Parents want what’s best for their child, but sometimes it can be confusing, or even scary, to know when your child or teen might benefit from therapy. Many parents worry that they are overreacting or are unsure when it is the appropriate time for their child to begin therapy. As a therapist who specializes in working with children and teens, I hope that this guide will help answer some of the questions you might have about whether therapy may be a good fit for your child.

Living with a chronic illness is more than managing symptoms—it can also mean navigating feelings of isolation, frustration, and uncertainty. A support group creates a safe and compassionate space where people can connect with others who truly understand their journey. From sharing practical coping strategies to finding validation and encouragement, support groups remind us that we don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can feel isolating and overwhelming. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a life change, counseling offers a safe space to share your story, process emotions, and find hope again. At Brentwood Counseling Associates, we walk with you through grief with compassion and support—helping you honor your loss while moving forward. You don’t have to grieve alone.

Living with chronic illness affects more than the body — it impacts mental health too. Anxiety, depression, grief, and medical trauma are common, not from weakness but because mind and body are deeply connected. Stress, isolation, and loss often worsen symptoms, creating a difficult cycle. Therapy can help by offering coping tools, processing grief, and building resilience. Caring for both physical and emotional health is key to living fully with chronic illness.

An emotionally immature parent (or grandparent, friend, etc.) often expects you to conform to their worldview, give full room to their emotional needs and moods, and meet their every expectation. When you don’t meet their needs, there may be tension that comes out in various ways, such as the following: Reacting strongly when you try to set boundaries.  Making conversations about them, even when you’re the one who’s expressing a need.  Using your achievements or presence to

Over-functioning is a behavioral pattern where a person consistently takes on more responsibility (emotionally, mentally, physically, or even spiritually) than is healthy or sustainable. It often involves stepping in to solve problems for others, anticipating needs before they’re expressed which unfortunately for me never goes very well. Sometimes it can even manifest in the undeniable urge to take charge to prevent things from “falling apart,” even when they might not be.

At Brentwood Counseling Associates, we understand that becoming a parent is not just a life event—it is a profound transformation. It touches every part of your identity: your body, your relationships, your inner world. Whether you are navigating fertility challenges, adjusting to life after birth, or trying to reconnect with yourself amidst the chaos, support is here.

There are countless therapies, skills, and interventions available today. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially when faced with the long list of credentials following a therapist’s name. Maybe you have a specific issue you want to address, but aren’t sure which kind of therapist or method to choose. This article aims to shed light on two well-known therapeutic approaches: Brainspotting (BSP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Religious Trauma Syndrome or RTS*. It’s a concept that was coined in 2011 by Dr. Marlene Winell, a social worker and psychologist who sat with numerous individuals from high-control religious backgrounds. These individuals experienced symptoms identical to trauma survivors (think back to the war veteran or abused partner mentioned earlier) with the added complexity of being deeply involved in their faith communities. 

Good mental health allows us to cope with stress, build strong relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience.

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a research-based treatment used to address numerous issues such as...

We all have a story in our heads. It’s the narrative we tell ourselves about who we are, what we’re capable of, and how we fit into the...

There are 4 domains that significantly impact our quality of life. “4 Pillars of Wellbeing.” They are: “Eat, sleep, move, breathe

Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys

“What do you think of when you consider your past?” This question was posed to me by a therapist many years ago. I wasn’t sure how to...

Prior to the pandemic, teletherapy was something that was available but not being utilized to the extent it is now. The rise of COVID-19...

You might be wondering if that’s even possible. 2020 has been a challenge, to say the least. There’s no doubt that it’s left a lot of us...

The new normal. Mental health and COVID-19. If you’re wondering how to optimize wellness during the current pandemic, you’re not alone....

Every living creature experiences anxiety. Anxiety is necessary for survival and adaptation. Normal teen anxiety is common, and generally...

So, you’re wondering if your child needs a therapist and are asking yourself, “Is this (fill in the blank) normal?” I completely...