals, the holiday season allows us to reconnect with traditions from childhood, loved ones whom we haven’t seen for a long period of time, and places that we used to call home-which makes...
If you have been looking for a type of therapy that can help you manage your depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction disorders, or sleep problems, you’ve probably come across Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, also known as REBT. Developed by Dr. Albert Ellis in the 50s, this form of cognitive behavioral therapy...
The Stages of Change in Therapy Many people seek professional help to achieve one goal: positive change. This is supported by the fact that appointment bookings for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) grew by 177% over the past year. This type of therapy helps people change their thinking patterns, which can...
Choices in Life: No one is immune to feeling nervous or unsure when it comes to making a really important, difficult decision in life. These decisions can range from whether or not to undergo a medical procedure-to whether or not to say yes to a new experience. Oftentimes, these decisions...
When the rain gently drops down by our window and we start to dwell into our thoughts, one that comes to mind – in many forms – is: Can I be my own best friend? Unfortunately, this thought is often followed by feelings of sadness, hatred, or simply a sense...
WHAT IS AN SLE? Leaving home for the first time, moving to a new city, changing schools, starting a newjob, leaving or beginning a relationship, getting married, becoming a parent: These are allexamples of transitional periods in life that can be a mix of exciting and stressful-nomatter your circumstances. Mental...
It’s often uncomfortable to encounter a loved one who’s experiencing grief. You want to be helpful and supportive, but it’s difficult to find the right words or actions. Grief can be so consuming you don’t receive feedback that shows you’re helping. Your best intentions may be met with an outpouring of...
If you are in pain and having strong emotions before, during or after giving birth you are not alone! It even has a clinical name: Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) are painful feelings and symptoms experienced by birthing people during pregnancy...
Your child’s overall health depends on the condition of their behavioral, emotional, and mental states. No matter how strong their physical health, they’ll have difficulty realizing their potential without attention to their mental health. There’s likely no time more important for focusing on mental health than during adolescence and young...
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a close relationship. Although they’ve traditionally described two conditions, ADD became outdated about a decade ago, as it falls under the ADHD banner as “predominantly inattentive,” those who have ADHD but who don’t display hyperactive characteristics. It’s one of many misconceptions or...
Witnessing a loved one undergo anxiety disorders is never easy. The intense reactions to everyday situations can seem excessive from an outside point-of-view, making the person with the disorder feel isolated and poorly understood. Trying to help can seem daunting, though, particularly if you’ve never experienced anxiety disorders yourself. The team at Wellness...
The practical application of psychology may sound like a complex and varied topic that’s beyond the understanding of the average person. Yet, that’s often not the case at all. For example, you might know you feel better when you exercise or spend some time socializing with friends. While these are...
A lingering cough, an ache with no explanation, or fatigue that persists despite plenty of sleep — any of these could be symptoms of stress of which you’re not aware you’re suffering. It’s easy to think of stress in terms of its mental demands. However, stress also evokes physical responses from your...
Your habits, addictions, and thoughts can be changed. What really matters here is the frequency, duration, and intensity of the habits and choices that you make. As long as you are being kind to yourself and doing the healthy things with a higher frequency, intensity, and duration than the unhealthy...
Every relationship has its ebbs and flows, times when things work well and periods where the unexpected challenges of living come between the two of you. Couples counseling can be a practical relationship tool that returns balance to your partnership. Some people are surprised to learn that the techniques used...
Everyone knows what it’s like to get angry. Whether your feelings boil over while stuck in traffic or during a dispute with a friend or loved one, anger is a normal emotion. However, when your anger is misdirected or uncontrolled, it can cause problems. Anger management therapy can be very...
An estimated 1 out of every 10 adults in the United States struggles with depression. When depression strikes, you may experience feelings of hopelessness, but there are things you can do to feel better. Talk therapy can have an incredibly positive impact on how you feel. In addition to therapy,...
Nearly everyone experiences some degree of anxiety during their lives, but it becomes a more pressing problem when the anxiety interferes with your daily life. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue, affecting some 40 million people. Untreated anxiety doesn’t just affect your mental health, though; it can...
Panic attacks aren't life-threatening, or a sign of serious illness, but they can feel very frightening and dreadful. If you've ever had a panic attack, you're likely all too familiar with the trembling, shortness of breath, and feeling of impending doom. For individuals coping with panic attacks, identifying triggers that...
Therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness, social skills training, cognitive behavior therapy, pivotal response treatment, and applied behavior analysis have all been shown to reduce symptoms and improve functional ability in children with autism. It's normal to feel fearful about your child's future when you receive an autism diagnosis. It should...
You have likely heard the terms attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but may be unclear of the differences or what the terms entail. Adding to the confusion, many people use the terms interchangeably. If you or your child is struggling with difficulty focusing, the team...
Dating in today’s world is filled with pitfalls. From disappointing dates to being “ghosted,” there’s no doubt about it that modern dating has its own set of challenges. When you’re looking for the right connection, the frustration that comes along with dating can feel overwhelming. The team at Wellness Road...
Teletherapy online and over the phone is a lifeline for many people. Rates of depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. Amid the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of anxiety and depression have tripled, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)...
Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects the way you feel, think, and function. Prevailing myths about depression can cause you to avoid seeking help. You may believe that it’s not a real illness, or that you just need to tough it out until it passes on its...
Children express grief and loss in a variety of ways and they need to know that it’s okay to talk about pain and loss. While you can’t protect your kids from grief and loss, you can help them process their feelings and build healthy coping skills. Grief counseling can help...
You may think of stress as an unavoidable part of life, but did you know too much stress can wreak havoc on your mental and overall health? It’s easy to underestimate the impact of stress when you’re dealing with it from day-to-day. Here at Wellness Road Psychology, our team helps...
Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both teens and parents. As your teen makes mistakes, learns, and develops crucial skills to be an independent adult, it can feel like you and your teen are on a rollercoaster. A change in your teen’s behavior may cause concern, but it’s...
The rate of adults without a romantic partner is at an all-time high of 51%, according to a national survey. Not only are more people single than ever before in history, but the feeling of loneliness is also a growing problem. In fact, 63% of men and 58% of women...
Romantic relationships require more emotional, psychological, and physical closeness than any other relationship. This level of intimacy can be difficult to maintain. This may explain why up to half of the couples that marry for the first time end up divorcing. Keeping your romantic relationship thriving requires core components and...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
This winter many people will experience a double whammy of seasonal depression exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With millions of Americans still out of work and grappling with extended time isolated from others and canceled holiday plans, mental health professionals expect not only to see a rise in seasonal depression...
Adolescence can be tough for teens and parents alike. This transitional period from childhood to adulthood is marked by rapid changes as your child develops a sense of identity. During this time, adolescents tend to pull away from parents and primary caregivers and rely more on their peers. This can...
Millions of adults and children in the United States are navigating life with attention deficit disorder (ADD), a neurodevelopmental difference that causes trouble concentrating, staying organized, completing tasks, and more. People with ADD who have supported are happier, more successful, and better adjusted. You should treat someone with ADD with...
If you’re struggling to make the right romantic connections, a dating coach can help. Dating can be difficult for anyone and is especially challenging in large cities like New York. Have you been unsuccessful in the dating scene? Are you new to dating and want to get it right the...
Psychotherapy offers benefits that are unique to each individual. The goal of psychotherapy is to develop a strong collaborative relationship with a trained mental health professional that enables you to identify, recognize, and change distressing thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Here at Wellness Road Psychology, our skilled psychologists Philip Glickman and...
As a parent, you know your child best. By the time a child reaches age seven parents are usually already aware of their impulsiveness, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness. Noticing these symptoms in your child may warrant a qualified diagnosis. Children as young as age four can be diagnosed with attention deficit...
Racism has a profound impact on the health and future health of children, adolescents, and adults. Although some progress has been made toward racial equity, racism has a continued negative effect on the lives of people of color. By acknowledging the role of racism on health outcomes, health care professionals...
Teens, just like adults, can benefit greatly from counseling. Adolescent therapy helps teens deal with specific emotions. It can also help navigate challenges facing adolescents, manage life stressors, and adjust to major changes. The support of a psychology professional can help teens understand themselves better, express themselves, make better decisions,...
When you experience a traumatic event it’s common to want to put it behind you and get on with your life. As time passes it’s easy to assume you’re no longer impacted by the event. However, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may appear months or even years after a traumatic...
The National Institutes of Health estimates that up to one in three men and women in the United States has experienced at least one form of clinical anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety is different from feeling worried or nervous because you have a job interview coming up...
Tips to help you get through this unfortunate time: If you are cooped up at home, which you are, because it's the right thing to do and most of us don't have a choice, here are some things to do and not do: · Go for a walk outsideActivity lowers...
If you have symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough and/or shortness of breath), answer the following questions:1. Have you recently traveled outside the country? Current countries at high risk include all Asian countries, Italy, and Iran.2. Have you been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have...
Just as you shouldn’t skip prescribed insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension, you shouldn’t bypass appropriate care for depression. Doing so can lead to a broad range of complications that detract from all aspects of your wellness, including your physical health. If you’re one of the 19 million Americans...