Starting fresh at school can feel exciting — and a little overwhelming. You don’t need a big group of friends to feel a sense of belonging. What matters most is finding a few strong, healthy connections that make you feel supported and seen. This week, we’re exploring the art of making new friends and why quality matters more than quantity.

Starting university doesn’t always feel the way you imagined. Between homesickness, academic pressure, and the stress of building a new routine, the transition can be overwhelming. If your university experience isn’t matching your expectations, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. With time, small steps, and the right support, things can start to feel better.

As summer ends, many students feel the “September scaries”—nerves and nostalgia about heading back to school. By shifting your mindset, reframing challenges, and embracing the school year as a fresh start, you can turn those jitters into purposeful energy and set the stage for a positive year.

When your child refuses therapy, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. This blog shares practical tips for easing their worries, keeping the conversation open, and even starting with parent sessions so your family still gets the support it needs.

Teen girls today are facing unique pressures that put them at greater risk for anxiety and other mental health concerns. This blog post explores why girls may be more vulnerable and offers practical ways for teens and parents to build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Anticipatory anxiety is real — especially as September nears. Learn why day one feels so hard, what’s actually going on in your brain and body, and how you can move through the nerves with care, not pressure.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to begin therapy. In fact, the best time to build coping skills, routines, and emotional resilience is before stress hits. Whether you’re heading into a busy school year or anticipating a demanding season at work, starting therapy now helps you feel grounded and confident when challenges arise.

Struggling with follow-through, focus, or organization? Executive functioning challenges are often the missing link behind these difficulties—and the good news is, these skills can be built. Learn how understanding executive function can transform the way you approach support.

In a world that’s always asking “what’s next?”, it’s easy to miss the beauty of what’s happening right now. This week, we’re exploring how slowing down and embracing the in-between moments can help young people (and all of us!) feel more grounded, connected, and at ease.

Many teens and young adults are now turning to AI chatbots for quick mental health support. While these tools can be helpful in some ways, they aren’t a replacement for the deep, human connection that therapy provides. Here’s what AI chatbots can (and can’t) do for our mental health – and why real relationships still matter most.

In a world of constant stimulation, boredom can feel like a problem to fix — but what if it’s exactly what young minds need? Discover how quiet, unstructured time supports brain development, creativity, and emotional well-being, and why parents shouldn’t fear a little boredom.

Snap Maps might seem like just another social feature, but for many teens, it’s a silent source of stress and anxiety. If your child seems increasingly preoccupied with what others are doing, feels left out, or struggles with social comparison, the pressure of being “always on” might be taking a toll. You're not alone, and there are ways to help.

Vaping among teens continues to rise, and while much of the conversation centres around nicotine addiction and health consequences (rightfully so), there's often a missing piece in the puzzle: why teens start and keep vaping in the first place. For many, vaping isn’t just about peer pressure or rebellion. It’s a coping mechanism, a form of regulation, a pause button.

Anxiety is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a lived reality for far too many teenage girls. If your daughter seems to be withdrawing, constantly worried, overwhelmed by the smallest things, or struggling to manage her emotions, she’s not alone, and neither are you.

We live in a world that constantly tugs at our attention. Notifications buzz. Ads pop up. Endless scrolls pull us deeper. It’s not just annoying—it’s by design. Behind every ding and swipe is a powerful blend of neuroscience, psychology, and technology working together in what's now called the attention economy.

As I wrapped up my last tennis match of the season, I realized how much a great rally resembles a meaningful conversation. In both, the goal isn’t power or dominance—it’s rhythm, connection, and responding with intention. What can tennis teach us about the way we communicate and support each other?

Breathwork involves intentional control of the breath to enhance mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By regulating the nervous system through conscious breathing, it activates the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. This tool improves emotion regulation and enhances awareness of bodily sensations, offering benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and addictions.

Straight Up Health's 360 Discovery Assessments are the starting point for their unique approach to care. Using a Family-Based Care Model, caregivers collaborate to support their children's well-being. These assessments are personalized evaluations helping determine the best pathway for clients, providing tailored treatment plans for families and individuals.

Proper hydration is crucial for our well-being, going beyond just quenching thirst. This article explores the significant benefits of staying hydrated and offers practical tips to make it a seamless part of your daily routine.

EMDR therapy has its benefits, but it's different from traditional talk therapy, causing some concerns. In this blog, therapist Susan Tang addresses common fears about EMDR to help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right fit for you.