By: Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Child perfectionism can look like straight A’s, perfect behavior, and a child who never seems to make mistakes. While many parents see these traits as signs of success, perfectionism often masks anxiety, fear of failure, and the belief that love and acceptance depend on achievement.As a therapist, I…
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC, CATP, CFTP Bonding can seem daunting. Simply put, it is how humans connect. We naturally seek connection; as social creatures, we grow, succeed, and thrive through it. Bonding occurs in many ways—through verbal communication, body language, actions, shared similarities, and emotional connections. Communication and engagement may vary depending on…
By: Caroline Neshyba, M.Ed., LPC Associate Supervised by: Dr. Cheri Locke, PhD, MA, LPC-S, CST, CCTP Why Emotional Discipline Matters As a therapist, I work with teenage girls every week who feel overwhelmed by their emotions and equally overwhelmed by the message they have received from the world about what to do with them. Our…
By: Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Teen suicidal ideation is one of the most frightening things a parent can face. Hearing that your teen is having suicidal thoughts can leave you feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. It’s natural to feel scared, confused, or even unsure of what to do…
By: Caroline Neshyba, M.Ed., LPC Associate Supervised by: Dr. Cheri Locke, PhD, MA, LPC-S, CCTP, CST When parents hear the word routine, it can immediately feel heavy. Like one more thing to manage or get right. But routines at home are not about control or rigid schedules. They are about creating safety, strengthening connection, and…
By: Simrah Wasim, MS, LPC Associate, NCC Supervised by: Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, CCTP Holidays are a special time of year filled with joy, laughter, and a little magic. For children, these moments can create lasting memories and provide a break from everyday routines….
By: Caroline Neshyba, M. Ed., LPC-Associate Supervised by Dr. Cheri Locke, PhD, MA, LPC-S, CST, CCTP Few topics spark as much debate as the decision to homeschool or send a child to public school. Social media is loud with opinions, news outlets highlight extremes, and even family gatherings can stir the question of “which is…
By: Caroline Neshyba, M. Ed., LPC Associate Supervised by: Dr. Cheri Locke, PhD, MA, LPC-S, CST, CCTP Building a strong family unit is not about perfection, but about creating a space where everyone feels valued, connected, and responsible for the life you’re building together. Every family has its own rhythm, and at the heart of…
By: Caroline Neshyba, M. Ed., LPC-Associate Supervised by Dr. Cheri Locke, PhD, MA, LPC-S, CST, CCTP Do you want to learn about parenting through connection? There’s a theory that’s taken root in my own heart and in the way I parent, live, and work with families, and it’s one that’s both simple and radical: “Your…
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC, CATP, CFTP Gentle parenting is a term that has gained popularity in recent years. But what is gentle parenting?It is a term that is frequently misused. Realistically, anyone can define gentle parenting as they see fit, but effective parenting is what I believe most parents are truly seeking. Gentle parenting…