If you or your child experience a mix of repetitive movements and obsessive behaviors, you might wonder: Is it a tic, or is it OCD? Often, it is a combination of both. Clinicians refer to this overlap as Tourettic OCD (T-OCD). Understanding this unique presentation is the first step toward getting the right support. What is Tourettic […]
Does your school-age child cry at drop-off, refuse sleepovers, or worry constantly about being away from you? While some separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood, intense and persistent fears may be a sign of Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD). What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder? Separation Anxiety Disorder is more than typical clinginess. Children with […]
If you could follow the average child through a typical day, what would you see? They might wake up to an alarm on their phone, check messages from friends before school, complete assignments on Chromebook, go to soccer practice after school, finish homework online, and end the day FaceTiming a friend or watching YouTube. For […]
Middle school is often like a maze for girls ages 11 to 13, a twisting, turning path filled with unexpected obstacles and hidden corners. Every day can bring new challenges: a friendship that suddenly feels uncertain, a rumor that spreads without warning, or a moment when anxiety makes even simple tasks seem daunting. Girls at […]
As the school year winds down and summer break approaches, many children and teens look forward to a well-earned break, longer days, fewer responsibilities, and more freedom. While the shift can feel exciting, it often comes with a loss of structure that can affect sleep patterns, mood, and overall well-being. Maintaining a consistent schedule during […]
As a parent, you want your teen to have fulfilling friendships, positive social experiences, andthe confidence to navigate social situations. For many teens with social challenges—includingthose with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety or other communicationdifficulties—these goals can feel out of reach. The PEERS® (Program for the Education andEnrichment of Relational Skills) social skills group, […]
If you or your child experience a mix of repetitive movements and obsessive behaviors, you might wonder: Is it a tic, or is it OCD? Often, it is a combination of both. Clinicians refer to this overlap as Tourettic OCD (T-OCD). Understanding this unique presentation is the first step toward getting the right support. What is Tourettic […]
Middle school is often like a maze for girls ages 11 to 13, a twisting, turning path filled with unexpected obstacles and hidden corners. Every day can bring new challenges: a friendship that suddenly feels uncertain, a rumor that spreads without warning, or a moment when anxiety makes even simple tasks seem daunting. Girls at […]
One of the most common things we hear from parents is: “I know my child is capable of this,” “they’re so smart,” “sometimes it seems like they just don’t try.” When homework doesn’t get started, backpacks stay disorganized, and reminders turn into arguments, it’s easy to land on the word lazy. But in many cases, […]
Stress is a natural part of being an athlete, shaping performance, motivation, and overall well-being. From competition nerves and high expectations to juggling training, school, work, and personal life, athletes face pressures that can trigger both positive and negative stress responses. In the right amounts, stress can actually sharpen focus and fuel motivation. When it […]
Learn how shared experience in competitive sports can strengthen or strain the parent-child relationship. Discover tips to foster connection, support, and healthy communication on and off the field.
As the new year approaches, many of us start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. We promise ourselves we’ll change, improve, or fix something about our lives. But the word resolution itself carries a connotation, it suggests that there is something that needs to be resolved. This year, let’s shift the narrative. Instead of resolutions, let’s […]
If you or your child have been noticing sudden, repetitive movements or sounds – like blinking, throat clearing, or shoulder shrugging – you might be wondering what’s going on. These are called tics, and for some people, they’re part of a condition called Tourette Syndrome. Let’s break down what tics and Tourette’s are, and how […]
As a Clinical and Neuropsychologist with a focus in Sports Psychology and supporting athlete success, I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes across all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete yourself, one thing is clear: protecting brain health is just as important as training muscles and mastering technique. That’s […]
We all adore our sleep time. It is quiet, peaceful, restorative and comes with a long list of physical benefits. After all, you spend about 1/3 of your life time sleeping so it is paramount to make sure you are getting the best sleep quality possible. Everyone’s sleep experience and quality differs but there are […]
As the weather cools and sports light up our screens almost every night of the week, it’s the perfect time to spotlight an important, yet often overlooked aspect of youth athletics and competitive sports: performance anxiety. No sport is immune to performance anxiety—whether you’re on the basketball court, soccer field, tennis court, golf course, swimming […]
