EPIC Blog
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
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
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
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,
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
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
