donna's blog

Small Steps, Big Momentum Some days, starting feels harder than the task itself. Studying, cleaning, replying, or practicing can feel huge—especially when routines, stress, sleep, or seasonal change. That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or lacking motivation. Procrastination is often your brain asking for support. Let’s make the first step tiny, gentle, and doable. Try this little reset 🌱 Start with just five minutes. Break one big task into one small step. Add light, movement, wa

Social Media and Teens: Navigating the Digital Landscape Social media is now a major part of high school life. For many teens, it is a place to stay connected, share ideas, explore interests, and express themselves. Group chats, school updates, hobby communities, and creative projects can help students feel included and supported. Social media can also help teens maintain friendships when they move, change schools, or feel isolated in person. The Benefits of Social Media Ther

Some kids move through the day as if a camera is pointed at them all the time. They notice who looked over when they dropped a pencil. They replay the way they answered a question in class. They wonder if their laugh sounded strange, if their clothes looked wrong, if a teacher’s neutral face meant disappointment. Even small choices can feel public and loaded. Hyper self-conscious kids are not being dramatic. Their minds are working hard to predict judgment before it happens.

Perfectionism often fuels decision paralysis because it quietly raises the “starting bar” until it feels like you’re required to get everything right before you’re allowed to begin. When every choice has to be the best choice, your brain treats ordinary uncertainty as danger. You end up over-researching, rewriting, and second-guessing, not because you’re lazy or unmotivated, but because launching something imperfect can feel like a verdict on your competence. In that mindset,

Understanding the Depth of Grief What can you possibly learn in school to prepare you for this level of trauma, shock, sadness, and grief? In my suicide bereavement group, the atmosphere is raw. Participants allow for individual and collective pain points, softening and comforting each other. They engage as if it were a group no one would ever want to join. Because, in truth, it is. I bear witness, gently guiding and holding space for them. I manage the monopolizers and the r

Dreams of falling are among the most common and vivid experiences people report. They often leave a lingering sense of unease or confusion upon waking. What do these dreams really mean? Are they just random brain activity, or do they carry deeper messages about our waking lives? Exploring the symbolism behind dreams of falling can reveal insights into our emotions, fears, and personal challenges. What Falling Dreams Typically Represent Falling in a dream often reflects feelin

local track - hastings-on-hudson, ny When the darkness starts coming around mid-November and the clocks turn back, many people call me - in fact - the most people call me of all the times of the year! (However, I have read it can happen in ANY season!!). As the Solstice approaches we all have to turn inward a while. It's not a punishment, as my dear Dad would say. I happen to be one of those rare individuals who is BOTH an introvert and an extrovert. I love to be around p

Navigating the teenage years can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. As teens seek independence, it becomes crucial for parents to foster open and respectful communication. Building trust and understanding during this formative period can significantly impact your relationship with your teen. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical tips for improving communication with your teenager and ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open. Understan

I've been writing articles on SAD - seasonal depression/affective disorder for more than 25 years. There's not much new to say about it, but there are plenty of more reasons to be SAD. I am working with a lot of teens and young adults right now who are acting out and getting into trouble and doing risky things, which are all normal to adolescent development. What is not normal is running your parents into the ground. In other words, young people move around the world witho

Navigating the teenage years can be a rough journey, especially when anxiety becomes a frequent companion. As a parent, it’s essential to understand this challenge to provide support and foster an environment where emotions can be shared openly. With anxiety rates among teens rising, with a reported increase of 25% in anxiety symptoms from 2011 to 2021, recognizing and dealing with these issues is more important than ever. Anxiety can show up in various ways—from worries abo

Many therapists have "branded" their practices: Winding Road, Finding Yourself, Path to Fulfillment, Thoughtful Change, etc. etc. Nice, calm and creative names. They have a blog and a podcast. They pitch themselves on Youtube. What does it all mean? To be honest, I'm not sure. I just finished reading "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" and it was good. Better than I expected in this hallowed Irvin Yalom corner of the world where therapy becomes the drama for a book, filled w