The term "Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP) was coined in the 1990s by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, marking the formal recognition of a trait that affects millions worldwide. While several popular psychology books have explored this topic over the years, many remain unaware that high sensitivity is not just a self-help concept but an extensively studied trait with substantial research evidence backing it.

Life’s challenges—whether big or small—can test a family’s strength and connection. From financial stress to major life transitions, adversity can strain relationships and create emotional distance.

When we think about trauma, we often focus on its painful and disruptive effects. But for some individuals, adversity can also lead to profound personal transformation. This process, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), describes the positive psychological changes that can emerge in the aftermath of hardship.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, often leading individuals to focus on their struggles rather than their strengths. Traditional treatment models tend to emphasize symptom reduction, which, while important, can sometimes reinforce a sense of helplessness.

Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help us plan, organize, manage time, and regulate emotions—essential abilities for success in school, work, and daily life. However, for many individuals, particularly those with ADHD, anxiety, or high-stress roles, executive functioning challenges can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others, trust, and feel safe in the world. When those early bonds are inconsistent, neglectful, or painful, they can leave lasting attachment wounds that follow us into adulthood. These wounds often surface in patterns of insecurity, fear of abandonment, or struggles with intimacy. But healing is possible.

In group therapy, creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share their thoughts and emotions is essential for meaningful progress. Psychological safety—the sense of being able to express oneself without fear of judgment or reprisal—lays the foundation for trust, openness, and vulnerability within the group.

Caring for a neurodivergent child is a journey filled with love, resilience, and unique challenges. While parents and caregivers often prioritize their child’s well-being, their own emotional and physical health can sometimes take a backseat.

Adolescence is a transformative period marked by the search for identity—a journey where teens grapple with questions about who they are and who they want to become. This exploration is influenced by a complex interplay of personal values, peer relationships, family dynamics, and societal expectations. While this process can be empowering, it is often accompanied by confusion and self-doubt.

Life often brings us challenges that leave emotional marks—grief, anxiety, heartbreak, or past trauma. These experiences, while universal, can feel isolating and overwhelming. Therapy offers a pathway to healing, providing a safe space to explore emotions, uncover insights, and build resilience.

Neuropsychological assessments are powerful tools that help us understand how your brain functions in areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving. At Impact Psychological Services, we use these assessments to provide a detailed picture of your cognitive strengths and challenges, which helps guide personalized treatment plans.

Parenting is often seen as an instinctual act, but the invisible threads of our past can profoundly shape how we nurture our children. Intergenerational trauma, the unresolved emotional wounds passed down from one generation to the next, can subtly influence parenting behaviors, attachment styles, and emotional regulation.

Therapeutic assessments can be a vital part of your journey toward better mental health, providing a roadmap for understanding your emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.

The landscape of psychotherapy has evolved significantly over the past decades.

Neurodiversity celebrates the vast spectrum and diversity of the human mind, recognizing neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia as natural variations that enrich our world.

The landscape of child therapy has evolved significantly, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches that address both the emotional and behavioral challenges children face.

In psychotherapy, resilience and defense mechanisms are crucial concepts that significantly impact an individual's psychological well-being and ability to navigate life's challenges.

In today’s polarized world, children are increasingly exposed to sociopolitical stressors that can significantly impact their mental health, especially those from marginalized communities.

The growing concern for student mental health has prompted educators and professionals to recognize the significant impact of emotional well-being on academic performance and overall development.

Here are a few things our staff have been reading and watching lately that challenge stigma and offer solace and understanding. Storytelling has a way of giving us a window into human experience. Maybe some of these shows, books and social media sites will help you feel more connected and inspired.