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...
by Sutha Johnson, Ph.D. | Sep 26, 2023 | Ann Arbor
Do you feel frustrated when someone suggests you take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed? The breaths don’t magically shrink our to-do lists, do they? If you belong in this category of humans, you are not alone and your experience is to be expected! In fact, the...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Sep 14, 2023 | Ann Arbor
I’m pretty sure some of my family members are horrified when they come over in the middle of the day and see my messy kitchen: Dishes overflowing out of the sink. Breakfast plates still on the counter. Dining room table unwiped and covered in sticky handprints. The...
by Beth Pearson, Ph.D. | Sep 11, 2023 | Ann Arbor
Fall is my favorite season. Yes, I love the relaxed pace of summer, seeing neighbors at the pool, digging holes in the sand and jumping waves at Lake Michigan with my family. But Fall, with its crisp air and gloriously- colored-leaves, has always felt to me to be the...
