Pineywoods Psychological Services

01/25/2026

Stay cozy and safe, Nacogdoches!

01/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KePwm5C3V/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/14/2026

Starting in January 2026, all Department of Veterans Affairs education beneficiaries, including Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students will be required to verify their enrollment each month to receive their benefit payments.

Please note that you must verify your enrollment for the VA to begin processing your monthly benefit. Once verified, payment processing can take five to seven calendar days.

You can learn more about the different enrollment verification methods in this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3d09fUIuxM. If you have questions about your enrollment, please contact your School Certifying Official. You can find their contact information listed on the GI Bill Comparison Tool (https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/ )

01/06/2026

“The takeaway is not to abandon routine entirely but to balance it with variety. Small changes like taking a new route learning a language or practicing a different skill can refresh neural circuits. The brain thrives on curiosity and adaptation. Consistent mental novelty may be one of the most effective ways to protect cognitive vitality across the lifespan.”

Neuroscience research suggests the brain does not age simply because time passes. Instead it changes based on how it is used. Repeating the same routines daily reduces the need for new neural connections. When the brain stops being challenged neural activity gradually becomes less flexible over time.

Predictable habits conserve energy but they also limit growth. When tasks feel automatic the brain shifts into efficiency mode. This reduces stimulation in regions responsible for learning creativity and memory. Over long periods this lack of novelty can weaken cognitive sharpness and slow mental responsiveness.

In contrast new experiences activate multiple brain networks at once. Learning unfamiliar skills exploring new environments or changing daily patterns increases synaptic activity. These challenges encourage the brain to build and strengthen connections. Research shows this process supports memory resilience focus and long term cognitive health.

The takeaway is not to abandon routine entirely but to balance it with variety. Small changes like taking a new route learning a language or practicing a different skill can refresh neural circuits. The brain thrives on curiosity and adaptation. Consistent mental novelty may be one of the most effective ways to protect cognitive vitality across the lifespan.

01/05/2026

We are so excited to be offering this group in the new year!! Please reach out for more information.

01/03/2026

12/13/2025

Nostalgia isn’t just sentimental—it’s scientifically linked to greater optimism, lower stress, and a stronger sense of connection. Learn more here: https://at.apa.org/qmn.

12/12/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Lauren Ivy Sieja! We are so happy for you!

12/08/2025