BLOG

Sibling conflict is one of the most common—and exhausting—challenges parents face. From name-calling to physical fights, many parents are left wondering how to stop the behavior without constant punishment, yelling, or time-outs that don’t seem to work. This is where restorative justice comes in. Restorative justice offers parents a powerful alternative to punishment by focusing on repairing harm, building empathy, and teaching responsibility—skills children need far beyond c

Every parent knows the frustration of a power struggle—those moments when a simple request spirals into resistance, arguments, or tears. While Ross Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)  approach offers a powerful framework for reducing conflict, it’s equally important to recognize that parenting also requires moments of firm authority. The balance between collaboration and leadership is what helps children feel both heard and guided. What is Collaborative Problem Solv

ADHD: A Public Health Crisis That Impacts Life Expectancy and Lifelong Wellness When most people hear “ADHD,” they picture inattention, restlessness, or disorganization. But ADHD is not simply an attention disorder. It is a complex disorder of self-regulation and executive functioning—the brain’s ability to organize, plan, manage impulses, and think ahead. This difference matters. Because when the brain struggles to regulate itself and connect present actions with future cons

Have you ever noticed how a hearty salad leaves you energized, while a greasy fast-food meal makes you sluggish? That’s no coincidence. Science shows that what we eat directly influences how we feel, thanks to the powerful connection between our brain and gut. 🧠 The Brain-Gut Connection The gut is often called our “second brain” because it contains millions of neurons that communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve. Around 90% of serotonin—the “feel-good” neurotransm

The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and festive, but for many, it can be a time of deep grief and emotional struggle. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, coping with loneliness, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Why Grief Feels Stronger During the Holidays Memories & Traditions:  Holiday rituals often highlight the absence of loved ones. Social Pressure:  The expectation to be cheerful can feel is

Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions. You might feel hopeful about making changes but also uncertain or uneasy about the process. These feelings of resistance are common and natural. Rather than seeing resistance as a barrier, it can be a valuable signal pointing to deeper parts of your experience that need attention. This post explores why resistance happens, how to understand it, and practical ways to work through it in therapy. The goal is to create a supportive

Every child experiences big feelings  — anger, sadness, fear, frustration, excitement — and that’s perfectly normal. But when those emotions become overwhelming, children often don’t yet have the words or coping skills to express what’s happening inside. As a result, their emotions can show up as tantrums, outbursts, or withdrawal. The good news? With guidance, patience, and the right tools, children can learn to manage emotions in ways that build confidence and connection —

When someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to want to help. You may feel responsible for easing their pain or finding a solution—but the truth is, you can’t fix another person’s mental health. What you can do is offer support, compassion, and healthy boundaries. 1. Listen Without Trying to Solve Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen. Let them share what they’re feeling without jumping in to give advice or fix the s

The Holidays Aren’t Always Merry for Everyone The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many adults and families, it can also be one of the most stressful. Between financial pressure, family expectations, travel plans, and social gatherings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re already managing anxiety, depression, or burnout, the added stress of the season can make it even harder to enjoy what’s supposed to be a joyful time.

Understanding When It’s Time to Consider Medication Deciding whether to start medication for anxiety , ADHD , or depression can be one of the toughest choices for parents and adults alike. Medication can be life-changing for some — but it’s not always the first step. Understanding when medication might help can make the process less overwhelming and more informed. 1. Start with a Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation Before starting any medication, it’s important to get a c

In healthy relationships, love feels safe — not confusing, hurtful, or full of fear. Unfortunately, many people grow up believing that “love” means fixing, pleasing, or enduring disrespect. Understanding what a healthy relationship looks like can help break that cycle and build stronger, more respectful connections. What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like A healthy relationship is based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication. You feel comfortable being yourself — not

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) —often called seasonal depression —is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in late fall and winter. SAD can affect your motivation, sleep, appetite, and emotional well-being , making everyday tasks feel harder. While it’s normal to feel a little sluggish

When the clocks shift, it’s not just our schedules that get thrown off — our minds and bodies feel it too. Many people experience fatigue, irritability, or even mild depression after the time change. At Waterview Counseling Services, located in Watertown, C, we often see clients struggling with sleep disruption, seasonal mood changes, and increased stress during this transition. The good news? With a few small lifestyle adjustments, you can support your mental health during t

When life feels heavy, it’s natural to turn to people we trust. Friends can be incredible sources of comfort, laughter, and understanding. But sometimes, the challenges we face go deeper than what a friendly chat can help us sort through. That’s where therapy comes in. While both conversations can feel supportive, there are important differences between talking with a therapist and talking with a friend — and understanding those differences can help you decide what kind of su

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get stuck in stress, anger, or shutdown. Whether you’re an adult juggling responsibilities or a child learning to handle big emotions, we all have a natural range where we feel calm, connected, and able to cope. This range is called the window of tolerance—and learning how to stay within it (or return to it) is a key part of emotional health for both kids and adults. What Is the Window of Tolerance? The term window of tolerance was i

In therapy, we often talk about finding ways to regulate the nervous system—to help the body and mind return to a state of calm after stress or overwhelm. One of the most gentle and effective ways to do this is through art and coloring. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit. The simple act of coloring or engaging in creative expression can offer real relief for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and everyday stress. The Therapeutic Power of Coloring Coloring is more than

Divorce is never easy — not for adults, and certainly not for children. Even when separation is the healthiest choice, kids often struggle with feelings of confusion, sadness, and fear about what comes next. As parents, you can’t take away all the pain, but you can offer something just as powerful: safety, stability, and connection. With the right support, children can emerge from this transition feeling loved, understood, and emotionally secure. Understanding a Child’s Persp

Screens are everywhere—phones, tablets, computers, TVs—and they’re a big part of how we learn, connect, and unwind. But as screen use...

We’ve all heard the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”—but the truth is, lack of sleep can seriously affect how we think, feel, and handle...

When we think about school attendance problems, we often picture illness, family emergencies, or transportation issues. But for many students, the root cause is harder to see: mental health challenges. From anxiety and depression to trauma and social pressures, mental health struggles can significantly affect whether a student feels able—or safe—enough to attend school. Understanding this connection can help parents, teachers, and communities better support students in gettin