Start My Wellness

01/09/2026

You leave a meeting with your boss feeling small, even though nothing overtly wrong was said. You replay the conversation all day, wondering why it affected you so deeply and why you didn’t speak up.

In therapy, you have space to slow down and understand where that reaction comes from—past experiences, unspoken fears, or patterns you’ve learned to carry. With that awareness, you begin to respond with more confidence and self-compassion instead of self-doubt.

Psychotherapy helps turn moments like these into opportunities for growth rather than quiet pain you carry alone.

I am available for new patients, please feel free to reach out for a consultation. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/zalman-pollack-ferndale-mi/1512277

12/26/2025

New Podcast Episdoe!

Former professional basketball player Paul Haynes and sports-psychology therapist Matt Clinton share insights on the powerful connection between physical health and mental well-being.

Drawing from elite athletic experience and clinical practice, they discuss how movement, nutrition, and training habits influence confidence, focus, and emotional resilience—especially for youth athletes navigating pressure both on and off the court.

▶️ Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qZ1RHD2D2vs

12/03/2025

Health Anxiety vs. Health Consciousness

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about symptoms, Googling “what ifs,” or seeking endless reassurance? That’s health anxiety. Health-conscious living looks different — it means listening to your body, practicing wellness, and making choices without fear.

Learn how to shift from worry to trust: https://startmywellness.com/2025/11/health-anxiety-vs-being-health-conscious-how-to-tell-the-difference/

For compassionate, evidence-based support, schedule a session with Sara Diesel and start your journey toward calm: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/sara-diesel/

Understand the difference between health anxiety and being health conscious, with tips for treatment and cognitive restructuring.

12/02/2025

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. I love supporting the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) and shaping therapy around your unique story. With over a decade as a psychotherapist and 25 years as a social worker, I blend a variety of approaches like DBT, CBT, solution-focused, and psychodynamic work. I’m also finishing my EMDR certification so I can offer even more support for trauma healing.

My space is supportive, collaborative, and judgment-free — a place where individuals, couples, and families can show up exactly as they are. If you’re curious about working together, send me an email. I’d be honored to support you on your journey to wellbeing.

12/01/2025

New Podcast Episode!

Join Dr. Anton Babushkin, Dr. Bill Bloom, and special guest Dr. Charles Starkman for a powerful conversation on understanding eating disorders and the path toward healing.

Dr. Starkman shares insights from years of clinical experience, exploring the roots of disordered eating, the impact of identity and culture on body image, and how connection and trust foster true recovery. Together, they discuss evidence-based treatments, relational healing, and what it really takes to support individuals on their journey toward wellness.

If you’re a mental health provider, someone supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more, this episode offers deep compassion and practical wisdom.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q51csXd0V64

11/24/2025

IFS (Internal Family Systems) offers a gentle way to understand your emotions by getting to know your “parts” with compassion. Our latest article shares how slowing down and listening inward can bring more clarity, grounding, and self-kindness into your daily life.

If you’d like support as you explore this work, Derrick Martinez, LCSW is a therapist who practices IFS and offers a warm, welcoming approach. Schedule a consult with Derrick today: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/derrick-martinez/

IFS isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about coming home to every part of you.

🔗 Read more in the full article: https://startmywellness.com/2025/11/ifs-internal-family-systems-for-beginners-meeting-your-parts-with-compassion/

Explore internal family systems therapy, parts work, and self-leadership psychology for trauma healing and personal growth.

11/20/2025

Many adults reach an autism diagnosis later in life, and the clarity it brings can be deeply validating. Our latest article explores when an adult autism assessment may be helpful and what the evaluation process actually looks like.

From masking exhaustion and sensory sensitivities to long-standing social challenges, the assessment process helps adults understand lifelong patterns with compassion and accuracy. It also opens the door to meaningful support, workplace accommodations, healthier communication, and strategies that make daily life more manageable.

Gaining this insight isn’t about labeling—it’s about understanding yourself more fully and accessing the tools that help you thrive.

🔗 Read more in the full article:

Learn what to expect from adult autism assessment, ASD testing, and autism spectrum evaluations designed for neurodivergent adults.

11/19/2025

Dyslexia and ADHD can look so similar that it’s often hard to know what’s really holding a child back. Our latest article explores how psychological testing brings clarity—showing whether challenges are rooted in reading issues, attention difficulties, or a combination of both.

With a clear diagnosis, families and teachers can finally understand where the struggle begins and how to support it effectively.

Accurate testing leads to targeted interventions, meaningful accommodations, and a noticeable boost in confidence for children who’ve been trying their best without the right tools.

🔗 Read more in the full article:

Discover how psychological testing helps clarify ADHD and dyslexia challenges, and supports accurate learning disability diagnosis.

11/13/2025

Healthy Communication for Couples

Disagreements are natural in any relationship, but how we communicate during conflict shapes connection and trust. Our latest article shares a 5-step approach to de-escalate arguments and practical scripts to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

These strategies help couples:
✅ Reduce tension
✅ Build empathy and understanding
✅ Strengthen intimacy and resilience

Small changes in communication today can create lasting harmony tomorrow.

If you’d like additional support, Gahl Berkooz, is available for consultations: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/gahl-berkooz/

🔗 Read more here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/11/couples-communication-scripts-how-to-de-escalate-arguments-in-5-steps/

Learn how couples therapy and marriage counseling tips improve conflict resolution, relationship communication, and healthy skills.

11/12/2025

Feeling Stuck in Stress or Anxiety? Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system responds to danger — fight, flight, or freeze — and offers practical ways to shift into calm and connection.

Quick Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System:

Deep belly breathing
Gentle yoga or stretching
Safe social connections
Humming, singing, or cold water on the face

Trauma-informed approaches prioritize safety and choice, helping you regain control and build resilience.

⭐ If you’re looking for support with anxiety or trauma, you can schedule a session with Leora Selmar, a therapist specializing in anxiety. Learn more and request an appointment here: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/leora-selmar/

📖 Read more here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/10/polyvagal-theory-explained-practical-ways-to-get-out-of-fight-or-flight/

Learn how polyvagal theory, vagus nerve exercises, and trauma-informed methods help reset your nervous system and exit fight or flight.

11/11/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we want to recognize and thank all who have served. At Start My Wellness, we are especially grateful for veterans in our community and the unique challenges they face.

We are proud to have Jeromy Harris on our team, a dedicated provider who works specifically with veterans, offering compassionate care and support tailored to their needs.

📅 Request an appointment with Jeromy here: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/jeromy-harris/