Uncertainty, Fear and Regulation
The weight of uncertainty and fear is understandably taking a toll on the world’s mental health. For many of us. It’s scary to look to leaders who don’t have concrete answers. It’s scary for children to look to parents and teachers with no concrete answers. Not having answers is downright scary. As a therapist, parent, […]
Mindfulness for Kids (and Parents)
The topic and practice of mindfulness has made its way into all healthy living circles, including kids and parents. And frankly, it makes me happy. I first learned about it as a therapist trainee and thought it was best thing since sliced bread (I lie, I thought it was the best thing since grilled cheese, […]
‘First Gen’ Compassion To-Say List
The term “First Gen” has become both a compassionate term of endearment and a resounding validation of experience. First Gen refers to First Generation – being the first in the family become a naturally born citizen in the United States. In my office, it also means First generation to take A.P. classes in high school, […]
Intergenerational Trauma, PostPartum Anxiety and their after effects
There are many mothers dealing with intergenerational trauma and postpartum anxiety. There’s hope to heal and catch the warning signs early.
When a Parent or Loved One Goes to Jail
The Night Dad Went to Jail is a children’s book has been on my radar to check out for a long time since I come across several children and teens whose parent went to jail. Having a parent or loved one go to jail can be extremely traumatic and jarring for most children. It’s a […]
New Year Resolutions for the Soul
New Year Resolutions have a complex history and connotation with me as person who is always looking to self-improve and also as a therapist. While it’s definitely a good thing to work towards self-improvement and self-actualization, now more than ever, I’m in the mindset of being great exactly as we are in this moment, while […]
DACA Mental Health Coping Guide
Dear DACA recipients, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There’s an entire group of community and people who are behind you, advocating for you, praying for you and fighting to change the laws that keep you in fear of your future. As a mental health professional, my heart is with you. I […]
Mental Health Gift Guide to Inspire Healing 2022
It’s officially the holidays and with that can come with gift giving, stress and trauma triggers for many. Since the holidays can trigger painful memories and emotions for many, I always recommend finding things to soothe with during this difficult time. While it’s hard to be going through the difficult time, it’s also hard on […]
10 Important Parenting Tips to Help Children Comply
Parenting is both hard and rewarding at the same time. The hardest parts are when our children aren’t complying, we don’t know why and nothing we’ve tried works. In my last article, I identified different reasons children might not comply. As promised, I put together this list of the top 10 important parenting survival tips […]
Teaching Kids Empathy
On the heels of two mass shootings this weekend in the U.S., a slew of traumatizing immigration reform acts, and a lifetime of community violence in inner city neighborhoods, I’m left thinking, “where do we begin?” My friend and owner of Long Beach Littles reached out to me for information on how to teach kids […]
