Every behavior serves a purpose or function. As human beings with free choice, we act purposefully and to fill a need whether or not we are fully aware of it. Understanding the function of a behavior will help us understand the reason behind the action and how we can handle unhelpful behaviors in ourselves and those around us.  Most functions of behavior fall into four categories, with the acronym EATS: Function #1 - E scape Sometimes things feel so overwhelming that we just

It’s that time of year – school is heading out and sunscreen is coming on. Whether vacation just passed, is actively happening, or is rapidly approaching, this time of year brings its own kind of challenges. Rained out activities, kids fighting, and lack of structure may end up leaving you frustrated.  The question becomes, how do we cope when expectations and realities don’t line up? 1. Clarify expectations in advance It is hard to not get caught up in the nitty gritty detai

Have you been feeling flooded recently? I have– and for me it came suddenly. From one day to the next, there were suddenly midterm exams, term papers, research papers, upcoming finals, graduate school decisions, and of course a myriad of other non-college related responsibilities that seemed to appear out of nowhere.  Other than breaking each task into tiny manageable tasks and drowning in to-do lists, I figured there had  to be a quick and easy way to combat the giant inner

Postpartum anxiety is extremely common, yet many new mothers struggle to recognize when their “maternal instincts” and natural protectiveness cross over into an unhelpful preoccupation with their baby’s safety. Part of the confusion stems from the crucial emphasis on child safety reinforced by hospital staff, pediatricians, well-meaning bubbies , and even distant relatives and acquaintances. Whether or not it’s appropriate for your great-aunt-twice removed to weigh in on your

Lessons From My Visit to מרפאת תעצומות, the IDF’s New PTSD Unit Dr. Ben Langstein visiting the IDF’s New PTSD Unit Living in Israel has opened up some truly unique professional experiences for me as a therapist trained in military and civilian trauma care. Just recently, I was invited to speak to a new trauma unit within the Israeli army, מרפאת תעצומות (Mirpa’at Ta’Atzumot), loosely translated as “Clinic of Strength.” Yesterday, I was able to visit the clinic and see their wo

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many students and parents find themselves experiencing a mix of excitement and...

As summer draws to a close, many families find themselves navigating the sometimes-bumpy transition into a new school year. This period...

We are usually quick to comfort others when they are struggling. If a friend called you crying because they messed something up or were overwhelmed, you probably wouldn’t say, “Wow, you really should’ve handled that better.” You would offer warmth, reassurance, and build them up. But when it’s us in that position, the script flips. Suddenly, the voice in our head isn’t kind at all. It’s harsh, critical, and impatient. It says things like, You should be over this by now, or Wh

I’ve shared about why I love exposure therapy before, from a clinical perspective why it's the gold standard treatment for phobias, OCD,...

The weeks following Shavuos can feel unstructured. We’ve just experienced the intensity and inspiration of Matan Torah and then, nothing....

"I'm bored." "There's nothing to do." "When does school start again?" "I miss my routine." If you can already hear echoes of these...

Picture this: You're sitting in your doctor's office, describing symptoms that have been disrupting your life for months. The bloodwork...

Life gets overwhelming sometimes — and not just in the dramatic, fall-apart kind of way. More like in the quiet, relentless pressure of...

Living with uncertainty can be extremely distressing. Whether it is waiting for something as significant as medical results or as mundane...

While all mothers worry about their child’s well-being, stereotypically, Jewish mothers are known for being the ultimate worrywarts....

Confronting Anxiety Head-On

Approach Instead of Avoid