The brain has three main executive functions: working memory (which helps you remember what you’re doing at the present moment), cognitive flexibility (which helps you shift your thinking from one topic to another), and inhibition control (which helps you focus and stop yourself from saying and doing certain things). Executive dysfunction disrupts these functions, making it difficult for someone to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What Causes Executive Dysfunction? Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes executive dysfunction, but studies suggest that it can result from various conditions, including: Addiction Alzheimer’s disease Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Autism spectrum disorder Brain tumors Cerebral hypoxia Exposure to certain toxins Dementia Depression Epilepsy Head injuries Huntington’s disease Infections Multiple sclerosis (MS) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Schizophrenia Strokes Treatment for executive dysfunction will usually depend on the condition that caused it. What Are the Symptoms of Executive Dysfunction? Executive dysfunction can produce different symptoms in different people. If you have executive dysfunction, you may: Be easily distracted Find it hard to focus on one thing Daydream when you need to pay attention Focus too much on one thing Lack impulse control Have a hard time explaining your thought processes Struggle to motivate yourself to start difficult or boring tasks Have trouble planning or completing tasks Get easily interrupted partway through tasks Find it difficult to move from one task to another Learn More About Executive Dysfunction If you think you might be experiencing executive dysfunction, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Our experienced therapists understand the impact that executive dysfunction can have on a person’s life, and we would love the opportunity to help you overcome the challenges you’re currently facing. Contact us today to get started.
You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead of resentful. But did you know that there are numerous types of boundaries? Here are three of the most common: Physical boundaries – You communicate how you want to be touched and how much personal space you need. For example, you can let a colleague know that you’d rather shake hands instead of hugging or kissing. This doesn’t just apply to your body, either—you can also let your in-laws know that you don’t feel comfortable having them enter your bedroom while they’re babysitting. Material boundaries – You communicate when you’re willing to lend out money and possessions and how you want them to be treated. For instance, you can let a friend know that you can’t afford to lend them more than $100. Or, you can tell your son that he can only borrow your car if he returns it with a full tank of gas. Time boundaries – You communicate how you want to use your time. For example, you can tell your boss that you can’t stay past the end of your scheduled workday. Or, you can ask your spouse to refrain from calling and texting while you’re having dinner with friends except in case of an emergency. Start Setting Boundaries in Your Life If you need help implementing any of the boundaries described above, contact us today and ask to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We understand the many benefits that healthy boundaries can offer, and we’ll work with you to identify the steps you’ll need to take to set them in your life.
It’s well known that the teen years are the most trying time for parents. It may seem like their rebellion is personal, and that they’re determined to make your home life miserable; but in reality, this is a natural process. Your teenager is maturing both physically and emotionally, and their brain is still developing. When their frontal cortex develops in a few years, you will see a different person. Until that time however, talking to them can feel nearly impossible. Here are some tips for talking to your angry teen.  Change Your Parenting Style If you have an authoritarian parenting style, you’ll need to switch styles. An authoritarian method of parenting will cause you to butt heads with your teen, resulting in increased anger and lack of resolution. Switch your style to an authoritative style to get better reactions. An authoritative parent explains their reasoning, gives consequences while taking their child’s feelings and other circumstances into consideration, and overall puts a great deal of effort into the relationship they’re developing with their child. Frame the Conversation When it’s time to have a conversation with your teen, first frame the conversation so they know that you’re not angry. If they think you’re angry, they’re more likely to get defensive or shut down. Because they’re unable to fully control their emotions or foresee the consequences of their behavior, they’re highly reactive and will immediately become irrationally angry. To avoid this, let them know that you are irritated, disappointed, or upset, but that you’re not angry with them. Listen Overall, it’s important to keep lines of communication open with your teen. You can turn anger into dialogue by simply making an effort to listen to and understand your teen, and ensure that you heard them and understand their feelings. Trying to give advice or enforce rules can break communication down when you need it to stay open. Your teen is trying to figure out their identity as they go through many hormonal, growth and development changes that are out of their control. Understand that their anger is about asserting themselves or trying to separate themselves as an individual. This is a difficult time, and your teen needs empathy. Stay your child’s safe and secure base, so when they’ve calmed down or are growing out of this phase, they know where to come back. If you’re a parent having a difficult time with a teenager, a licensed therapist can offer support and guidance for both of you. Call my office today so we can set up a time to talk.
Back when many of us were growing up, our parents would yell at us to shut the TV off and go outside and play. Parents of generations past knew that fresh air and sunshine were ultimately healthier than watching the “boob tube.” And back then the boob tube was far gentler than it is today!  But with each passing generation of parents, the TV was not just used for entertainment, it also became the number 1 babysitter for many households. I’m sure if we’re honest, most of us would admit to sticking our kids in front of the television so we could get some work done. But there have been far too many studies that have concluded that television is harmful to our children’s development. In fact, many child psychologists and child development experts recommend that young children between the ages of 2 and 3 not be exposed to TV at all. Sadly, many parents place their young toddler in front of the TV set in hopes it will be educational for them. Just How harmful is Television to Children? It may surprise you what some studies uncovered about the effects of television viewing and children: 1. Poor Academic Performance Researchers at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons found that 14-year-olds who watched more than one hour of TV daily “were at elevated risk for poor homework completion, negative attitudes toward school, poor grades, and long-term academic failure.’’ Those kids who watched three or more hours of TV each day were at even greater risk for learning disabilities. 2. A Lower Level of Education Another study published in the American Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that “Increased time spent watching television during childhood and adolescence was associated with a lower level of educational attainment by early adulthood.’’ 3. Development of Bad Lifestyle Choices It’s not just education that is affected by TV viewing. The University of Michigan Health System has stated that kids who watch television are more likely to be overweight, smoke, have high cholesterol and suffer from sleep problems. 4. Teen Sex Other studies have found that teens who watch more sexual content on TV are twice as likely to be involved in underage pregnancy. What Can We Do? Be a model to our kids and get up from the TV and do something better with our time. Pursue hobbies and social activities and involve our kids as much as possible. Ban electronics at the dinner table. The kids who do well in school are those who learn to speak and listen to others. Keep TV and cellphones out of kids’ rooms so they don’t sneak watch when they should be sleeping. Pay attention to what our kids are watching and consider using parenting software to shield young children from sexual or violent content. While some of us older folks may think, “We watched TV growing up and we came out just fine,” it’s important to remember that TV viewing time back then was generally far less and the content was far different. If we want our kids to thrive and become the best they can be in the future, it may be time to make some adjustments right now.
Key Takeaways: The brain can change at any age through learning, experience, and recovery. Neuroplasticity supports healing after injuries like stroke or trauma. Daily habits— like exercise, sleep, and mindfulness— enhance brain adaptability . Negative patterns , such as addiction, also reshape the brain through plasticity. Therapies and targeted practices can help rewire unhelpful neural pathways. The human brain has long been considered one of the most complex organs in the body, and only in recent decades have we begun to truly understand its remarkable ability to adapt and change. This capacity, known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself—both in structure and function—throughout life. Interest in neuroplasticity has surged not only in scientific communities but also among individuals seeking to improve memory Neurodegeneration , recover from injury, or manage mental health . As research continues to evolve, so does public curiosity. But along with rising interest come common misconceptions: some believe brain adaptability only happens in childhood, while others think it's a quick fix for any cognitive issue. This article aims to clarify what neuroplasticity is, how it works, and what it means for learning, healing, and everyday life. What Is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new neural connections or modify existing ones in response to experience, learning, or injury. It’s the reason people can recover after a stroke, learn a second language, or improve motor skills through practice. Rather than being a rigid structure, the brain is more like a dynamic system—constantly updating itself based on what we do, feel, and think. A Brief History of the Concept The term " plasticity " was first introduced in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that neuroscience began to accept that the adult brain could continue changing. Before then, the prevailing belief was that brain development halted after childhood. This shifted as brain imaging and clinical research began to show evidence of ongoing adaptability well into adulthood. Does Neuroplasticity Really Work? Yes—and there’s strong evidence to support it. Real-life examples are backed by imaging studies showing physical and functional changes in the brain over time. Stroke Recovery Supported By Brain Rewiring A 2023 fMRI study followed 15 first-stroke patients over 6 months, with five scans per patient. It found that patients who showed strong motor recovery also had significantly enhanced functional recruitment in intact brain networks—by looking at patterns of brain activity, researchers could predict who would recover — and they were right nearly 86% of the time.  Additionally, resting state fMRI (a type of brain scan taken while a person is not doing any specific task) showed improved interhemispheric functional connectivity in the motor cortex — meaning the two sides of the brain’s movement center were working together more smoothly. This improved coordination between brain hemispheres was linked to patients regaining physical function after therapy. London Taxi Drivers Hippocampal Remodeling In one classic study, 39 trainee cabbies underwent MRI scans before and after “The Knowledge” test — an intensive memorization of 25,000 streets and landmarks. The results showed that trainees who successfully passed the exam showed increased grey matter in the posterior hippocampus, the region linked to spatial memory. Control groups and those who failed did not show these changes. This striking structural change proves that even in adulthood, specialized learning can physically reshape brain regions. Musicians With Fine-Tuned Brain Anatomy A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found that musical training physically reshapes the brain, particularly in regions involved in hearing, movement, and coordination. Starting young leads to more pronounced and lasting changes — even just 20 minutes of practice can trigger neural shifts. Musicians detect subtle sound differences others miss, and their brains devote more space to skilled body parts like the fingering hand. Trauma And Therapy To Prefrontal–Amygdala Changes Neuroimaging reviews show that trauma-focused psychotherapy (e.g. CBT or exposure therapy) induces measurable brain changes: Altered patterns of prefrontal cortex activation, linked to improved regulation of fear or PTSD responses. Pilot ketamine + exposure therapy in PTSD patients produced structural and functional changes during trauma memory reconsolidation. Functional neurofeedback in PTSD veterans (n=20) targeting left amygdala led to significant reduction in PTSD (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) scores (80% responded vs 38% with sham) In simple terms? Healing from trauma doesn’t just change how you feel—it can literally change how your brain works. The right kind of therapy can help rewire the circuits that keep fear and distress stuck on repeat. How Neuroplasticity Works At the core of neuroplasticity is the concept of neurons communicating and reorganizing. This happens through synaptic plasticity , where neurons form new connections or strengthen existing ones based on use. Learning, practicing, or adapting to change all influence how these synapses behave. Cortical Remapping In some cases, particularly following injury, the brain can reassign tasks to different regions—a process called cortical remapping . For example, if one part of the brain is damaged, another area may take over its functions to compensate. This adaptability is a fundamental reason why rehabilitation is possible. How Long Does It Take to Rewire the Brain? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Simple changes, like practicing a new skill, can create measurable changes within a few weeks. More complex changes, such as those involved in recovery from injury or trauma, may take months or longer. 1. Timeframe of neuroplasticity Short-term plasticity : Seconds to minutes (e.g., temporary changes in synaptic strength) Long-term plasticity : Hours to years (e.g., learning, recovery after stroke, trauma adaptation) 2. Context of change Motor learning : Structural brain changes (like new connections in the motor cortex) can emerge after 2–4 weeks of consistent practice. Meditation : Studies show gray matter thickening in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex after just 8 weeks of mindfulness training (e.g., Hölzel et al., 2011). Stroke recovery : Functional neuroplasticity (via fMRI) is observed as early as days to weeks , but long-term rewiring can span months to years , depending on severity and rehabilitation. Language learning : fMRI and DTI studies show white matter and hippocampal changes after 3 months of immersive learning. 3. Measurement tools fMRI (functional MRI) – reveals changes in brain activation patterns over time. DTI (diffusion tensor imaging) – tracks white matter remodeling (connectivity between regions). EEG & MEG – can detect shifts in brain wave patterns within days to weeks. MRI morphometry – measures physical growth or shrinkage in brain regions over weeks to months. Consistency, repetition, emotional relevance, and quality of effort all play a role in how quickly neuroplastic changes occur. While timelines vary, the encouraging truth is that change is always possible—with time and the right conditions. Types of Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity can be categorized into two primary types: functional and structural . Both forms are essential for the brain’s ability to adapt, though they operate in different ways. Functional Plasticity: Functional plasticity is the brain’s ability to shift functions from damaged areas to undamaged ones. For example, if a stroke affects a region involved in language, another part of the brain may take over that function. This ability is particularly relevant in rehabilitation settings, where patients work to recover lost capabilities through therapy and repetition. Everyday Examples of Functional Plasticity: Relearning how to walk after a stroke Regaining speech through therapy after a brain injury Using your non-dominant hand when the dominant one is injured Adapting to vision loss by developing heightened auditory processing Bilingual individuals switching language centers depending on the language spoken Structural Plasticity: Structural plasticity involves physical changes in the brain’s architecture. This includes the growth of new connections between neurons and, in some cases, the creation of entirely new neurons. Structural plasticity is frequently associated with learning, where repeated practice leads to lasting changes in brain structure. Everyday Examples of Structural Plasticity: Learning to play a musical instrument Acquiring a new language Developing coding or technical skills at work Practicing meditation and mindfulness (linked to growth in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) Memorizing complex routines like dance choreography or sports plays Neuroplasticity vs. Neurogenesis Neurogenesis is a term you will often hear when discussing neuroplasticity; and are even used interchangeably at times. However, they describe different—yet occasionally overlapping—processes. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to rewire itself, while neurogenesis involves the creation of new neurons. Understanding their distinctions is important because many discussions about brain change, healing, and learning touch on both concepts. For example, when asking if adults can "grow" new brain cells after injury or through meditation, we're really asking whether neurogenesis plays a role—or whether neuroplasticity alone is at work. Clarifying the difference helps us better understand what kinds of brain change are actually possible at various stages of life.
Have you heard the phrase “helicopter parent?” It describes a mother or father that ‘hovers’ around their child 24/7, overseeing their life to keep them from every potential danger, pitfall and mishap. It looks good on paper, but this kind of parenting forgets one important fact of reality: life happens.  Adversity happens to all of us. Those children who engage with adversity in their formative years learn how to handle it well and come up with strategies and solutions. These are the kids that grow up to be resilient, getting right back up when life knocks them down a few pegs. Here are some ways parents can raise resilient children: Plant the Right Mindset How your child sees the world and their own potential in it directly informs how they make decisions. Teach them a positive and empowering mindset from the beginning. Teach them that failure does not exist, only learning what works and what doesn’t. Failing grades and losing games aren’t the end of the world, though they may feel like it. What really matters is the commitment and effort they put into reaching their goal. Don’t Meet Their Every Need A child will never be able to develop their own coping strategies if someone is there every second making sure they never become hurt or disappointed. Do your best to NOT overprotect your children and give them some space to figure it out all on their own. Help Your Children Connect Social children who are well connected to others feel a sense of support and resilience. Authentic relationships provide a safe space and a person to talk to about their feelings. Help socialize your child as soon as possible so they can form deep connections on their own as they grow. Let Them Take Some Risks All parents want to keep their kids safe, but there comes a point when you’ve got to let go a bit and let them learn HOW to be safe on their own. For instance, one day your child will need to get their driver’s license. You can help that older child be a safe driver by allowing their younger self to ride their bicycle around the neighborhood. This will teach them to pay attention, look both ways, etc. Teach Them the Right Skills Instead of focusing on the ‘danger’ or uncomfortableness of a situation, teach your child how to navigate it. For instance, if he or she is going away to summer camp for the first time, brainstorm some ideas of how they can learn to be comfortable away from home. Pack their favorite blanket. Talk to them about calling you at certain times to check in. Teach them how to solve their own problems. This is one of the greatest gifts parents can give. Resiliency isn’t something that’s automatically handed down to kids; it’s something that must be instilled and molded over time. Planting these seeds now will set your child up for success in their future.
How many parents have said at one point or another, “I wish my child would have come with a users’ manual,”? Nearly every single one.  Nothing can really prepare us for parenthood. No class, no advice, and no user manual can give us the tools we require for raising happy and healthy kids. The truth is, to be good parents requires us to be conscious parents. Mindfulness – It’s Not Just for Meditation Your 8-year-old runs in from the backyard, excited to tell you about the frog he just found in a puddle. Before you even recognize his joy and desire to share that joy with you, you yell because of the mud he just tracked into the house. Was this reaction really warranted? Were you reacting just to the mud on the floor (which can be cleaned), or do you have a need to control everything in your environment at all times? And does this need stem from your own childhood wounds? Often parents react to their children subconsciously. That is, they have a knee-jerk reaction to something their child says or does. This reaction may stem from an event that occurred in their own childhood and, without realizing it, they are having a profound reaction to it instead of to their child’s current behavior. Conscious parenting requires mindfulness, and mindfulness requires a parent to be fully present in the moment. Bringing our full awareness into the ‘now’ can help us recognize the meaning and truth in each moment and make better, healthier decisions. Mindful parents are less likely to have automatic, unexamined reactions to their children’s behavior. Staying present also means parents are less likely to “pop back” into their own childhood traumas and wounds. Getting Started with Conscious Parenting Conscious parenting is easier than it sounds. To start, you’ve got to slow down so you recognize when you are reacting to a present moment authentically and when you are reacting to your own past moment. And speaking of slowing down, try and take a three-second pause before reacting to anything your kid does. This small space will allow you to check yourself. Does the reaction you were about to have match the actual situation? If not, what WERE you reacting to? And finally, forgive yourself for any past parenting errors. We all do the best we can do. As Maya Angelou once said, “When you know better, you do better.” Speaking with a therapist may help you discover old wounds and programming you are parenting from. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I would be very happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
Parenting challenges don’t stop just because your child has become an adult. Below are some of the most common challenges that parents face once their child reaches adulthood (ages 22+):  Differences in opinion – Even though your child is now an adult, they’ll always be your baby, and you may feel like you should continue sharing your opinion about all aspects of their life. Unfortunately, when parents continually criticize their child’s decisions regarding jobs, partners, children, and hobbies, it can lead to tension and sometimes even estrangement. Certain issues should still be addressed—for example, abuse and addiction—but otherwise, you may want to consider keeping your opinions to yourself and supporting their choices. Childcare expectations – Many children assume that once they have their own kids, their parents will take on all of the babysitting responsibilities. If you’re on board with that, great! But if you don’t want to commit to regular childcare, kindly communicate that ahead of time to avoid resentment and scheduling conflicts later on. Maintaining connection – This is a challenge commonly faced by parents whose children have moved to another city or state, or even to another country. If regular trips aren’t feasible, try to look for other ways to connect with your kids and grandkids. For instance, rather than simply talking on the phone, try videochatting. And if your grandkids have a hard time focusing on the call, you can incorporate a game like Pictionary or charades. Customized Parenting Tips for Your Adult Child Effectively parenting an adult child can be difficult, to say the least, but you’re not alone. If you’d like to speak with a therapist about the challenges you’re facing and receive personalized parenting tips, contact us today. We’ll gladly schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.
Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to worry excessively about being separated from someone who’s close to them. For example, someone with this type of anxiety may worry about being separated from a parent or caregiver. This anxiety disorder most commonly affects children. While it’s normal for infants and toddlers to experience separation anxiety, they usually outgrow the issue once they turn 3 years old—if a child continues experiencing separation anxiety after reaching that age, there’s a chance they may have separation anxiety disorder, especially if their worries are intense enough to interfere with routine activities. It’s also important to note that although most cases of separation anxiety disorder occur in children, this condition can also affect teenagers and adults. What Are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder? As noted above, the hallmark symptom of separation anxiety disorder is an intense fear of being separated from a loved one. Someone with this type of anxiety may: Constantly worry that they’ll get lost or be kidnapped, or that their loved one will become ill or get into an accident Have nightmares about being separated from their loved one Refuse to leave their loved one’s side (children with this anxiety disorder are often reluctant to sleep in their own bed at night) Experience headaches or stomachaches before having to be separated from their loved one Anxiety Disorder Treatment Near You Are you concerned that you or your child might have separation anxiety disorder? If so, contact us today. We have experience treating many different types of anxiety, and we would love the opportunity to help you take the next step forward with managing anxiety symptoms.
Has your child entered the college years (ages 18 to 22)? Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it can also bring a whole new set of challenges for parents. Here are a few of the issues that parents commonly face during this stage:  Long distance – If your child is going away to college, you might find yourself missing them and worrying about them, especially if you haven’t spent a significant amount of time apart from them in the past. Try to keep yourself busy with hobbies and friends, and before you know it, your sadness will turn into pride and excitement. College freedom vs. house rules – After your child has been at school all year, you’re probably thrilled to have them return home for the summer, but you might encounter some issues when they move back in. When they were on campus, they had much more freedom than they ever did growing up, so it might be hard for them to readjust. You can still communicate your expectations as far as chores, usage of the family car, and what to do if they’re planning to be home late, but try to be flexible and remember that they’re adults. Academic stress – It’s not uncommon for kids who excelled throughout grade school to become overwhelmed once they enter college. College classes tend to be more difficult than high school courses, and students are also more tempted to go to parties and hang out with friends without their parents’ supervision. Don’t feel like you need to fix every problem—after all, your child needs to learn to figure out solutions on their own—but be sure to teach them time management and self-care practices, and watch out for signs of anxiety and depression. Learn More About Effective Parenting Would you like to receive parenting tips from a professional who specializes in managing children’s behavior? Contact us today. We’ll be happy to schedule a therapy session so that we can begin to discuss the challenges that you’re facing with your college-aged children.
