La Jolla Therapy Center

12/13/2024

Test anxiety is tough for kids and parents 💭 But with the right support, your child can build confidence and resilience to face challenges head-on 🌟

Swipe through this post and read our new blog to explore practical strategies to help your child manage test anxiety. From relaxation techniques to celebrating effort over results 📚

The blog is linked below for more information!
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/testing-testing-1-2-3-how-not-to-freak-out-a-guide-for-parents

12/10/2024

As parents, watching our kids struggle with stress can be tough, but there are ways to help! From relaxation techniques to celebrating their efforts, this guide is packed with practical tips to boost confidence and resilience 💪📚

Discover 8 strategies to support your child in managing test anxiety and setting them up for success, not just on test day, but for life 🌟

Use the link below to read more of the blog:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/testing-testing-1-2-3-how-not-to-freak-out-a-guide-for-parents

12/05/2024

The holidays are here, but so is the chaos🎄 Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and perfect expectations? Our latest blog can help, let’s make this season about connection, not perfection 💞

Read our blog linked below to help:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/deck-the-halls-and-manage-the-meltdowns-a-mom-s-guide-to-managing-holiday-stress

12/04/2024

🎄 Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos? You’re not alone! Discover practical tips to simplify your tasks, set boundaries, and embrace a good enough approach to holiday planning in our latest blog💖

The blog is linked below:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/deck-the-halls-and-manage-the-meltdowns-a-mom-s-guide-to-managing-holiday-stress

11/26/2024

✨ While the holidays bring cheer and celebration, they can also be a challenging time for individuals with OCD. From heightened stress to managing rituals and intrusive thoughts, this season can feel anything but festive🎄

In our latest blog post, we explore the unique challenges of OCD during the holidays and share helpful strategies to navigate this season with peace and mindfulness 🌟

Click the link below to read more:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/surviving-the-holiday-chaos-coping-with-ocd-when-everything-must-be-perfect-except-you

11/26/2024

The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration, but for those living with OCD, it can bring unique challenges 🎅✨ In our latest blog, we dive into how OCD shows up during the holiday season and share tips to navigate this time 💚

The blog is linked below:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/surviving-the-holiday-chaos-coping-with-ocd-when-everything-must-be-perfect-except-you

11/21/2024

New Blog: Understanding Postpartum Depression💡 Learn the signs, differences from baby blues, and self-care tips for moms and dads during the postpartum period 🔗

Link to the full blog below:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/postpartum-depression-what-to-look-for-and-what-to-do

11/20/2024

Becoming a parent is a beautiful journey but can also come with unexpected challenges. In our latest post, we share key signs to watch for, strategies to cope, and a reminder: taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby 💕

Linked below is the blog with more information:
https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/postpartum-depression-what-to-look-for-and-what-to-do

11/18/2024

🎄🍷 Ready to survive the holiday chaos? 🍂🎁

Join and for an Instagram LIVE session this Thursday, Nov 21 at 4 PM EST for “Family, Feasts, and Frenemies: Surviving the Holidays!” 🦃✨

We’re diving deep into how to handle family conflict (especially post-election political drama 😬), keep your cool, and avoid turning Thanksgiving into a full-blown reality show. Two licensed therapists—one spicy conversation—loads of top tips to keep the Kardashian-level drama on the TV, not at the dinner table! 📺🔥

🎉 Whether it’s Uncle Bob’s wild political rants or that cousin who loves to stir the pot—get ready for some juicy, no-nonsense advice!

Don’t miss it! 🎙️

11/12/2024

Breaking free from OCD can feel daunting, but there’s hope 🌱

Our latest blog explores how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy helps people face fears and reduce compulsions. Discover what ERP is, how it works, and what to expect from this evidence-based approach to overcoming OCD.

If you or someone you know struggles with OCD, learn about a path toward regaining control and living a life beyond anxiety💪

Linked below is the full blog:

https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/post/erpandocd

10/29/2024

Shout out to my mom, I would not be a child/teen therapist in without her. I think she deserves her own office at now because of it 😊

10/17/2024

🌙 Is your child struggling with anxiety at bedtime?

You’re not alone! 25-30% of kids struggle with increased anxiety around night time. This can be particularly tough for kiddos with separation anxiety disorder, but even kids without a clinical diagnosis may experience increased worries at night.

With a few simple strategies, you can help your child feel safe and secure. Swipe through for tips to create a calming bedtime routine and support your little one in overcoming their nighttime fears.

Remember, patience and consistency are key!

👉 Have you tried any of these strategies? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s support each other in helping our kids find peace at bedtime.

09/17/2024

Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below to learn about her early training as a therapist, developing resiliency, and choosing her career 👩‍🎓

You can read the whole article here:
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-kelly-mccullough/

09/10/2024

Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below for her journey (and struggles! yes, lots of struggles!) starting 🏢

You can read the whole article here: https://sdvoyager.com/?post_type=interview&p=279388

09/09/2024

Teaching mindfulness to children is like showing them a superpower for managing big feelings 🦸‍♀️

And it is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1️⃣ Encourage kiddos to practice by sitting side by side and learning it together. Unplug from your phone and stay focused.

2️⃣ Model using the skill yourself independently when you are in stressful situations. Talk aloud while you do it. You may feel silly, but your child is watching you more than you realize!

3️⃣ Offer your child rewards for practicing these mindfulness skills to manage tough feelings.

As they practice, remind them that they can use these mindfulness superhero powers anytime they need to feel calm and in control. With a little practice, they'll be mastering this skill like true superheroes!

Comment below ⬇️ to let me know which skill is your favorite, and double tap this post ❤️ if you would like to see more content like this!

09/09/2024

Coping skills are fine and dandy and all, but won't help anyone if your child or teen doesn't ACTUALLY use them 🤨

Parents, you are my biggest ally in helping children and teens incorporate coping skills into a consistent part of their daily lives. Monkey see, monkey do!

See my 3 easy steps below:



1️⃣ Encourage kiddos to practice by sitting side by side and learning it together. Unplug from your phone and stay focused.



2️⃣ Model using the skill yourself independently when you are in stressful situations. Talk aloud while you do it. You may feel silly, but your child is watching you more than you realize!



3️⃣ Offer your child rewards for practicing these mindfulness skills to manage tough feelings.

 Be sure to offer lots of labeled praise (especially for the young kiddos) when you notice them practicing.

As your child or teen practices, remind them that they can use these superhero powers anytime they need to feel calm and in control. With a little practice, they'll be mastering this skill in no time.

What issues do you face trying to get your child or teen to practice coping skills? Comment below ⬇️ to let me know what keeps getting in the way, and double tap this post ❤️ if you would like to see more content like this!



09/03/2024

Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below for her thoughts on self-care, how she started , and what it takes to be successful in today's modern world 🌏

You can read the whole article here: https://boldjourney.com/meet-kelly-mccullough/

08/31/2024