For many people, depression doesn’t begin with a sudden, severe change. It often starts quietly—fatigue that feels a little heavier than usual, irritability that shows up more often, losing interest in things you normally enjoy, or simply feeling “off” without an obvious explanation. These subtle shifts matter.

Rumination and overthinking often increase during the holidays because the season brings added stressors—such as family dynamics, financial pressure, disrupted routines, travel, and emotional memories.

Trauma shows up in our lives in ways that are sometimes obvious and sometimes incredibly subtle. It can shape how we feel, how we relate to others, how we respond to stress, and even how our bodies move through the day.

Trauma and its enduring effects are central concerns in mental health practice. Increasingly, clinicians and researchers are examining the link between trauma and addictive behaviors, and how understanding this connection can guide more effective interventions.

When the world shifted toward remote work, many people were hopeful. The idea of skipping commutes, spending more time with family, and working in sweatpants sounded like a dream. Yet, several years into the widespread work-from-home era, countless professionals are reporting something very different…

Sleep is essential to our mental and physical health. Yet for millions of people, falling or staying asleep is a nightly struggle, often worsened by anxiety.

Life is full of transitions—some expected, others not. For teenagers, transitions such as moving to a new home, navigating their parents’ divorce, or adjusting to a major change at school or in the family can feel overwhelming.

For many families, the idea of an autism evaluation brings more questions than answers. Parents often wonder: Is testing really necessary? What exactly happens during the assessment? Will this process give us clarity, or just another label?

Walking into a new school year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Many teens—just like you—experience back-to-school anxiety.

September marks Suicide Awareness Month, offering a vital opportunity to remove the stigma around talking about suicide, highlight prevention strategies, and promote evidence-based interventions.

Life as a teenager can feel overwhelming. School demands, social pressures, and the constant influence of technology often leave teens feeling stressed or uncertain about themselves. Parents often ask me, “How can I help my teen build confidence and resilience without pushing too hard?” One powerful answer lies in encouraging goal-oriented challenges.

If you’ve ever worried that your teen seems “unmotivated,” you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: most teenagers are not actually unmotivated — they’re motivated by different things than adults expect.

Most people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. For some, the emotional reactions to that trauma—such as intense distress, physical tension, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts—can make the idea of seeking help feel overwhelming. Traditional talk therapy can be helpful, but for some, directly retelling the story of what happened can be too activating.

This year feels different. Maybe you’ve said that yourself recently. Maybe you’ve been saying it all year. You’re not alone. People are scared. Inflation is still high, and it’s not just some abstract economic term—it shows up every time you go to the grocery store and spend $40 more for the same cart of food. Layoffs are happening in industries that once felt stable. Rent keeps rising. Gas is creeping up again. And therapy—even though you know you need it—suddenly feels like a luxury you’re not sure you can afford.

The top three causes of death in U.S. teenagers are accidents, homicide, and suicide. For all of recorded history, we’ve known that teens can be drawn to risky behavior. This is hardly news, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening.

If you’re searching for a therapist in Chevy Chase, MD, you’re not alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, going through a major life transition, or seeking help for your teen, finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps toward healing. But how do you know who’s the right fit? What questions should you ask—and what qualifications should you look for?

Parenting is a full-time job that lasts a lifetime. This presents many opportunities for questions to arise. From concerns about pregnancy to trying to figure out a moody teenager, these questions are typically quite challenging to answer.

As summer winds down, many families are making lists, shopping for supplies, and preparing for the school year ahead. But for some parents, back-to-school season doesn’t just bring excitement—it brings dread. If you’re parenting a teen who struggles with back to school anxiety, you’re not alone. For some adolescents, school isn’t just a stressor—it’s a source of deep emotional distress that can impact their mental health, academic performance, and family life.

The general perception of therapy is often limited. Each approach is unique and involves some distinct techniques. Of them, perhaps eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is the most distinctive.

While there's no one correct way to be a parent, there are innumerable ways to avoid. But how do we differentiate between personal preferences and choices that put children at harm?