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Supporting Academy Players' Mental Health: What Parents, Coaches and Clubs Can Do
The day your child earns a place in a football (soccer) academy can feel like the start of a dream. There is the new kit, the training schedule, and the quiet pride of watching someone you love get closer to the game they adore. Within months, though, the pace changes: training most days, weekend travel, schoolwork squeezed into car rides, and an assessment hanging over every season. Academy life builds real strengths in young players, including discipline, resilience, teamwo

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Oct 257 min read


Performance Anxiety in Athletes: Why Pressure Builds and What Helps
The night before a big match, your body often knows before you do. Dinner sits heavy, sleep arrives in pieces, and a skill you have practiced a thousand times suddenly feels unfamiliar. Then the whistle blows, your legs feel slow, and your mind replays last season's mistake on a loop. If this sounds familiar, you are in very good company. Performance anxiety in athletes is one of the most common experiences in sport, from Saturday youth leagues to World Cup stages, and it is

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Oct 227 min read


ADHD Decision Paralysis: Why It Happens and How to Overcome It
Quick answer: ADHD decision paralysis is the experience of feeling frozen and unable to choose or start, even when your options are clear. It happens when executive functioning challenges, too many inputs, and emotional overwhelm collide, so your brain stalls instead of deciding. It is common, it is not a character flaw, and it responds well to the right strategies and support. If you have ADHD, you may find yourself stuck when trying to make even simple choices, and what sho

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Mar 237 min read


Grounding Techniques for Neurodivergent People: How to Feel Steady When Plans Change
A canceled appointment, a rerouted train, a meeting that moves without warning. For many neurodivergent people, a sudden change does more than shift the schedule. It can bring a rush of anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or the feeling that the ground just moved under your feet. If that sounds familiar, there is nothing wrong with you. Your brain is doing what it does well: noticing that something important changed. Grounding techniques for neurodivergent people work with that wirin

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Dec 9, 20259 min read


Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Signs, Causes, and How to Manage It
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can feel overwhelming for many neurodivergent adults, especially when a small interaction sets off an intense emotional response. If a piece of criticism lingers for hours, if you find yourself bracing for disapproval, or if a slight shift in someone's tone leaves you shaken, you are not alone. These experiences are closely connected to differences in emotional regulation and nervous system sensitivity, and they make a lot of sense once you

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Nov 8, 20258 min read


Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD: How to Cope with RSD
If you have ADHD, you may already know the feeling. A short email reply, a pause in a conversation, or a piece of feedback at work can land like a punch and stay with you for hours. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in ADHD can make everyday interactions feel emotionally intense, and it often leaves people wondering why they react so much more strongly than those around them. For many neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, these reactions are not about being "too sens

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Oct 10, 20246 min read


Job Search Stress and Burnout: Managing Anxiety During the Job Search Process
Job search stress and burnout can make an already challenging process feel overwhelming. Whether you’re transitioning careers or re-entering the workforce, the pressure of applications, uncertainty, and waiting can take a toll on your mental health. Managing job search stress, anxiety, and burnout is essential for protecting your well-being and maintaining momentum throughout the process. While the process can feel intense, there are ways to support yourself and create balanc

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Oct 4, 20243 min read


How to Overcome Loneliness: 6 Strategies to Build Meaningful Connection
Learning how to overcome loneliness can feel difficult, especially in a world that is more digitally connected but often less emotionally connected. Loneliness affects people at nearly every stage of life, during major transitions, after loss, or simply when routines shift. While loneliness is a common human experience, it can still feel isolating. The good news is that connection can be rebuilt over time through small, intentional steps grounded in self-compassion and gradua

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Apr 11, 20245 min read


Body Negative Talk: How to Respond with Confidence and Self-Compassion
Body negative talk is a common part of many social interactions, especially in cultures shaped by diet culture and appearance-based expectations. You might hear comments like, “I’m being good today,” or “I could never wear that,” which can create discomfort, pressure, or even self-doubt. These moments can feel awkward, especially when you’re unsure how to respond. The good news is that you have options, and you can navigate these conversations in ways that align with your val

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Feb 23, 20243 min read


Embracing Afrocentric Therapy: Amplifying Black Voices in Mental Wellness
Exploring the Afrocentric Therapy perspective reveals a profound emphasis on placing historical experiences and their implications at the forefront of Black discourse. This perspective transcends mere acknowledgment of the pain and trauma inherent in navigating society as a Black individual; it also celebrates the strengths of Black communities, encompassing language, tradition, celebration, and community-building. In societies where dominant forces control narratives and tra

Arianna Jones, LCSW
Feb 16, 20242 min read


Empowering Your Journey: Part 2 of the Imposter Syndrome Series - Imposter Syndrome Strategies
Welcome to Part 2 of our Imposter Syndrome series. In our previous blog post, we delved into Dr. Valerie Young's five imposter types: The Perfectionist, The Expert, The Natural Genius, The Soloist, and The Super-person. For a more comprehensive understanding of each type, please refer to Part 1 of our series titled "Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Feelings of 'I don't deserve to be here' and 'I'm a fraud.'" Early research suggested that imposter syndrome was linked to factors s

Sheylah Trotter-Lundquist, LMHC
Dec 22, 20233 min read


The Art of Setting and Achieving SMART Goals: Effective Goal-Setting Strategies
Goal-setting strategies are a fundamental aspect of therapy that captivates many. While each person's approach to setting goals may differ, the shared aim is always the same: therapist and client alike strive to achieve desired outcomes. Robust goal-setting at the onset of therapy establishes a framework and direction for a structured plan and agenda in the sessions that follow. As a therapist, my goal is to ensure that every client receives commensurate benefits from therapy

Arianna Jones, LCSW
Dec 8, 20233 min read


Postpartum Depression Treatment: How Recovery Actually Happens (Part Two)
In Part One, we explored the symptoms and realities of postpartum depression. Now let us talk about what actually helps. Postpartum depression treatment typically involves therapy, practical support, and sometimes medication, depending on the severity of your symptoms. The goal is to reduce symptoms, restore daily functioning, and support both your emotional and physical recovery after childbirth. Recovery is rarely a straight line, and that is normal. With the right combinat

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Oct 27, 20237 min read


Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Feelings of 'I don't deserve to be here' and 'I'm a fraud'
These are common thoughts associated with individuals grappling with overcoming imposter syndrome. Initially described by psychologists Suzanne Imes, PhD, and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, in the 1970s, imposter phenomenon (often referred to as imposter syndrome) was originally thought to affect mainly women. However, research on the topic has revealed that men also experience the feelings associated with imposter syndrome. Although it is not recognized as a mental health disorde

Sheylah Trotter-Lundquist, LMHC
Oct 27, 20232 min read


Embracing Growth: Your Journey Through Therapy with Trauma-Informed Care
The concept of "therapy" can be intimidating, eliciting feelings of worry and anxiety while also inspiring emotions of hope and excitement. The act of seeking therapy signifies that you have come to a pivotal moment in your life, a point where you're ready to evolve from the coping mechanisms of the past and embrace the development of a more resilient, empowered version of yourself. While the ultimate goal of therapy is progress, it's essential to recognize that this journey

Arianna Jones, LCSW
Oct 18, 20233 min read


Embracing Strength: Overcoming Stigmas While Seeking Support for Mental Health
In a society that often emphasizes self-reliance and fortitude, it's essential to view seeking support for mental health challenges through the lens of embracing strength in mental health support. Recognizing that reaching out for help is an act of resilience and courage can be a powerful way to break down the stigmas that sometimes surround it. In this blog, we'll explore the journey of seeking mental health support as a path of strength, growth, and self-empowerment. The St

Arianna Jones, LCSW
Oct 1, 20232 min read


Autumn Anxiety: How to Support Your Mental Health as Seasons Change
As summer shifts into fall, many people notice changes in energy, mood, and overall well-being. While autumn can bring comfort and beauty, it can also come with increased anxiety, low mood, or a sense of unease. Autumn anxiety is more common than people realize. Seasonal transitions affect both the body and mind, especially as routines, light exposure, and daily rhythms begin to change. What Is Autumn Anxiety? Autumn anxiety refers to increased stress, mood changes, or emotio

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Sep 29, 20233 min read


Mastering Your Habits: The Habit Tracking Benefits for Success
As the school year kicks off and many people face increasing workloads and responsibilities, it's easy for positive habits to fall by the wayside and for less productive ones to take hold. Habit tracking benefits offer a helpful tool to combat this shift. A habit tracker lets you record behaviors you're aiming to modify or maintain, helping you stay on track with your goals. Humans, unsurprisingly, aren’t the best at objectively reporting our own actions. We might think we're

Sheylah Trotter-Lundquist, LMHC
Sep 22, 20232 min read


Living with ADHD: Emotions Management
For individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the emotional landscape can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, with emotions surging, shifting, and rising with an intensity that might be perplexing to those without the condition. This heightened emotional experience is a common thread that runs through the lives of many with ADHD, and it can have profound effects on various aspects of their lives. Research has unveiled a fascinating connection between

Jessica Studer, LICSW
Aug 21, 20233 min read


School Transitions for Children: How to Support a Smooth Back-to-School Adjustment
Navigating school transitions can bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and anxiety for both children and caregivers. The start of a new school year often means new routines, environments, expectations, and relationships. While some children adjust quickly, others may need more support to feel safe, prepared, and regulated during this transition. The goal isn’t to eliminate all nerves. It’s to help your child move through the transition with support, predictability, and con

Mema Mansouri, LICSW
Aug 11, 20233 min read
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