by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Nov 1, 2025 | Ann Arbor
As Thanksgiving approaches, we hear a lot about gratitude—feeling it, expressing it, and being more aware of it. I love this emphasis on gratitude because- as research shows- noticing the good and turning towards it leads to less depression and more contentment and...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Sep 4, 2025 | Ann Arbor
Yesterday morning my 9 year-old daughter asked if she could have some more TV-time before leaving the house to walk to school. “Sure,” I replied, since she had already gotten dressed and eaten breakfast, so we had a few minutes to spare. “Just put on your shoes...
by Becky Gracia, LMSW | Sep 3, 2025 | Ann Arbor
Almost every parent can share about a time when their child has felt nervous, anxious or scared. These are normal emotions for any human to experience. At times, it is easy to connect these feelings to past experiences, upcoming changes/transitions or developmental...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Aug 15, 2025 | Ann Arbor
We’ve all been there: Complained to a friend about a tough situation and ended with something like, “Oh well, there’s nothing I can do…” or thrown up our hands and said, “It is what it is. I’m stuck.” And while there’s certainly value in accepting situations that are...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Jul 9, 2025 | Ann Arbor
Earlier this week, my husband and I sent our two kids off to overnight camp. It was my 9 year-old’s first time going but I had a harder time getting my 13 year-old ready. Whereas my younger child was open to input on what to bring and how to organize her packing- my...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Jun 6, 2025 | Ann Arbor
“Use your words. How do you feel?” “If you don’t stop that right now, you’re going to lose your screen-time privileges!” “Think before you act!” All of these commonly-used phrases are well-intended by parents attempting...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | May 8, 2025 | Ann Arbor
“CeeCee doesn’t sit still for a second. She’s a total whirlwind. If I turn around for one moment, she’s climbing on the counter to get a popsicle from the freezer.” “Miles is so stubborn! If he thinks he’s right about...
by admin | Apr 15, 2025 | Ann Arbor
In a world where young people face unprecedented pressures—from academic expectations to social media comparisons—creative expression offers a powerful antidote. Art, in its many forms, provides adolescents with essential tools for processing emotions, building...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Mar 26, 2025 | Ann Arbor
We need to be informed about what’s going on in the world without letting media consumption hijack our nervous systems and take over our lives. To do this, I suggest using boundaries to define your who, what, where, and when. Who: Choose to talk about current events...
by Becky Gracia, LMSW | Oct 24, 2023 | Ann Arbor
Walking silently on a trail Throwing snowballs at trees Making art in nature Greeting strangers in the park Holding a frog Making snow angels Noticing the sound of the rain Sipping hot cocoa together Noticing the changes in the sky Breathing in fresh air These are...
