Why Does My Child Like Scary Play? What Monsters and Villains Are Really About
Growling monsters, pretend villains, and games where you're the one who gets "caught" aren't cause for concern this Halloween. Here's why scary play matters, especially for anxious and neurodivergent kids, plus our therapists' favorite "scary" toys in the playroom.
First Report Card Stress: How to Talk to Your Kid About Grades Without a Meltdown
The first report card of the year can bring big feelings for kids and parents alike. A child and teen therapist shares what’s really going on behind grade stress, and simple ways to talk about it that build your child up instead of breaking them down.
Not Lazy, Just Running on Empty: Understanding Depression and Low Motivation in Kids and Teens
When your child can’t seem to get out of bed or finish anything, it’s easy to read it as laziness. Here’s what low motivation often feels like from the inside, and how to help them carry the load.
"My Child Melts Down When Screen Time Ends": What's Really Going On
Does your child melt down every time the screen turns off? It is not defiance. Here is what is happening in their brain and simple ways to make screen transitions calmer.
Why Parent Mental Health and Child Mental Health Go Hand in Hand
This World Mental Health Day, a child and teen therapist shares what child mental health really looks like, why so many parents are quietly overwhelmed, and simple ways to care for both of you.
ADHD in Girls: Why It Looks Different and Gets Missed So Often
Why do so many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed until their teens, or later? Because ADHD doesn't always look like bouncing off the walls. For a lot of girls, it looks like daydreaming, overachieving, or anxiety, and it gets missed. Here's what to look for.
Can Anxiety Cause Stomach Aches in Kids? What Your Child's Body Is Trying to Tell You
That morning tummy ache might be worry talking. Learn why anxiety stomach aches in kids are real, the patterns to watch for, and gentle ways to help your child feel calmer.
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session: A Step-by-Step Guide
It might look like "just playing," but every moment in the playroom is doing something. Here's a step-by-step look at what happens in a play therapy session, and how you can help your child's progress at home
Why Does My Child Say "I Hate You"? What It's Really About
Your child screaming "I hate you" can knock the wind out of you, even when you know they don't mean it. Here's what's actually going on in that moment, and how to respond in a way that helps instead of escalates.
Suicide Prevention Conversations With Kids: What to Say and Ask
Suicidal thoughts in kids don't always look the way you'd expect, and most parents freeze at the idea of asking directly. Here's the QPR framework I use with families in therapy, and why asking doesn’t plant the idea.
Is It ADHD or Anxiety? How Parents Can Tell the Difference
"Is it ADHD, or is it anxiety?" It's one of the most common questions parents bring into our office, and for good reason: the two can look nearly identical from the outside. In this post, we break down what's actually driving the behavior, share a real-world example of how the same fidgeting can point in two different directions, and walk through the questions worth asking yourself before your next appointment.
Why Won't My Kid Talk About School? Here's What's Actually Going On
Your kid says "fine" and heads for their headphones. Here's why that's usually not a red flag, and how to actually get them talking.
How to Help Your Child With Back-to-School Separation Anxiety
Back-to-school separation anxiety is more common than you think, and it's not a sign you're doing anything wrong. Here are the practical tips, the real reasons behind the tears, and the resources that can help.
Why Teens Withdraw: What Their Silence is Saying
When your teen goes quiet, it can feel like you're losing them. This post explains what's really behind teen withdrawal, how to keep communication open at home, and when it might be time to seek extra support.
Supporting Your Child and Teen Through Grief
Grief can be confusing for children and teens, and just as hard for the parents trying to support them. This post offers practical, age appropriate ways to help your child process loss, feel safe in their emotions, and know when extra support might help.
When Should My Child See a Counselor?
Can't find a good child or teen therapist nearby? Virtual counseling connects your family with a specialist statewide across Texas. Here's an honest look at the real benefits, who it fits, and how to get started.
Supporting Your Teen’s Self-Confidence and Identity Development
Teenagers are in the middle of one of the most important developmental tasks of their lives: figuring out who they are. Learn how parents can support their teen's identity development and self-confidence with practical, research-backed strategies.
Is My Child Being Defiant, or Are They Overwhelmed?
Is your child being defiant, or are they overwhelmed? The two can look almost identical, but they call for very different responses. This post breaks down how to tell the difference and what to do when your child's behavior is really a sign of stress, not defiance.
Big Feelings at Bedtime: Why Your Child Feels Anxious at Night (and How to Help)
Big feelings at bedtime are common for many children, especially those experiencing anxiety. This post explores why nighttime anxiety happens, what it can look like, and simple, supportive strategies parents can use to help their child feel safe and sleep more peacefully.
Is Virtual Counseling Right for Your Child or Teen?
Can't find a good child or teen therapist nearby? Virtual counseling connects your family with a specialist statewide across Texas. Here's an honest look at the real benefits, who it fits, and how to get started.