Mental Health and Behavioral Health Blog

There is a moment in every parent’s life when we realize that scraped knees and playground falls were the easy part. When our children were young, we could hold their hands crossing the street, choose who entered their world, and comfort them with a hug that somehow made everything better. But as children grow older, parenting changes in ways that can feel both beautiful and heartbreaking. The truth is, it becomes harder to protect them. As children enter adolescence and youn

Divorce is rarely easy, even when the children involved are adults. Many parents assume that because their children are grown, they are emotionally equipped to handle the pain, tension, and shifting loyalties that often come with separation. But adult children are not immune to the emotional fallout of divorce. In fact, many find themselves pulled directly into their parents’ unresolved conflict — becoming confidants, messengers, mediators, or even emotional caretakers. Famil

There are two types of anxiety, acute and chronic. Acute anxiety occurs on a daily basis. Examples are the reactions we get to stressors such as being late for a meeting, a child waking up with a cold/illness, sitting in traffic, missing a train/bus, etc. Chronic anxiety is more of a background of anxiety that we carry with us. Much of this type of anxiety is programmed into us during our years in our family of origin, a level of anxiety that was/is usual for the family. We c

Some stories are written from imagination. Others are written from real life, love, and the moments that leave a lasting imprint on our hearts. Jayce Never Gives Up was inspired by my granddaughter Jayce and the determination she showed while learning to overcome challenges at such a young age. I watched her attempt the monkey bars again and again. There were moments of frustration, tears, hesitation, and doubt — but there was also courage. No matter how difficult it felt, sh

We often use the word love to describe intense feelings—thinking about someone constantly, wanting to be near them, feeling deeply affected by their presence or absence. But not all intensity is love. Sometimes, what we’re experiencing is something else entirely: obsession. So how do we tell the difference? Love is rooted in connection. Obsession is rooted in control. Healthy love allows space. It respects individuality, boundaries, and autonomy. When you love someone, you wa