Perfectionism in Teens: When “Good Enough” is Not Enough

A person puts sparkly crown on their head

If you’ve ever watched a teen agonize over a homework assignment, the “perfect” outfit for school, or feedback from a coach, you’ve seen perfectionism in action. Perfectionism is more than a desire to do well. Rather, it’s an ingrained need to meet impossibly high standards, usually paired with a harsh inner critic. Teens who struggle with perfectionism are trying to meet the absolute highest academic, social, and athletic expectations all at once. Anything less than perfect feels like overwhelming failure. For teens, this can affect everything from mental health to relationships and even physical health.

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Navigating High-Conflict Divorce: Practical Steps for Families

high-conflict divorce can be like playing tug-of-war; two people tugging on a rope

Divorce is never easy, and in situations of high-conflict divorce, co-parenting can feel overwhelming. Even with the best intentions, ongoing arguments about parenting time, children’s health, and routine decision-making can leave you feeling exhausted and kids caught in the middle. The good news is that while you can’t control your ex’s behavior, you can take steps to lower the stress in your home and create more stability for your children. Let’s talk through high-conflict divorce: what it is, how to prioritize your children’s needs, and tools that can help co-parent (or when that’s not working, to “parallel parent”).  

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101 Positive Affirmations You Can Use Anytime

Positive affirmations written on hanging sticky notes

Positive affirmations are short, uplifting statements you can say to yourself to feel stronger and more confident. They help remind you of your worth and abilities, especially on days that feel hard. Research has shown that using affirmations can calm your mind and improve your mood. You can say them out loud to yourself, repeat them in your mind before bedtime, or jot them down in your journal. The affirmations below are organized into different themes, so you can pick the ones that fit what you need right now.

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Signs A Child May Benefit from Therapy

A parent comforting their child

Figuring out when your child needs extra support isn’t always straightforward. Kids, tweens, and teens all face ups and downs, and it can be tough to know what’s typical and what might be a sign of something more. If their behavior starts to impact daily life, if something just doesn’t feel right, or if they’ve asked to talk to someone, it might be time to consider therapy. Knowing common signs to look for can help you get your child or teen the support they need.

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Depersonalization/ Derealization Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Cope

A woman looking in a mirror; representative of an experience of depersonalization/derealization disorder

Imagine feeling like you’re stuck in a dream you can’t wake up from. Or like you’re watching your own life unfold from the outside. Maybe you have a sense that life is a simulation or that people around you are not real. For many people, this isn’t just a fleeting moment, but rather a regular experience of living with Depersonalization/ Derealization Disorder. These symptoms, often tied to stress or trauma, can feel unsettling, scary, and anxiety-provoking. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, it can help to understand more about this condition and how to cope with it. 

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You Can Do This: A Guide to Co-Parenting Through Divorce

The words Co-Parenting are spelled out on a piece of paper in a typewriter

Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. As a parent, you’re probably navigating your own emotional upheaval while trying to provide consistency, stability, and love for your children. The good news? With intention and the right strategies, co-parenting can work, often better than you might expect.

Whether your children are toddlers, school-aged, or teens, here are some best practices to help you co-parent effectively during and after a divorce.

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The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Families

a young child wearing sunglasses and a hat has her arms raised in a joyful expression

Yay- it’s summer! Summer offers families the opportunity to slow down and make lasting memories together. In my work with families, I encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend time together—not only for fun, but also for strengthening bonds and promoting emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking for creative, relaxing, or adventurous activities, a thoughtfully crafted summer bucket list can help your family stay connected and make the most of the season. No matter where you live, here are some ideas to get you started (and a bonus 10 tips for those who call the Denver area home). 

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Tired of Your Kids Fighting? Here’s What Actually Helps

A small child holds up a fist at a taller child with pigtails

If your kids seem to be in a constant state of conflict—arguing over toys, calling each other names, or turning every car ride into a battleground—you’re not alone. As a child and family therapist, I often hear about kids fighting and the stress it causes in families. Frequent fighting between kids can impact their emotional well-being. It can also be deeply upsetting to parents striving to raise kind children with strong sibling relationships. 

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