A friend of mine posted an article about the newest challenge we are facing as businesses start reopening this summer. The author referred to “decision fatigue,” and as someone who always has had a tough time making decisions to begin with, this really resonated with me. I reflected on my weekend in light of this article; tensions were high in ...READ MORE »
After months of virtually seeing couples and families in my psychotherapy practice in Washington DC and Bethesda MD during the pandemic, I’m noticing how much relationships are changing due to the impact of COVID19. Many of us in the DC metro area have been sheltering in place for almost 12 weeks–we’ve home schooled our kids, worked remotely at home, ...READ MORE »
I’m writing from my home in Washington DC with a heavy heart and a troubled mind about how to guide our parents in having hard conversations with their children about the current racial injustices occurring in our city, and in our nation following the death of George Floyd. I approach this topic not as an expert, but as a mom ...READ MORE »
While the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has changed its screen time guidelines for younger children ages 2- 5 years old {<1 hour daily of high quality use with adequate sleep, physical activity and media free zones/times), it is less clear about guidelines for school-aged children and teens: Where We Stand: Screen Time The APA (American Psychological Association) gives ...READ MORE »
Recently, I shared a video on growing positive emotions and focusing on experiences of joy and gratitude during this difficult time. A friend of mine thanked me for posting, then asked, “but what do I do with all of the negative feelings I’m having?” While we all have to use distractions, compartmentalizing, and a positive attitude to maintain stability right ...READ MORE »
Are you worried about what your kids will do with their time once school ends? Do you fear that they will become permanently merged with their favorite device? At TSG, we have spent the spring talking with kids and families about how they are coping during this pandemic. We know that many of your children are bored, disappointed, and ...READ MORE »
In honor of Mental Health Awareness month in May, I wanted to offer some thoughts on a topic that I’ve been working on personally through this pandemic. As a therapist in Washington DC, I spend my days working with clients and talking about the concept of self care. Yet, I have to admit–As a mom, I secretly hate it ...READ MORE »
Many of my clients are asking me some version of the same question: Why can’t I get anything done right now? In spite of having more free time at home, they are totally lacking motivation to do work. Others want to get work done, or spend time on hobbies or reading, but are finding they can’t focus at all because ...READ MORE »
Finding motivation, planning steps to complete an assignment, organizing your work, initiating work, sustaining focus, metacognition (awareness of your thoughts), managing your time, shifting between activities, controlling impulses – these are all examples of “Executive Functioning Skills.” These skills are essential skills for anyone to get through school, work, and activities of daily life – personal hygiene, maintaining relationships, regulating ...READ MORE »
I’m writing to you parent to parent on a windy Friday afternoon from my home office in Washington, DC. Before I wrap up for the weekend, I wanted to share some thoughts for parents all over the city, and for parents who are all throughout the nation sheltering at home with their children. I know this is hard–it could be ...READ MORE »
