Most people have had the experience of a thought appearing out of nowhere that seemed completely at odds with who they are or what they value. A flash of an image while holding something sharp. A fleeting, strange idea in an inconvenient moment. The immediate reaction is often alarm, followed by shame, and then the…
By Mary Dobson, LMFT, CEDS When parents search for college readiness, they’re often told to focus on grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and applications. But most parents aren’t actually worried about whether their child can get into college; they’re worried about what happens after the acceptance letter. True college readiness isn’t an admissions problem; it’s a…
By Mary Dobson, LMFT, CEDS From the outside, many kids in Westport look like they’re doing just fine: They get good grades. Show up to practice. They’re polite, responsible, rarely disruptive. Teachers describe them as motivated. Coaches call them disciplined. Parents may even hear, “You’re lucky; your child is easy. ”Inside my therapy office, I hear…
There is a quiet truth in our field that we don’t always like to name: Therapy does not happen in a vacuum. It happens through the clinician. We can have all the trainings, modalities, certifications, and frameworks in the world—but if our internal landscape is unexamined, dysregulated, or chronically depleted, that reality will inevitably show…
The “December audit” is having a moment on social media — the idea that you pause at the end of the year and take stock of your life. What worked. What didn’t. What you want to leave behind. For clinicians, this concept shouldn’t be trendy. It should be foundational. Because therapy doesn’t happen in a…
Why Private Equity Expansion Can Undermine Clinical Integrity In recent years, the behavioral health field has seen a dramatic influx of private equity and venture capital investment. Capital, when used responsibly, can improve access, infrastructure, and innovation. But when financial growth becomes the primary driver of clinical decision-making, the consequences for patients—and the field at…
There’s a moment many women recognize. You work hard.You find your footing.You succeed — maybe quietly at first, then more visibly. And somewhere along the way, the tone shifts. You’re no longer impressive.You’re “a lot.”You’re no longer inspiring — you’re too much. Taylor Swift recently named this dynamic plainly on The Late Show with Stephen…
Let’s look at how friendship challenges during ages 11–14 can trigger our unresolved wounds — and what to do about it Middle school friendships are a rollercoaster — fierce loyalty one day, unexpected distance the next. Kids are learning who they are socially, and the stakes feel monumental. But here’s the twist: often the emotions…
A family therapist’s perspective on why it happens — and how to bring peace back home As a therapist who works closely with families year-round, I can tell you something with absolute certainty: if your kids seem to be fighting more during the holidays, nothing is wrong with your family. In fact, it’s incredibly common….
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