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Understanding Psychological Testing and What a School Psychologist Can Do for Your Child
When your child is struggling in school—whether it’s with focus, emotions, behavior, or learning—you might be wondering where to turn for help. Psychological testing, especially
Thinking About Using AI for Mental Health? Here’s What You Should Know
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made giant leaps in how it helps us live, work, and even care for our emotional well-being. You
The Mental Status Exam: Psychiatry’s “Physical Exam” in Action by Dustin Bower and Melissa Turvey
In most areas of medicine, the physical exam involves stethoscopes, palpation, and labs. But in psychiatry, we do something different—we observe, listen, and engage. In
Rewiring Anxious Ruminations: High-Level Therapy for Breaking the Cycle of Panic Attacks
Anxiety-driven ruminations can feel like an unrelenting storm, trapping individuals in a cycle of overthinking and fear. When these thought loops become persistent, they can
Understanding Pharmacologic Treatment for PTSD: A Patient’s Guide
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While psychotherapy is a cornerstone of PTSD treatment,
How do you know your child has a learning difficulty?
Learning Difficulties can arise from specific learning disabilities (SLDs), which affect a child’s ability to use or understand language. These neurodevelopmental disorders may lead to
Understanding ADHD Medication: Insights by Dustin Bower
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can have a profound impact on a person’s academic, social, and occupational life. While ADHD is
Navigating Stimulant Medications: Key Insights for Patients
The landscape of stimulant prescribing has shifted significantly over the past decade. With advancements in ADHD diagnosis, changes in state regulations, and an increase in
Can my child be properly tested for giftedness via Telehealth?
In recent years, the world has experienced significant transformation, marked by a notable shift toward online platforms in various aspects of our daily lives. From
If Therapy is so good, why does it hurt so bad
The “Leaving the Past Behind” Narrative When therapy is suggested by others or individually, it usually is accompanied by feelings of resolution, putting the pain
Can I Stop My Medication Abruptly or Do I Need to Taper Off
Can I Stop My Medication Abruptly, or Do I Need to Taper Off? When it comes to stopping psychotropic medications, the question often arises: Is
Pharmacologic Treatment of ADHD: Navigating the Complexities of Adult and Childhood Care
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts individuals across the lifespan. The condition is not just limited to childhood but extends
The Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health: A Therapist’s Perspective
The connection between mental health and the menstrual cycle is a topic that often emerges in therapy sessions. As a counselor, I have seen how
Non-Adherance and the Phenomenon of Antidepressant Tachyphylaxis
In the outpatient psychiatry setting, one issue that often arises is treatment non-adherence—a term that is far more nuanced than its predecessor, “non-compliance.” The term
The Struggles of Gen Z: Navigating Life’s Decisions as Digital Natives
In our work as therapists, we often witness the unique challenges that Generation Z faces in making decisions about work, education, and life in general.
Exploring Postpartum Mood Disorders
The term postpartum refers to the period immediately after a woman gives birth and extends up to 12 weeks after the birth, according to the
The Link Between Anxiety, Subconciousness, and Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? How often has this been asked at a doctor’s office, a friend, or a family member? How frequently have you
One Experience of Grief Many Mental Health Impacts
Grief is a universal experience that touches us all at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one (person or
A Little Anxiety Goes a Long Way
Anxiety. We all experience it at some point, whether it’s the butterflies (stomach turns or aches) before a big presentation or the nervous anticipation of
Hurricane Fatigue-A Psychological Perspective
Understanding Hurricane Fatigue In recent years, natural disasters like hurricanes have become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. For those living in hurricane-prone
How to Grief Your Pet
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most profound emotional experiences a person can face. As a licensed mental health counselor, I understand the
Play Therapy Is Real Therapy
Psychotherapy and Communication Adult psychotherapy usually involves a lot of talking. It’s how adults express themselves. Most people in therapy prefer a therapist who speaks
How to Know If You Need Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Recognizing the Signs
1. Self-Assessment of Emotional State. What is it? This step involves deep introspection about your daily feelings and emotions. Ask yourself how you’ve been feeling
Helpful or Harmful: A Review of Benzodiazepines
Most of us are familiar with the medication group benzodiazepines. This class of medication is commonly utilized in psychiatry and neurology; however, it does appear
Understanding Lithium and Breaking the Stigma3
Discovery of Lithium: Lithium utilization traces back to the mid-20th century. In 1949 an Australian psychiatrist named John Cade began experimenting with lithium salts, observing
How to Help your Child at School: A Mental Health Perspective
Successfully navigating the K-12 academic years is important for setting your child up for their future. It’s a joint effort between parent and child that
Psychology and Psychiatry: What’s the Difference?
Besides being long words that sound similar and only have a few letters differentiating them, most people do not fully understand what they are (and
Have You Been Accused of Being “Bipolar”
“You are so bipolar,” or “I can’t stand how bipolar you are,” or “you’re bipolar.” If you are reading this blog, you may be curious,
The Subtle Signs of Sadness
In the vast spectrum of human emotions, sadness often occupies a quiet corner, veiled behind smiles and casual conversations. Unlike its louder counterparts like anger
The Subtle Signs of Depression
Depression, often depicted as a dark cloud looming over one’s life, can sometimes manifest in ways that are not immediately recognizable. While we may associate
The Subtle Signs of Insomnia
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, sleep often takes a backseat to our responsibilities and desires. We push through the day, fueled by
The Subtle Signs of Trichotillomania
In the vast spectrum of mental health disorders, there are some that hide in plain sight, veiled by the guise of everyday behaviors. Trichotillomania, a
The Subtle signs of Cheating
Infidelity – a word that strikes fear and uncertainty into the hearts of many who have ever loved deeply. It’s a complex and deeply painful
The Journey to Accepting Mental Health Care
Recognizing Where You Are to Make a Decision In recent years, the idea of mental health treatment has gained significant attention. Despite the growing awareness,
Getting Sick and the Impact on Mental Health Symptoms
In the grand narrative of health, the focus often lands squarely on physical symptoms, treatments, and recoveries. But what about the silent partner in this
The Subtle Signs of Panic Attacks
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the subtle signs of distress that our minds and bodies may be trying
The Subtle Signs of Bipolar Disorder
In a world where mental health awareness is gaining momentum, some conditions still hide behind veils of misconception and misunderstanding. Bipolar disorder is one such
The Subtle Signs of Dissociation
In the vast tapestry of mental health, there exists a phenomenon that often goes unnoticed, slipping through the cracks of perception like a ghost in
The Subtle Signs of Psychosis
In the vast spectrum of mental health, psychosis stands as a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. It’s not always the flamboyant hallucinations or delusions portrayed
The Subtle Signs of Anxiety
In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become a prevalent concern affecting millions worldwide. While some may associate anxiety with obvious symptoms like panic attacks or
