Recognizing the Unseen on International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 

By Courtney Barbera, MSW, MPH, LSW

Thursday, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). The theme of this year’s IOAD campaign is, “recognizing the people affected by the overdose crisis who often go unseen“. These “unseen” include people such as grieving family members and friends, healthcare and social workers, and individuals who have had to unexpectedly take action when someone around them has overdosed. Because of how widespread and invasive the opioid epidemic has become, we are sadly all a part of the “unseen” in one way or another…

…When I reflect on how this crisis has played out in my personal life, I think about my own family members who have experienced drug addiction, and the pain of trying to support them while loving them from a distance to shield myself from the devastation each time they fall down…

Parenting is a Hard Job, but You Don’t Have to Do it Alone: The Power of Parent Coaching

By: Angela Mancao, MSW, LCSW

Parenting is the journey of a lifetime that is filled with beautiful and rewarding moments. But as wonderful as it can be, it is also filled with challenges that can make parents question themselves.

If you are a parent, you might be all too familiar with the ups and downs that come with raising a child or teen. You may experience sleepless nights and anxiety as you are unsure about what you “should” be doing. Although the love for your child is unconditional and unwavering, it can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate the complexities of parenting. It may also feel isolating to feel like you have to figure out parenting all on your own.

“If a Bear Can Do It, Why Can’t I?”

By: Samantha Edwards, MA, LPC

For several decades now, I’ve held a deep conviction that I would make a really good bear. Climbing trees… protecting my young… being exceptionally strong and fast… snatching live salmon from a stream with my bare paws… and best of all…  (say it with me…) — HIBERNATION.  

As a therapist, I have conversations with many people who struggle with the “winter blues” – chronic fatigue, sadness, and low motivation when the seasons change – or at its most severe, Seasonal Affective Disorder… 

Overcoming Barriers Is In Your DNA

By Veronica O’Brien, MS, LPC

Twenty years ago this year, I decided to immigrate to New Jersey from St. Lucia. It was not my first time traveling outside my Country of birth, but it was my first time in America. I had lived between a Caribbean (West Indian) and European (British) climate for much of my life, and deciding to leave my home was difficult. However, I found the courage and embraced the challenges that were ahead.

I invite you to reflect as I explore a few experiences, complexities, and triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Together, we can come to an empathetic and empowering knowledge that we are more alike than different!

The birth of my first child was pretty much textbook for ‘typical’ recovery. The birth of my second child was very different. In fact, I experienced depression during the pregnancy. That felt isolating in and of itself because pregnant women are supposed to be enjoying every little change and craving, every little kick and growth.

There’s a few takeaways in this post, and perhaps one of them is to avoid “shoulda-woulda-coulda.” Self-compassion is so difficult to attain, though, when you’re stuck and lost….

OCD is a mental health condition that is often misunderstood. It has recently become an adjective used to describe someone who is organized or concerned with being clean, which adds to the misconception about what it actually is.

In honor of OCD Awareness Week 2022 (October 9th to 15th), let’s talk more about what OCD is and what it isn’t.

Supporting LGBTQ Youth during the Holidays

LGBTQ youth need additional support during the holidays, especially this year. With anxiety and stress being high, it’s important to take some extra time to connect and hear what they need from you. Click here to get a few tips from Elle on how you can best support the LGBTQ+ youth in your lives!

What is LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy?

Elle (she/they) shares their thoughts on what you can expect from an affirming therapist. Feeling affirmed is experienced differently by everyone; however, there is a through-line that you can depend on. There are many LGBTQ folks, especially BIPOC, who have experienced harm from the healthcare system. If you have been dismissed, devalued, or victimized, an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist could provide you with the safety and nurturance stolen from you. Elle and others specialize in these areas. Contact us with any questions!

Taking Care of Yourself During Stressful Times: Anchor Activity

Join Elizabeth Kahn, MA, LAC, as she walks you through an anchor activity – an activity that helps you ground yourself in your experience in the here and now. This activity allows you to access your creativity as a means for self-expression.

In-Home Scavenger Hunt

In the detailed video above, I challenged any child to find 5 items within their home that can make them feel safe, happy and loved. This also included a picture or person of someone who embodies all those same feelings.

Dear Mom, How are you?

Dear Mom,

How are YOU?

I’m curious if the first thing that came to mind was the health of your family, the guidelines you’re keeping regarding Covid-19, or even enough toilet paper in the house?

 Each of those responses comes from a mom who is loving, wise and responsible.  Yet they don’t answer how YOU are doing.  How are you feeling? How are you sleeping?  Are you able to have moments for self-care?

Issues Faced by LGBTQ + Youth During Quarantine

As we head into week (9) of quarantine I think greatly about folxs who are potentially stuck at home right now with unsupportive parents. It can be difficult to navigate through the world as an LGBTQ+ youth, especially during a time like this.

For many, school, extracurricular activities, a local coffee shop, or community center is a safe haven for youth who feel misplaced at home. There, they are fully allowed to be themselves and be seen by the world in a genuine way.

It can be difficult stuck at home with parents who struggle with calling you by your name or using your correct pronouns.

1. The most important thing to remember is the work you are assigning doesn’t matter as much as the care and support you are providing to your students.

2. Connect with your students.  Just as you have a start and finish time at school, employ “hours” at home as well. It is easy to be engulfed and then realize it is 7 pm!. Set boundaries for yourself.

3. Self care!  Take breaks. You do not need to be glued to your computer all day (although you will want…

One of our wonderful therapists, Kim McDonald, has some words of compassion for parents during this time. We see how hard you work! Kim offers some suggestions and we would like to hear how you are coping. Please let us know in the comments section.

We are entering the second month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every week goes by, and we are collectively facing new challenges together. State parks and beaches are closed, and grocery stores limit patrons to 50% capacity. It leaves us with questions that do not have a definitive answer. So, where do we go from here? How do we remain physically distanced from our loved ones in a time when connection is paramount to survival? You do not have to be alone. We at the Center for Counseling and Education are here to support you during…

Fear, whether real or perceived, wants to silence us. To silence something is to take away its potential, purpose and light. To keep silent about our story, our struggles and pain is to hold a burden we weren’t meant to bear alone.

There is no kindness, hope or love in fear. It is void of all things that make us, humans, stronger and more capable of growth. But what exactly is fear…