Blog

People Danger is Real

The rat race starts young now! And it’s easy to get caught up in it. As a parent of college-bound teens, I live the frenzy that often results from students (and parents) thinking that the rest of their lives are dictated by their college acceptance letters. High-achieving teens aim, at……
Advancing Behavioral Healthcare through VR & Machine Learning: A Conversation with Dr. Marc Lanovaz

In this riveting interview, we have Dr. Marc Lanovaz, a University of Montreal professor at the forefront of integrating data science and machine learning in behavioral healthcare. We discuss the impact of cultural relevancy in behavior analysis, how machine learning can improve clinical decision-making in mental health, and a groundbreaking……
2024 Can Be A Year For Healing

My 2024 started with morning cycling and an afternoon 5-mile hike with family. My dad is the one in the picture below. This is what 80 can look like. My father has traveled every continent and still adventures. My kids nicknamed my dad “cheetah grandpa”👴 for obvious reasons. He is……
4 Steps to Creating Success

At a recent holiday gathering, a family member said his son “must go to one of the top 10 schools” to do well and have options in life. Like many well-meaning parents, this dad arranged a robust early reading and math instruction regimen, enrichment activities, and daily homework to build……
Does your economic output = your value? (The Source of Loneliness)

When I was little, my family moved every two or three years for my dad’s businesses, and each move killed my friendships and social life. Have you tried comforting your kids when they’re bullied or excluded? (Or maybe you know, from personal experience, how horrible it feels that you even……
Are you enough for you?

Did you miss out on Black Friday deals? Every click of the buy button is an endorphin pump–but STOP scrolling and looking. You probably don’t really need whatever you’re looking for, and if you’re shopping for gifts, remember that anyone who deserves a great gift from you would value and……
Who’s Side Are You On

Many fall in love with my colorful parrot and request to visit or take pictures with him. I have been trying to teach him to sing to make my bird even more of a star. I would take him into the shower, singing the same nursery rhymes to him every……
From Battlefield to Society: The Lasting Impact of War on Mental Health and Human Behavior

War has long been recognized as a catalyst for significant societal changes. From the devastation it inflicts on physical landscapes to the trauma it leaves on individuals, the effects of war reverberate long after the last battle has been fought. Among the many consequences of war, one of the most……
World Mental Health Day – The Right to Mental Health Care

The first time I heard the word “depression” was in my late teens, however, I had experienced it for most of my life. I grew up in an environment where nobody really talked about mental health except when trying to describe schizophrenia (they say that the person is mental). Studies……
You Want Some Kitchen Cabinets For Your Loneliness?

It’s scary how much of our digital lives get shared. I was contemplating a small kitchen cabinet refacing project last month and submitted a quote to one vendor. Since then, my inbox and voicemails have been flooded with random contractors and remodeling agencies pestering me. Unfortunately, I inadvertently took one……
4 Reasons for the Mental Healthcare “Workforce Shortage”

I am really tired of articles about “workforce shortages” in mental health. The questions these articles pose, such as:“How do we increase the workforce?”And “Where are the mental health professionals?”imply that:1. This problem just happened randomly.2. It would be solved if mental health professionals showed up. Those are the wrong……
Unlocking the Power of Individualized Education Plans For Student Success

As educators and parents, we all strive to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in the educational setting. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans are two powerful tools designed to address the unique needs of students with disabilities. In this article, we will delve……