Hillside Blog

Mindfulness for Families: How Being Present Can Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Teen

By Jennifer Moody, LMSW | April 14, 2025
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Teenagers are in a stage of life where they experience identity exploration, academic stress, peer pressure, mood swings, and the challenges of technology and social media. As they strive for greater independence, they may withdraw from open communication, creating gaps in understanding between them and their parents. This can leave…

How to Help Kids Regulate Their Emotions

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC | March 6, 2025
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Is your child unable to control their emotions? As children get older, the expectation for them to control their emotions and behaviors grows. This ability is known as “self-regulation,” and many assume it naturally develops with age. However, the reality is that many children have a hard time mastering this…

Mental Health in the Digital Age: Parenting in the Tech World

By RJ Manradgh, LPC, NCC, CPCS | November 15, 2024
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This interview with Titiana Jordan of bark and Rajeive Manradgh of Hillside addresses the challenges parents face in raising children in a technology-driven environment. It discusses strategies for fostering healthy digital habits, setting boundaries for screen time, and encouraging open communication about online experiences. The role of parents in promoting…

Mental Health in the Digital Age: Navigating Mental Health Care

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC | November 14, 2024
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This interview between Titiana Jordan and Gaan Akers focuses on the complexities of accessing mental health care in today’s digital landscape. It offers guidance on how to navigate mental health resources, including teletherapy, online support groups, and digital tools for managing mental health. The importance of finding the right support…

Distress Tolerance Skills for Happy Holidays: A DBT & Sanctuary Model Approach for Adolescents and their Families

By Lara Muster, LMSW | November 12, 2024
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With its blend of celebration and stress, the holiday season exemplifies a dialectical approach where joy and emotional strain co-exist. This duality can create a challenging emotional environment for adolescents and their families. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers distress tolerance skills that are particularly valuable during this time, helping individuals…

Interpersonal Effectiveness – Building Healthy Family Dynamics

By Lynne Smith, LMSW | November 2, 2024
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What comes to mind when you think of “building healthy family dynamics”? Pause for a moment and give this question some thought. Then add to your thoughts the concept Dr. Daniel Siegel shares in “The Mindsight Approach to Wellbeing” course: in “a truly health-promoting relationship, there needs to be differentiation and…

Why It’s Hard to Talk about Suicide (And Why We Need To)

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC | August 21, 2024
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Suicide poses a significant threat to adolescents, with a staggering 20% of high school students having serious thoughts about suicide. Unfortunately, many of these hidden suicidal thoughts go unreported and untreated because of the taboo surrounding discussions on suicide. This article discusses why we don’t talk about suicide, explains the…

Talking to Kids about Suicide: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC | August 14, 2024
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention indicates that 49,476 people died by suicide, yet 94% of adults think we can prevent many of these cases.  Suicide prevention starts with a conversation. Our guide will delve into how to talk to kids about suicide so you can support them during trying…

What to Do When Your Child Is Suicidal: A Complete Guide

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC | July 12, 2024
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Many adolescents grapple with suicidal thoughts, and parenting a suicidal child can be overwhelming. Fear and uncertainty are natural responses when confronted with this harsh reality. We hope that this guide will help you understand what to do when your child is suicidal. We’ll discuss the complexities of suicidal prevention…

Mindfulness – Practicing Mindfulness as School Ends, A DBT Perspective 

By Vanessa Hernandez | May 14, 2024
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It’s natural to look forward to summer and the end of the school year with excitement and plans for what to do during that time. However, for some people, boredom can feel daunting and lead to negative emotions. Boredom can be uncomfortable, especially if we struggle with ruminating over that feeling. Mindfulness…