Gifted kids don’t just think fast; they think deep. They see connections others miss and dream big. But along with that brilliance often comes anxiety and depression, making them extra sensitive to failure. Their brains tell them, If I don’t get this 100% right, I’ve failed. (Spoiler alert: That’s not true, but try telling their inner critic that!)

Music has a way of speaking when words fail. Whether it’s a favorite song that lifts your mood or a melody that helps you relax, music can be a powerful tool for healing. That’s exactly why music therapy is so effective—especially for teenagers.

Music therapy groups provide a supportive space for teens to express themselves, connect with others, and develop important life skills. Let’s explore some of the biggest benefits.

We often hear the words self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence thrown around as if they mean the same thing. But did you know they’re actually quite different? Understanding these concepts can be a game-changer in how you view yourself and navigate life. Let’s break them down in a way that makes sense.

Have you ever watched a child lost in their own little world, building castles, talking to stuffed animals, or zooming toy cars across the floor? Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids make sense of the world around them. But what if play could also help children work through big emotions, tough experiences, and everyday challenges? That’s where play therapy comes in!

Have you ever noticed a child or teen struggling to stay organized, start their homework, or manage their time effectively? These challenges often stem from executive functioning difficulties. Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s “management system”—they help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. When these skills don’t develop as expected, everyday tasks like completing homework, keeping track of belongings, or following directions can feel overwhelming. The good news? Occupational therapy (OT) can help!

When it comes to mental health, our nervous system plays a huge role in how we feel, think, and interact with the world. Three key concepts—Polyvagal Theory (PVT), Moro Reflex Integration, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)—work together to help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Let’s break down how they connect and why they matter.

Babies are born with built-in reflexes that help them survive and grow. These automatic movements, called primitive reflexes, help babies learn to move, balance, and process sensory information. Normally, these reflexes naturally fade away, or integrate, as the child grows. But when they don’t, they can cause problems with focus, movement, and emotional regulation. Let’s explore how these reflexes can affect a child's physical and emotional development and what can be done to help.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to relieve stress and enhance well-being is essential. One effective method gaining traction is forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing." This practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature.

Gifted kids often face unique challenges, one of which is perfectionism. This trait, while sometimes beneficial, can cause significant stress and anxiety for high-achievers. Understanding perfectionism in gifted children helps parents and educators support their mental health and overall happiness.

For further insights, consider exploring:

• Bright & Quirky

• Raising a Gifted Child

• Therapy for Gifted Children

• Therapy for Gifted Teens

By recognizing the struggles gifted kids face with perfectionism, we can create a supportive environment where they thrive. We are happy to help your gifted child thrive!

Thanksgiving can be a wonderful, yet overwhelming and challenging experience for picky eaters, given its large spread of foods with varying textures, flavors, and colors. By keeping things simple, offering flexibility, and accommodating individual preferences, you can make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable experience for picky eaters while still maintaining the festive spirit of the holiday.

Just like we try to fuel our bodies with lots of healthy foods, our sensory system also needs a balanced set of sensory information or “input” that allows them to work well. A sensory diet provides regular opportunities for a child to monitor and control the sensory input they are seeking, avoiding, or lacking, to ensure that the amount of input received is adequate for them to function well.

Emotional support is a powerful tool in empowering children with disabilities to overcome challenges and thrive. As a mental health therapist with a physical disability, I know firsthand the emotional support needed to thrive. By creating open communication, celebrating achievements, encouraging independence, promoting inclusion, educating yourself and others, seeking professional support, and practicing self-care, you can create a nurturing environment that enables your child to flourish emotionally.

Since we just celebrated Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to talk seriously about maternal mental health. Mothers go through so much emotionally and physically. They need support and awareness!

There are so many misconceptions about borderline personality disorder. On top of that, social media influencers flood algorithms about symptoms that might be BPD or something else, and it gets confusing. Let’s dispel those myths and learn what BPD actually is.

Relationships are hard to begin with, whether it’s platonic, romantic, or familial. If you’re feeling over reliant on the people you have relationships with, or overly responsible for their feelings and emotions, you might be experiencing codependency.

There is so much flooding our feeds about personality disorders. It’s good to have awareness, but we need to navigate the myths and facts about personality disorders.

What exactly is an autism assessment? How long does it take? What comes with the diagnosis? We cover all your questions and more about how we conduct our assessments and how we can help you after receiving a diagnosis.

Explore the methods at Amen Clinics and learn more about how your physical brain can enlighten you on your mental health journey.

Our minds and bodies are more interconnected than we realize. Learn more about the new field of metabolic psychiatry and just how connected our diets and physical health are to our mental health.

Have you been thinking about intensive therapy? This is your sign to learn more about it and start your journey.