Adolescents' feelings of not belonging: what can we truly do about it?
For adolescences the quest for a sense of belonging is both fundamental and at the core of their path during these formative years. As a psychologist working with teens, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that not feeling a strong sense of belonging can have on a teen's mental health. Not only their emotional well-being, but also their physical health and academic performance may be affected when teens have pervasive feelings of not belonging. Increased anxiety, depression, social isolation, and lowered self-esteem are some of the most common effects of feeling that we do not belong.
Understanding the complex grief of losing a loved one to suicide
Losing a loved one to suicide is a devastating and complex experience that leaves a lasting impact on those left behind. In my work as a psychologist, I have had the privilege of supporting patients who are grappling with the aftermath of this tragic loss. In this blog, I aim to further discuss the grieving process and the way in which therapy can support those who had endured this painful experience in their lives.
Navigating the Turbulent Waters: Understanding the Struggles Faced by Today's Teens
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of today's society, the challenges that teenagers encounter have become increasingly complex. As a psychologist, I have had the privilege of working closely and long term with teens facing a variety of issues – from depression and anxiety to trauma, self-injury, loss, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In this blog, I aim to shed light on some the main struggles teens face nowadays, such as dealing with social media, the pressures to perform they are subjected to, and the hostility so many teens encounter in the form of bullying. I emphasize the importance of working collaboratively in therapy toward understanding and making meaning of their experiences, underscoring the long-term benefits of effective therapeutic intervention.
and in the midst of it all, I lost myself..
You have worked hard over the years at whatever was in front of you. You did the studying, or fulfilled the work responsibilities. If you work outside the home, you were a diligent employee. You did the extra mile. You were trustworthy and reliable. You had so many dreams that as you grew and evolved professionally you would also feel more whole, more satisfied, more fulfilled in life in general.
Is therapy for ME?
Being a therapist, I often have the privilege of being trusted with significant questions people have. Usually is not an answer from me what, deep down, they are looking for. It is more about making a space in which we can, together, take a closer look at whatever is going on in their inner worlds. At times..
Don't be so quick to swallow that pill
I am amazed at how often my friends, family members, or just acquaintances share with me during everyday conversation that they have been prescribed some kind of medication to address their symptoms of...
Why do we “pass on” our own unresolved issues to our children (even when we try not to do so)
I believe it is safe to say that many of us have areas of “unresolved” issues—perhaps we had experiences during childhood or adolescence that were traumatic, difficult, painful, or otherwise challenging that we haven’t had the opportunity to...
ATTACHMENT 101: The powerful impact of early relationships in shaping our kids’ emotional states
Most of us have probably heard at least once about the power of early relationships in molding our personality, impacting our sense of self, and shaping our life experience.
Learning for the first time about the powerful research on this topic both fascinated me and blew me away. It turns out that our brains are both structurally and functionally impacted by our first relationships. But what does this mean, exactly?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Don’t tell me to be happy
Virtually all of us have been there at some point in our life.
It went something like this-- You were feeling sad, upset, anxious, or overwhelmed and upon noticing this a well-meaning family member or friend has innocently told you some variety of: “You know, you have X, Y, and Z, just be happy!”