Mental Health Blog
Helpful tips, tools, and updates from the Expand Psychology team.
Navigating big feelings: a parent’s guide to emotion regulation
Big emotions are a normal part of childhood, but learning to navigate them takes practice. Explore what emotional regulation is and discover practical strategies to help your child understand, manage, and cope with big feelings while building confidence together.
They Were Doing So Well… So Why Is Back-to-School So Hard?
Summer was smooth sailing. Now school is back, and suddenly everything is a meltdown. What happened? Your child isn't losing the progress they made over the summer, they are just navigating a whole new level of demands. Discover why back-to-school struggles show up at home, what your child's behavior may really be telling you, and how to help them feel supported, regulated, and capable of handling hard things.
Repost: Supporting elementary-aged kids as they transition back to school
Back to school season with elementary aged kids is not easy. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to help make this transition smoother.
Demystifying play therapy: answering frequently asked questions to understand the role of play in the therapy room
Explore the answers to these Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy to better understand how play is used therapeutically and whether play therapy may be a good fit for your child.
Making the leap from high school to college
Many high school students have painstakingly spent their high school career preparing for the academic rigor of college, but being emotionally prepared is just as important for a smooth transition to college. Read this blog post to understand how we can better emotionally prepare teens for college.
Once upon a picture book: the power of children’s stories to support social-emotional growth
Picture books can be a powerful tool to support your child's social-emotional growth. Learn more from a licensed child psychologist about the benefits of "bibliotherapy" and how to better use picture books to support your child's development.
Transitioning from school to summer: support your child with patience and grace
We all love the slower pace of summer, but for kids and parents alike, the transition from structured school days to the openness of summer can feel surprisingly challenging. Understand the opportunities and stressors of this seasonal shift to help you navigate it with more confidence and compassion.
IEPs: breaking it all down
A guardian’s guide to navigating the IEP process including tips for how to get your child evaluated, questions to ask, preparing for IEP meetings, and a reference list for all of those new words and acronyms!
Setting boundaries with kids: simple strategies for everyday life
Licensed Child and Adolescent Psychologist addresses using consequences and setting and holding boundaries with your children to manage challenging behaviors.
Navigating middle school friendships
Middle school students ages 11–14 experience significant brain development that directly influences social awareness and peer relationships. Learn how to support students in building confidence and navigating connections during this pivotal stage of social development.
Helping children navigate changes – big and small
Change can be confusing and challenging for children, but with consistency, reassurance, and supportive caregiving, they can learn to navigate transitions and build resilience.
Navigating admissions testing season: A guide for parents
A parent’s guide to academic admissions testing and how to best support your child through it.
Redefining the holidays after divorce: Holiday planning tips for co-parents
The holidays can be stressful for co-parents to navigate after divorce. Explore strategies to prepare for the holidays thoughtfully and collaboratively in separate homes.
Are you concerned your teen may be depressed? How to lookout for symptoms of depression.
If you suspect that your teen is struggling with symptoms of depression, there is often an urge to “fix” things.
Back to school: supporting a smooth transition for elementary-aged kids
Back to school season with elementary aged kids is not easy. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to help make this transition smoother.