Growing up, I quickly realized that being Black wasn’t just about the color of my skin. It was a fundamental part of my identity that shaped how I saw the world and how the world saw me. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t kind when delivering that realization. On top of that, when the world threw depression and anxiety into the mix,...[ read more ]
In the United States and various parts of the world, race-related bullying has been an enduring and distressing issue. Black teenagers often find themselves confronted with the harsh realities of discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequalities, which significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being. The persistent exposure to racial bias and hostility can lead to profound psychological and emotional distress,...[ read more ]
I became a social worker for lots of reasons. Specifically, I wanted to be able to provide therapy for Black teens. Why? Because when I was a teen, Black figures I weren't related to meant a lot! They gave me guidance, support, hope, and a vision for the kind of successful, happy, healthy, and whole Black person -- Black woman...[ read more ]
If you're considering therapy for your anxious teen, remember how hard it is to be a teenager. The teenage years are a time filled with many changes, where they're in the process of understanding themselves and their place in the world. Additionally, it's a journey filled with highs and lows, self-discovery, and personal growth. In a whirlwind of changes, challenges,...[ read more ]
The Perfectionism-Depression Cycle The perfectionism-depression cycle involves a series of interconnected stages: All-or-Nothing Thinking: Perfectionists hold the belief that anything worth doing must be done flawlessly. This rigid thinking pattern sets unrealistic standards and fosters a fear of failure. Insatiable Drive: Perfectionists obsess over flaws and setbacks, constantly striving for an unattainable ideal. This focus on imperfections erodes the satisfaction...[ read more ]
Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional...[ read more ]
When does normal teen angst become teen depression? As teens struggle through the tough transition period of childhood into young adulthood, it can be difficult to decipher a teen’s behavior. Are their out-of-control emotions and conduct a result of the natural process of adolescence, or is it something more serious?According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2016 approximately...[ read more ]
We live in a society that seems obsessed with physical health and weight loss. A majority of people have tried one or more diets to lose weight. People join gyms, juice, and take supplements, all in an effort to optimize their physical health.Sadly, most people don’t give their mental health a second thought.The problem is, no matter how good you...[ read more ]
You’re getting sleepy… very sleepy……and when you wake up you will cluck like a chicken.This is what many people think of when they think of hypnosis. But hypnosis is much more than a funny party trick.Hypnotherapy has been used for centuries. In fact, in ancient times priests and shamans used altered stated of consciousness as a way to bring about...[ read more ]
We live in a society that values things that appear perfect. And I suppose there are things that can be perfect. Architects can draw the perfect straight line, mathematicians can solve an equation with a perfect calculation, and a chocolate cake can be perfectly moist.But as human beings, we can never reach a state of perfection because we will always...[ read more ]