The holidays are often painted as a season of joy, connection, and celebration. But for many teens, this time of year can amplify feelings of isolation, sadness, and stress. Between disrupted routines, social pressures, and complex family dynamics, holiday mental health challenges can quietly take root, and depression may go unnoticed. As a parent, knowing … Read more
If you’re a parent in Ballwin, Kirkwood, Frontenac, or anywhere across St. Louis, you’ve likely felt a pang of guilt at the thought of pulling your child out of school for therapy. You might worry about missed instruction, falling behind, or how teachers and other parents will perceive your decision. This concern is deeply rooted … Read more
As a parent, you’re constantly making choices that shape your child’s well-being—from keeping them safe and supported to helping them grow emotionally and academically. But sometimes, even the smallest decisions bring up big questions. Why Midday Appointments Might Be Exactly What Your Child Needs One common dilemma for many parents is whether it’s okay for … Read more
Childhood shapes so much of who we become, but what happens when those early years are filled with stress, neglect, or emotional wounds? Trauma doesn’t just disappear because we grow up. Instead, it often weaves itself into our adult lives in ways we don’t always recognize. If you’ve ever wondered why certain patterns in your … Read more
In the past year, unprecedented numbers of people have been seeking help from AI for urgent mental health needs. According to OpenAI, out of 800 million weekly users, about 0.15%—roughly 1.2 million people—talk to ChatGPT about suicide each week. Additionally, hundreds of thousands display signs of mania or psychosis, and many others show intense emotional … Read more
Childhood trauma doesn’t simply fade as time passes. For many adults in the St. Louis area, early emotional wounds continue to influence everyday life—affecting relationships, confidence, and stress response. The struggle isn’t about willpower or inability to “move on.” Trauma leaves a lasting imprint on the brain and body, shaping how we experience safety, love, … Read more
Fatherhood is often described as one of life’s greatest gifts. You see that message everywhere—from commercials that show playful dads and happy kids, to social media posts celebrating “dad life.” And, yes, there are moments when it feels like the most meaningful thing you’ll ever do. A bedtime hug. A proud cheer from the sidelines. … Read more
You love them. You really do. But if you’ve walked out of a room lately and mouthed “What just happened?” to yourself—or caught your reflection mid-sigh because somehow your teenager just argued against showering—this one’s for you. No long lectures. No “10 easy steps to peaceful parenting.” Just real-life moments that remind you that you … Read more
If you’ve walked with us through Is it Okay That I Hate My Teenager? and Field Notes for Moms of Teens, you already know this truth: parenting teens is messy, humbling, and full of emotions you never expected to feel. This phase can stretch your patience, test your boundaries, and tug at your heart in … Read more
Strong relationships are built on connection, an ongoing process of understanding, support, and truly seeing each other. While love is the foundation, deepening emotional intimacy requires intentional effort. Whether you’ve been together for years or are just starting to build a life together, nurturing a stronger bond with couples therapy can shift a relationship into … Read more