Collaborative Minds Blog
Education to empower your mental health journey.
My Child is Excited for Camp… So Why Am I Anxious?: Tips for Parents Who Need Help Letting Go
Sending your child off to sleepaway camp can feel like a milestone—for them and for you. If you’re feeling a little off as camp season approaches, you’re not alone. Whether it’s your child’s first summer away or their fifth, this kind of separation can bring up big feelings. Here are some tips for managing the very real stress that can come with letting your kids “go” for the summer.
7 Things No One Told You About Being Neurodivergent In Your 20s
Being in your 20s is often painted as a time of freedom, excitement, and “figuring it all out.” But the reality is usually much more complicated—especially if you’re neurodivergent. Keep reading for 7 things no one really tells you about being neurodivergent in your 20s.
Is Your Teen Struggling Socially? Here’s What to Look For—and How Group Therapy Can Help
Both preteens and teens missed out on key social-emotional development during the early stages of COVID, when school and classes were held virtually. More than five years later, we’re still seeing the effects of that disruption in our clients. Keep reading to learn about the signs to look out for and how group therapy can help.
How Marriage Changes With Kids: A Maternal Mental Health Perspective
Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyful milestones—and it absolutely can be. But as a maternal mental health therapist, I’ve seen another side of this transition that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: the way having children fundamentally reshapes a marriage. From sleep-deprived nights to the invisible load of caregiving, here’s what couples need to know about how parenthood can impact their relationship—and how to navigate the changes with compassion and connection.
How Do I Support My Middle School Aged Daughter?
Middle school is a time of rapid emotional, social, and physical change for kids (and their parents). It can feel like a tightrope walk: How can I stay involved without being overbearing? Here’s how to be the steady, supportive presence she needs.
Insight, Not Indoctrination: What Therapy Should Actually Do
Therapy has become a mainstream part of life. More people than ever—especially teens and young adults—are seeking help for their mental and emotional struggles. That’s a good thing. But as therapy culture grows, so does confusion about what therapy is actually meant to do.
Finals Season Survival Guide: Tips for Students & Parents
Finals season can feel overwhelming for both kids and their parents. As tests and project deadlines pile up, many students experience stress, self-doubt, and even burnout. But with the right kind of support, your child doesn’t have to face it alone. Keep reading for tips to help ensure that your child feels confident, supported, and prepared during this high-pressure time of year.
How Do I Pick the Right Therapist For Me?
Deciding to start therapy is a huge and brave step. But once you’ve made that decision, the process of actually finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Keep reading to learn more about what to consider when looking for a therapist, how to start your search, and why finding the right fit truly matters.
5 Tips for Managing Disordered Eating and Body Image Concerns During Passover
Passover is a celebration of freedom, but for those who struggle with disordered eating or body image concerns, it can feel like quite the opposite. Whether you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, working through chronic dieting, or simply feeling uncomfortable in your body, you’re not alone. Here are a five thoughts and strategies to help you move through the week with more self-compassion and support.
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)?
How Can I Make Time for Self-Care Over Spring Break?
Spring break is an easy way to relax and recharge — for kids. For everyone else the extra time can be overwhelming; it can be harder to switch from an old routine to a new one. Continue reading to learn some tips, tricks, and habits that will help you make your spring break enjoyable and calm.
All My Teen’s Friends Are Online: What Do I Do?
It’s a common concern for parents today—your teen spends hours chatting, gaming, and interacting with friends online, but when it comes to in-person friendships, they seem uninterested or struggle to connect. If you’re worried about your teen’s social life, here are some ways to help them build in-person connections without disregarding the importance of their online friendships.
How Technology Might Be Impacting Your Teen’s Health
How does social media make people feel bad? Why do people have the urge to look at their phone? How can we really connect in person? Social media and phone addictions are real, but they don’t have to be all-encompassing. Keep reading to see why technology makes us feel the way we do, and how your teen can connect to people without it.
Four Misconceptions About Trauma
Trauma is often misunderstood, even by those who experience it. While mental health awareness has grown, certain misconceptions persist, preventing individuals from seeking help or fully understanding their struggles. The following are four of the most common and damaging misconceptions I’ve come across recently in regards to trauma. Hopefully by speaking about them, it will help limit the number of people getting stuck in pain instead of moving toward healing.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
If you've ever struggled with trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories, you may have heard of various therapeutic approaches designed to help people heal. One such method gaining recognition is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). But what exactly is ART, and how does it work?
How Do I Stop Being a Perfectionist?
Striving to do your best is great—but are your high expectations keeping you from fully enjoying life? Keep reading to learn how to recognize harmful perfectionism and discover strategies to overcome its negative consequences.
How to Help Your Child or Teen Make Friends in NYC
Despite being the most populated city in the country, it can sometimes feel close to impossible to find meaningful connections in Manhattan. Many parents, especially those who have neurodivergent children, find themselves asking, “How can I help my child or teen make friends?” Keep reading for some helpful strategies to consider!
How to Talk to Your Teen If You’re Concerned About Their Relationship
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, which is a great a time to start having conversations with your teen about healthy relationships and looking out for signs of potential harm. Keep reading to learn more about why this topic is so important and tips for starting the dialogue.
When It’s More Than Just Being “Shy”: Recognizing & Helping Teens with Anxiety and/or Social Skills Deficits
Navigating social interactions can feel overwhelming for many teens, especially when they are first starting to form and maintain social connections on their own; however, for some teens, struggling socially might be due to more than just a shy personality. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between social anxiety and social skills deficits, which can look very similar from the outside, as well as effective strategies for improving both.
7 Tips for Managing Your Mental Health During Cold & Flu Season
Cold and flu season isn’t just tough on our bodies—it can take a serious toll on our mental health, too. Whether you're feeling under the weather yourself, caring for sick family members, or just trying to avoid getting sick, the added stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or anxious. Keep reading for 7 practical ways to care for your mental well-being while navigating the season of sniffles and sneezes.