Self-Care

Immigration Psychological Evaluations in NJ, NY & PsyPact States

by Nicole Garcia, PhD Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, emotionally taxing, and deeply personal. For individuals and families, they often involve prolonged uncertainty, fear of separation, past trauma, and profound emotional strain. In many cases, courts and adjudicators need more than legal documentation to understand what is truly at stake, they need…
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More Than Blue Monday: Finding Steady Ground in a Difficult January

by Kailani Akana Murphy, LCSW January has always had a particular kind of heaviness to it for me. The holidays are over, the days are short and cold, and I’m still waiting for the ‘fresh-start’ energy to show up. This year, even more so than years past, I feel as though I’ve been waiting for…
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Finding Steady Ground During Election Season

by Alexys Smith, LAC, NCC Many people are feeling emotionally drained this election season, not just overwhelmed, but exhausted on a deeper level. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Even though election day has passed, the conversations, campaigns, and promises still fill our screens and minds. This is not only a pivotal time…
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Parenting Under Pressure: Staying Connected When the School Year Starts

By Nicole Garcia, PhD As summer gives way to the school year, many families find themselves swept into a whirlwind of new schedules, homework demands, and the emotional ups and downs that accompany this busy season. While children adjust to classrooms and activities, parents are balancing work, household responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists. That combination…
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Creating a Safe Space: Recognizing Bullying and Helping Kids Thrive

by Allison Dickens, LPC, LCADC Happy Women’s Month!  Let this be a time to affirm, support, and recognize the important women in our lives and in our world.  Please take the time to celebrate the women in your life who uplift, inspire, and change our world every day. It’s also a time to reflect on…
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Heartbreak & Intimate Partner Violence

by Caroline Camarena, LSW February is widely recognized as a month dedicated to love and kindness, with Valentine’s Day serving as a reminder of the importance of connection and compassion. However, for many individuals, relationships are not a source of love and security but rather a place of fear and harm. Intimate partner violence (IPV)…
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From Trauma to Triumph: How Brainspotting Can Help You Heal and Grow

By Nicole Garcia, PhD As we celebrate Mental Wellness Month and the start of the new year, it’s the perfect time to explore innovative approaches to mental health care. At our practice, we are passionate about offering cutting-edge treatments that help children, teens, and adults overcome life’s challenges. One such approach is Brainspotting, a powerful…
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Codependency Follows Us Home for the Holidays

By Jennifer Pitman, LCSW Joy to the world, the holiday season is upon us! It is a time to rejoice, focus on giving to others and relish the time spent with friends, family and loved ones. At least that’s what Christmas songs and Hallmark movies say. But for many of us this is anything but…
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Election Anxiety

Coping with Election Anxiety: Navigating Uncertainty During Uncertain Times

by Nicole Garcia PhD As the upcoming election approaches, many people are experiencing heightened anxiety, not only about the outcome but also about the deep divides within our communities and country. The polarization we see today can amplify feelings of stress, fear, and frustration, making it difficult to maintain a sense of calm. Children, teens,…
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Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding Men’s Mental Health

by Liza Ibrahim, LPC Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, yet it remains shrouded in stigma, particularly for men. Throughout history, societal expectations have compelled men to suppress emotions, leading to a significant gap in our comprehension of men’s mental health needs. Consequently, there’s a concerning disparity in suicide rates, substance abuse,…
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Shining a Light on Women’s Mental Health: Combating Perinatal Depression

By Jennifer Pitman, LCSW March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to recognize the many incredible contributions women have made, and continue to make, in American history, society and culture. It’s also an opportunity to focus on women’s health and the unique experience of being a woman.  According to the Office on Women’s Health…
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