A therapist’s gender can be a significant factor for some individuals seeking therapy, while it might not be as crucial for others. There are a variety of reasons why someone may seek a therapist of the same gender or a different gender, or may not have a preference either way. Reasons gender may not be […]
Tag: Author: Rachel LaFleur, PhD
Parenting in the Age of Misinformation: What can I trust?
The unfortunate thing about social media and popular books, even those created by by licensed mental health professionals, is that they may not reflect current best practices based on the research we have available. This means that a parenting framework or idea that seems like a good one and resonates may not produce the results […]
How can I promote my child’s positive body image?
Promoting positive body image in children is crucial for their overall well-being. Here are some ways parents can support their children’s body image: Encourage a healthy and balanced perspective: Emphasize that bodies come in different shapes and sizes and that what matters most is being healthy, strong, and taking care of oneself. Avoid making negative […]
Is praise bad for children?
According to available research, praise can have both positive and negative effects on children and depends on how it is given. Here are some things to keep in mind when praising children: Be specific: Children respond better to praise when they know what it is for (e.g., “Nice job finishing that challenging assignment” instead of […]
ADHD and Misinformation: Answers to questions such as “Is ADHD medication harmful and does it cause addiction?”
Misinformation about ADHD treatment is unfortunately very common. It can be harmful to people with ADHD who may be seeking effective treatment options. Here are some examples of common misinformation about ADHD treatment: ADHD can be cured: There is currently no known cure for ADHD. While medication, behavioral therapy, and educational and professional accommodations can […]
What is the best treatment for OCD?
If you’re managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you may feel like your thoughts and behaviors are beyond your control. However, there is hope! Over the last several decades, there have been advances in clinical research. Currently, we have multiple, effective approaches to consider when building a treatment plan. In this post, I will be sharing information […]
What age is too young for therapy?
Parents want the best for their children and to see them happy, healthy, and thriving. But sometimes, little ones may experience challenges that families can’t solve on their own. That’s where therapy comes in. But how young is too young for therapy? Is it really necessary to seek help for a toddler or preschooler? In […]
What are signs that my (young) child needs therapy?
Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, and it can also be stressful—especially in those moments when you’re not sure how to help your child. It’s important to remember that many children demonstrate emotional or behavioral difficulties and that seeking therapy or professional help is not a sign of your shortcomings as a parent. Instead, it’s a […]
Positive Self-Talk and Perfectionism
Shout out to my niece, Maren, who inspired this blog post. At her own iniative, she decided to work toward leveling up her positive self-talk. She is superlative in her support of others, and it’s wonderful to see her learning how to extend this kindness to herself. What is positive self-talk? Positive self-talk is just […]
Beginnings, Setting Goals, & Building Healthy Habits
There’s power and promise in a new beginning. The palpable hope that the blank slate will inspire and provide opportunity for setting and committing to each of those small and thoughtful habits that are needed to build toward something worth reflecting on with pride. And for many of us, once we gleam that hope, there’s […]