By Madi Shealy & Katie Sardone, PhD The sun is setting later and the flowers are in full bloom, spring is finally here! If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, or in need of a change, it may be time for a little spring refresh to boost your mood and your aesthetic! Try out these three tips to improve your mood, boost your productivity and enhance the joy you feel in your home or office: Spruce Up Your Space The aesthetic of your living and working spaces are closely linked with your mood and well-being. Whether it be repainting your walls, changing the layout of your furniture or adding artwor ..read more

By Priscilla Rogers-Fahy, PsyD Postpartum depression (PPD) can be a scary and isolating experience for women. PPD most of the time does not look like it does in the media, it can come in varying degrees. For example, mild depression may look like sadness, feeling isolated and being hard on yourself. More severe depression, however, may include symptoms like intense guilt, anger or thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or your baby. PPD looks different for different mothers. So, it is important to not only be aware of the symptoms of PPD, but also to monitor yourself on a regular basis and discu ..read more

By Chemwapuwa Blackman, PsyD The recent spotlight on black maternal mortality rates underscores a longstanding concern for black women, who are 2-3 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within 42 days postpartum compared to white women. Notably, black women born in the United States face a higher risk of preeclampsia, a significant contributor to maternal mortality, than their foreign-born, black counterparts, Hispanic women, and white women. Preeclampsia, along with eclampsia, embolism, and cardiomyopathy disproportionately affect black maternal health outcomes, irrespective of socioe ..read more

By Sarah Hosseini, PsyD What Are Love Languages? The ways in which people feel and experience love greatly varies. Love languages describe the different ways people express and receive love in relationships. While one may rely on the use of multiple love languages, each individual tends to have a preference for how they receive love from others as well as how they express love to others. Additionally, one’s preference for how they receive love may differ from how they tend to express it. Similar to spoken language, it is important to communicate using love languages that others are fluent in ..read more

By Sarah Hosseini, PsyD  Therapy has become popularized over the past several years, with many people taking an increased interest in their mental health and wellbeing. With a variety of therapeutic approaches and plethora of mental health resources, it can be challenging to determine if therapy is right for you while maintaining realistic expectations along the way. While having a wide assortment of therapists and treatments available allows individuals to be selective and find the best fit, uncertainty about the process can present a challenge to making informed decisions. We are here t ..read more

By Alyse Willett, LPC If you’re like the 77.5% of mothers with children under the age of 6, you’re likely expected to return to work after maternity leave, or will consider returning to work at some point in the future (U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, April 2021). While the idea of returning to work may result in an excess of mixed emotions, there are several things to consider which will likely ease this transitional period for you and your child. There’s No “Normal” Way to Feel About Returning to Work However you feel about returning to work, know that your emotions are likely completel ..read more

By Alex Harris, PhD As the holiday season approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. However, amidst the festive cheer and family gatherings, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. Setting boundaries during the holidays is not just an act of self-care; it's a gift you give yourself to ensure a joyful and low-stress celebration.  The holiday season often comes with a whirlwind of events, obligations, and expectations. From social gatherings to gift shopping, the pressure to meet everyone's expectations can become overwhelming. This is where setting boundaries, especially in ..read more

By Alex Harris, PhD As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving, a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious feasts, and express gratitude for the people and circumstances in our lives. Beyond the mouth watering dishes and festive decorations, Thanksgiving carries a profound message — the importance of being thankful. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of being thankful, delving into the psychological benefits that extend far beyond the holiday season. The Power of Gratitude Gratitude is more than just a polite expression of thanks; it's a min ..read more

By Yaprak Harrison, MD, PhD The consequences of untreated mental illness in pregnant and postpartum women can be devastating, yet many women hesitate to pursue medication as a treatment option due fear of negative outcomes for themselves or their babies. There is an abundance of incomplete and misleading information in the media related to psychiatric medications which puts women in an impossible situation when considering their treatment: “Should I risk my own mental health? Or risk harming my baby?” Many women, trying to put their baby’s needs first, choose to forgo medication and wind up fe ..read more

By Alyse Willett, LPC Many of us have an image of “the supermom,” or the mom who magically does it all perfectly with a smile on her face, a clean home, and a happy baby who coos and babbles and is never inconsolable. The supermom manages the challenges of being a parent effortlessly and certainly doesn’t resemble a sleep-deprived zombie. Supermom is in a state of perpetual parental bliss and loves everything about being a mother. She is ever patient, ever graceful, and manages to do everything right without sacrificing her womanhood in the process.  Picture Perfect, Right? Today’s digit ..read more