I check the news every morning before seeing my clients. I want to know what happened overnight so I can hold space for those impacted. I awoke the morning of 1/30/25 to learn that American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac, and responders expected no survivors. I’ve taken off and landed at Reagan International Airport multiple times. This stark tragedy reminded me that tomorrow is never promised.

“It’s so heavy . . . I feel scared. . . What just happened?” Friends, family, and clients echoed these words the past several weeks. Thousands of acres burned, homes and businesses lost, souls lost in multiple aircraft accidents and a slew of executive orders have created chaos and fear. Too much.

A few years ago, I was unable to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I initially felt bummed, but I immediately shifted to, I’m a psychologist. I can cope with this effectively mode. I wrote a self-care prescription including exercise, connecting with dear friends, and being in nature. I treated myself to a massage and ate healthy foods. I thought, Instead of focusing on what I’m missing,

Often, growing up means growing apart. For many people, one of the most difficult aspects of adulthood is making new friends.

Do you toss and turn at night, unable to turn off your brain? Use this guide to determine the cause of your sleep problem so you can finally put it to rest.

I fondly remember my first rock climbing trip to Joshua Tree National Park. A deep blue sky filled the spaces between the mountains of stone. I delighted in seeing all the Joshua trees, and I loved climbing on granite.

Who would take the following trip?

Departure: Could be today, tomorrow, next week or next year.

Destination: Not really sure.

Accommodations: There may be a nice hotel. There may not be shelter.

Duration: A few hours, up to a lifetime.

A few years ago, I enrolled in an improv comedy course. In improv, there are no scripts. The actors improvise the entire scene based on a suggestion. However, the actors follow rules. The most important rule is ‘Yes AND . . .’

It’s common to ask, ‘Do I really need therapy?’ It makes good sense given therapy involves a commitment of time, financial resources and emotional energy. You may wonder, ‘Will it really help me?’ or ‘Don’t most people go through this without needing therapy?’ Determining if your problem requires professional help may be challenging.