Nurturing Connections Marriage and Family Therapy

01/27/2026

Research consistently shows that a secure parental bond fosters resilience in children. Be their refuge, not a source of fear.

01/21/2026

♥️ At the heart of MFT work: Understanding relationships, nurturing connections, and create lasting change—together.

01/21/2026

Toddlers don’t cry for no reason. Something that can seem insignificant to you, can feel like a big deal to your toddler.

When children cry, what they need is for us to pay attention, be there, and show them nonverbal, and verbal ways to say “I am right here. I know that was hard.” They need us to connect with them emotionally while they continue to have big feelings.
~ Transforming Toddlerhood

01/19/2026

As we reflect and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the importance of empathy, service, and standing together to create meaningful change.

01/19/2026

When children feel safe and relaxed, they can use their upstairs brain that includes the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain gives rise to self-awareness and self-control. It allows us to pause in the moment and think before we act. During this moment, we can reflect, consider other perspectives, empathize with others, plan, reason, make good decisions and problem-solve. The development of our upstairs brain determines how able we are to self-regulate. The upstairs brain takes time to develop fully, growing all the way into young adulthood. This means that younger children have more difficulty than older children with self-regulation (coping and adapting). Their environment easily triggers very young children. When they feel big emotions (e.g., mad, sad, scared) they throw a tantrum or have a meltdown. They find it difficult to cope with and adapt to change. Frequent or intense challenging behaviour is often a sign that children do not have the skills they need to calm themselves (regulate) when they feel overwhelmed.

01/08/2026

Nurturing Connections is excited to announce four different groups relating to transracial adoption across the lifespan and a group for parents who have transracially adopted. All of the times are to be determined based on clients' needs and facilitators' schedules. Please share these in your networks and with anyone who may be interested. We are hoping to get the groups started in February!

Exploring Who I Am & Where I Come From
Facilitators: Lia and Lily
Ages: Transracial adoptees 7-12 years old
Location: In-person

Identity and Empowerment Teen Group
Facilitators: Lia and Hannah
Ages: Transracial adoptees 13-17
Location: In-person or virtual

Identity and Empowerment Adult Group
Facilitators: Lia and Hannah
Ages: 18+
Location: In-person or virtual

Rooted and Connected Parent Support Group
Facilitators: Lia and Michelle
Ages: Parents of transracial adoptees
Location: In-person or virtualce

01/07/2026

Thank you for voting Nurturing Connections Marriage and Family Therapy as best Therapy and Counseling in Syracuse! This recognition belongs to our clients, who show courage every day, and to our team, who bring empathy, skill, and care into every session. We are deeply honored and committed in continuing to serve our community with integrity, respect, and compassion.

01/07/2026

Studies have also shown that children who are praised for talent rather than effort have a harder time being honest. They turn to cheating and lying. Be intentional in your praise. You don’t want your child to one day be an adult who can’t try hard in life because the constant praise is gone.

12/25/2025

From your friends at Nurturing Connections Marriage and Family Therapy, may your heart be filled with joy, love, and warmth this holiday season.

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁

12/18/2025

Written by Amy Braley, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at Nurturing Connections Marriage and Family Therapy has a warm message for those grieving during the holiday season.

Should you say yes when your heart is saying no?

12/16/2025

From your friends at Nurturing Connection Marriage and Family Therapy, we want to wish you a Happy Hanukkah! May every candle you light fill your heart with love, warmth., and peace. Our thoughts are with all impacted by the Bondi Beach tragedy.

12/16/2025

No better motivation than to realize everything you do matters. To all the parents creating winter and holiday magic for their kids, you’re doing a great job.