I’m sure I’m dating myself with this reference to Alanis Morisette’s landmark album, Jagged Little Pill, but I’ve been channeling my inner agro-girl as I get my kids settled back into the school year. I realize this image doesn’t appear the least bit motherly or even polished and professional for a 50-something Family Therapist in Washington DC. Yet, ...READ MORE »
A huge component of maintaining healthy relationships, whether they are with romantic partners or with friends and extended family, is spending meaningful time together. With September bringing the return of school and after-school activities, it can be tough to schedule that meaningful time into our lives. However, without meaningful time together, couples lose the sense of “we-ness”, and friendships can ...READ MORE »
When I work with parents of teens, I notice they often express a desire to support their child in three primary ways: by making a behavior change, navigating a challenge, or connecting with them on a deeper level. While each family copes with its own unique challenges, I usually find myself first coaching parents on the importance of validation. Now, when ...READ MORE »
I am in the midst of reading a book called, The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why it Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. I really like it, and especially relate to the content in Chapter 6, entitled “What the Hell: How Feeling Bad Leads to Giving In.” The general premise ...READ MORE »
One of the most common problems I have encountered through my years as a school social worker and now as a child/teen therapist in private practice in Washington, DC is families reporting significant struggles with behavior and self-regulation at home, while school reports great behavior and positive social emotional skills. This issue can be particularly frustrating for families who are ...READ MORE »
“Am I doing therapy correctly?” is a question I’ve heard more than once from many of my teen and young adult clients in my psychotherapy practice in Washington, DC and nearby Bethesda, MD. My answer is that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do therapy. Honoring your own process and journey is important. Although your therapist may challenge ...READ MORE »
This blog post is the 2nd in a three part series on Understanding Autism. Last month, we focused on helping parents consider how they can support their children’s development (for both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids) by using strategies and interventions for kids on the spectrum. This post addresses what it can feel like to live with Autism in a ...READ MORE »
I recently came across an article entitled, “Dreadful Dads” by John Kaag and Clancy Martin. This article explores how the philosophy of Existentialism can inform modern day parenting. The article is geared toward fathers. As a father and as a therapist who frequently counsels parents on how to best parent their child, this article very much resonated with me. ...READ MORE »
Do you have a child who is strangely smart and uniquely different (aka rather difficult at times as well)? I certainly do. He’s the one who watches YouTube videos to figure out how to build the perfect candy dispenser. He also is fascinated with the human anatomy and bodily functions, and follows a physician youtuber who refutes health remedies ...READ MORE »
As we start a new year under the umbrella of COVID-19, Delta, Omicron, or IHU as parents, educators, and mental health professionals we are pondering the impact of COVID on children from infants to young adults. Lockdowns, cancellations, virtual, and asynchronous learning has shown us that reframing life day by day is our new normal. The impacts of COVID-19 on children ...READ MORE »
TSG is aware of the high level of need for mental health support and treatment for the families in our community and beyond, and an increasingly short supply of available therapists. We are excited to offer new services with immediate daytime availability: Mental Health Consultations. These appointments are a one-time or brief preventive and/or supportive service for individuals and families who are not engaged in therapy at TSG, yet could benefit from consulting with a mental health expert in a variety of ways. Email intake@thesibleygroupdc.com for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Click here for more information on on our new mental health consultation service.
