When Summer Isn’t So Sunny: Understanding Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder

Leave a Comment / Mental Health /

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD As the weather warms up and daylight stretches longer, most people feel energized and ready for summer fun. But for some, the arrival of summer brings anxiety, irritability, and depression instead of relief. This lesser-known condition—Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD)—affects a smaller percentage of people than its winter counterpart but […]

When Summer Isn’t So Sunny: Understanding Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder Read More »

Seasonal Affective Disorder: What to Do When the Winter Blues Linger

Leave a Comment / Mental Health /

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, many people feel a renewed sense of energy and motivation. For those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), springtime is often a welcome relief from the fatigue, sadness, and sluggishness that accompany winter. But what happens if those symptoms don’t

Seasonal Affective Disorder: What to Do When the Winter Blues Linger Read More »

True Freedom: The Courage to Commit and the Illusion of Choice

Leave a Comment / Love and Understanding, Mental Health /

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD In today’s world, “freedom” is often synonymous with having limitless options—whether it’s in relationships, careers, or even something as simple as what to watch on Netflix. We chase the ability to keep all doors open, believing that the more choices we have, the freer we are. But the irony is that

True Freedom: The Courage to Commit and the Illusion of Choice Read More »

What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?

Leave a Comment / Behavioral Needs, Mental Health /

By Debra Cohen-Melamed, LCSW, Certified TF-CBT Therapist For many people, the effects of trauma can feel like an invisible weight—one that lingers long after the traumatic experience is over. Whether it’s the result of abuse, loss, violence, or other difficult experiences, trauma can leave emotional wounds that don’t always heal on their own. If you’ve

What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)? Read More »

Joyful-ish Holidays: Protecting Your Peace During Family Gatherings

Leave a Comment / Mental Health /

By: Debra Cohen-Melamed, LCSW The holiday season often brings to mind twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and picture-perfect family moments straight out of a Hallmark movie. But for many people, the reality looks very different—think heated arguments over dinner, intrusive questions about your personal life, and the creeping feeling of being judged by relatives who only

Joyful-ish Holidays: Protecting Your Peace During Family Gatherings Read More »

New Year, Healthier Mind: How to Prioritize Self-Care in 2025

Leave a Comment / Mental Health, Therapy /

As we step into 2025, many of us are setting goals and resolutions to improve our lives. While focusing on fitness, finances, or career goals is common, prioritizing mental health and self-care should top the list. A healthier mind is the foundation for success in every area of life. This year, make self-care a cornerstone

New Year, Healthier Mind: How to Prioritize Self-Care in 2025 Read More »

Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays: Finding Joy in Your Own Way

Leave a Comment / Mental Health /

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for many, it can be a time of loneliness and emotional challenges. Whether due to distance from loved ones, the loss of a close relationship, or other personal circumstances, feeling isolated during the holidays is more common than many realize.

Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays: Finding Joy in Your Own Way Read More »

When an Elementary School-Aged Child is Deemed a Threat: The Ethical Dilemma of Clearance Letters for Suspended Students

Children, Mental Health, Student Support /

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD As a psychologist with nearly 25 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous urgent requests from parents seeking same-day appointments after their child was suspended for being labeled a threat at school. Whether the threat is verbal or behavioral, schools are tasked with enforcing policies that prioritize safety above all else. But

When an Elementary School-Aged Child is Deemed a Threat: The Ethical Dilemma of Clearance Letters for Suspended Students Read More »

Safeguarding Our Kids: The Mental Health Impact of School Safety Measures and How to Help

Leave a Comment / Children, Mental Health /

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD As the 2024-2025 school year began in Broward County, South Florida, parents and students alike faced new challenges with the introduction of metal detectors across 38 campuses. The heightened security measures have sparked mixed feelings among the community, with concerns about both safety and the practicality of the new protocols. Broward

Safeguarding Our Kids: The Mental Health Impact of School Safety Measures and How to Help Read More »