The Comparison Trap: Teaching Teens to Navigate Social Media Without Losing Self-Worth
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt Though Roosevelt couldn’t have imagined Instagram or TikTok when he spoke these words, his insight feels more relevant today than ever before. As a licensed counselor working with teens for nearly a decade, I’ve watched social media transform from a fun way to connect with friends […]
Identity Exploration: Supporting Teens Through Questions of Self
“Who am I?” This seemingly simple question becomes extraordinarily complex during the teenage years. As someone who has counseled teens through identity exploration for nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed both the exhilarating freedom and profound uncertainty that comes with this fundamental developmental task. Whether you’re a parent watching your child try on different identities like […]
Social Anxiety in Teens: When Shyness Becomes Something More
You’ve probably heard it countless times: “She’s just shy” or “He’ll grow out of it.” As someone who’s worked with teenagers for nearly a decade in various settings from schools to university counseling centers, I’ve seen how easily social anxiety gets mislabeled as simple shyness. While shyness is a temperament trait that many teens navigate […]
Talking to Teens About Substance Use: Beyond Scare Tactics
As a counselor who has worked with teenagers for nearly a decade, I’ve found that conversations about substance use often follow a familiar pattern. Parents, with the best intentions, try to protect their teens by sharing horror stories or using intimidation tactics. Meanwhile, teens tune out what feels like another lecture, creating a communication gap […]
The Unique Mental Health Challenges of Student Athletes
Working with student athletes throughout my career, particularly in my role with Penn State University’s Athletics Department, has given me a window into the distinctive pressures these young people face. While many see only the highlights—the victories, scholarships, and community recognition—behind every achievement lies a complex mental and emotional landscape that student athletes must navigate […]
Transitioning from High School to College: Mental Preparation Beyond Academics
Throughout my years counseling teens and young adults, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: we spend countless hours preparing students academically for college—with SAT & test prep, college selection & application process, and major & course selection, but far less time addressing the significant emotional and psychological adjustments they’ll face. This transition represents one of life’s […]
Professional Development Through Therapy: The New Executive Advantage
In today’s fast-paced business environment, successful executives and entrepreneurs understand that maintaining peak performance requires more than just traditional business acumen. At EPIC Counseling Solutions in Camp Hill, PA, we’ve observed a growing trend among business leaders who are leveraging professional counseling as a powerful tool for career development and executive excellence. The Evolution of […]
Managing Team Conflict: A Leader’s Guide to Maintaining Mental Wellness
As licensed professional counselors at EPIC Counseling Solutions in Camp Hill, PA, we’ve worked with numerous executives and business leaders who face a common challenge: managing team conflict while preserving their own mental well-being. When left unaddressed, workplace conflicts can lead to increased stress, potential burnout, and a significant impact on work-life balance. The Hidden […]
The Hidden Cost of Leadership Stress: Why CEOs Are Prioritizing Mental Health
As a leadership coach and professional counselor at EPIC Counseling Solutions in Camp Hill, PA, I’ve observed a significant shift in how executives approach mental wellness. More CEOs and business leaders are recognizing that managing leadership stress isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s a crucial business strategy that impacts entire organizations. The Real Impact of Executive […]
Understanding Mental Load: The Invisible Work Straining Your Relationship
As a licensed professional counselor at EPIC Counseling Solutions in Camp Hill, PA, I’ve helped countless couples navigate the challenging waters of relationship stress. One of the most common issues I encounter in my practice is something called “mental load” or “invisible labor” – a concept that’s gaining increasing attention in relationship dynamics. Understanding Mental […]
