Tara Farazian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

08/23/2025

The false self arises primarily in childhood as a defense mechanism against a failure in the environment to meet a child’s emotional needs. When a caregiver is inconsistently responsive or demands a specific kind of behavior, a child develops a “false self” to hide their true self and gain approval or avoid harm. This “false self” becomes a compliant mask, forcing the true, authentic self to be buried beneath it, leading to a disconnect from one’s genuine desires and emotions. Which one are you moving from today? 💭👇

Winnicott

08/20/2025

Breaking the Cycle of Repetition Compulsion

Sometimes we unconsciously recreate patterns from our past—even if they were chaotic or painful—because what’s familiar can feel “safe.” Healing means learning to choose differently, even when it feels uncomfortable at first.💛

08/15/2025

Research from Ireland’s national cohort (Brennan et al., 2025) found that starting drinking at 14 or younger not only raises the odds of future high-risk drinking — it also increases the likelihood of smoking, cannabis use, and other drug use in early adulthood. Delaying that first drink matters. Parents, schools, and communities can play a critical role in protecting teens’ futures by fostering alcohol-free environments during the formative years.

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08/05/2025

“Loving a narcissist is like pouring into a bucket with a hole—you’ll never fill it, but you can choose to stop draining yourself.

08/02/2025

Teen attitude isn’t just defiance — it’s brain science. Their prefrontal cortex (which manages impulse control and emotional regulation) is still developing, so they react more from the amygdala, where big emotions live. Add in a need for independence, trouble expressing feelings, and daily overwhelm, and it’s no wonder they come off dismissive or rude. Often, attitude is really just a cry for space, safety, or boundaries. Respond with calm and connection — not control.

07/12/2025

Chronic sleep deprivation in adolescents can lead to what is known as sleep debt—a cumulative deficit resulting from consistently inadequate rest. Prioritizing sleep is essential for adolescent development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

07/08/2025

06/10/2025

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Mental Health 🌈
As a mental health professional, I understand the importance of affirming, inclusive care for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQIA+ individuals are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts—often due to discrimination, social isolation, and lack of access to supportive services. Mental health care that acknowledges and affirms identity can be life-changing and life-saving.

In my practice, I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where all individuals feel seen, respected, and supported in their mental health journey.

06/07/2025

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
Statistically, men are less likely to seek mental health support, yet they experience high rates of depression, substance use, and su***de. This disparity is often shaped by social conditioning, stigma, and limited access to safe emotional spaces.

From a clinical perspective, unaddressed mental health concerns in men frequently present as irritability, withdrawal, anger, or somatic complaints—often masking underlying anxiety, trauma, or depression.

Therapy offers men a space to process emotions, develop coping tools, and break intergenerational patterns. Mental health is not gendered—it’s essential.

06/04/2025

✨ Boundaries aren’t mean — they’re medicine.
But if you grew up equating love with self-abandonment, setting boundaries can feel like guilt, shame, or rejection. .

05/30/2025

5 strategies to support parents and help them to prevent anxiety and depression in teens-A Harvard Study.

A new report shows a strong connection between parent and adolescent mental health, offers prevention strategies for teen anxiety and depression

05/30/2025

It’s not uncommon for children to align with or even vilify one parent during a divorce — not because they fully understand the situation, but because they’re trying to cope with instability, confusion, and loss. Their behavior often reflects their own emotional survival strategies, not a reasoned judgment about who’s right or wrong. As hard as it is, parents are recommended to hold space for their feelings without taking them personally. Consistent love, patience, and emotional safety from both parents can help children heal over time.