By: Abigail Liescheidt, LCSWA When most people think of yoga, they may picture stretching, difficult poses, or a quiet room filled with people practicing on mats. But yoga can be much more than physical exercise. When combined with mindfulness, breathwork, and intentional movement, yoga can offer tools that support emotional well-being, stress management, and a
Straight A’s, honors classes, varsity sports, leadership roles and a college list that keeps getting longer. From the outside, high-achieving teens can look like they have it all together. Teachers praise them. Other parents ask how you did it. But many high performers are carrying more than anyone can see. Behind the accomplishments, there can
By Abigail Liescheidt, LCSWA Have you ever noticed your heart racing when you’re anxious, your stomach feeling unsettled when you’re stressed, or your body becoming tense when you feel threatened? These physical responses are not separate from our emotional experiences. Our brains and bodies are constantly communicating with one another, helping us respond to what
The start of the school year brings a lot of change at once. A new school year rarely arrives quietly. For many teens and young adults, the first few weeks of school bring a familiar mix of excitement and dread with new classes, new schedules, new social dynamics, and the pressure to perform. As a
When college students come home for the summer, it often creates a mix of excitement, adjustment, and perhaps tension. Parents are likely looking forward to seeing and interacting closely with their child every day again, while students who have lived “on their own” for months may expect to maintain the level of independence they’ve had
By: Bridget Howard-Vanevenhoven, LCMHCA Burnout is common in helping professions, but it can also occur in other settings when there is prolonged pressure without adequate recovery. Some examples include school, caregiving, work, and other personal responsibilities. For teens and young adults, burnout often develops when there are extensive expectations combined with limited opportunities for rest
By: Sarah Marion, LCSWA The college application process can feel like a marathon — one filled with essays, deadlines, decisions, and uncertainty about the future. For many teenagers, the application process is the first high-pressure decision they are told will heavily impact the rest of their lives. Between maintaining grades, managing extracurriculars, and preparing for
By: Tabi Youngs, LCSWA When looking back on some of my favorite holiday moments, most of them center around gathering with family and sharing favorite foods with loved ones. However, for many people, this isn’t their experience. Anxiety around family and food related activities often arise and can be difficult to cope with. Disordered eating
By: Bridget Howard-Vanevenhoven, LCMHCA Young adults (ages 18-27) often experience a mixture of excitement, doubt, and anxiety as they launch into adulthood. Throughout high school, adolescents crave the freedoms associated with turning 18. While autonomy is important to successfully navigate adulthood, many young adults need additional support to feel equipped for healthy independence. There is
By: Brittany Collins, LCSW, LCAS For teens heading off to college, freedom is on the horizon and with it come a whole host of emotions and great unknowns. For parents, worries and feelings may run rampant as well. Challenges are present with this new chapter, including academic pressure, managing time, social adjustments, and maintaining mental
