By Jaunai Staton, LAMFT In Part 1, we named what so many Black women in New Jersey and beyond quietly carry: the pressure to be unbreakable. To keep going no matter the cost, and to silence our needs in the name of strength. We explored how the strong Black woman myth shapes our identities, emotionalContinue reading "How Black Women in NJ Are Healing the Strong Black Woman Myth With A BIPOC Therapist"
8 Practical Tips for Dating After Your Spouse Dies
By Taylor Zanon, LAMFT Love After Loss: Navigating Dating After a Spouse's Passing Tip 1: Honor Where You Are Recognize that grief has no timeline. Some days, the thought of dating may feel overwhelming, while on other days, curiosity about companionship may arise. All emotions are valid. Allow yourself to feel without judgment—whether it's sadness,Continue reading "8 Practical Tips for Dating After Your Spouse Dies"
The “Strong Black Woman” Myth: An NJ BIPOC Therapist’s Take
By Jaunai Staton, LAMFT Have You Felt This Too? Have you ever caught yourself pushing through, even when you’re running on empty? Wondered why rest feels so far out of reach, even when your body is begging for it? Do you ever feel like you’re the glue holding everything together, but no one sees whatContinue reading "The “Strong Black Woman” Myth: An NJ BIPOC Therapist’s Take"
Love After Loss: Unlocking Your Heart With Grief Therapy
By Taylor Zanon, LAMFT Dating After Your Spouse Dies: How to Know When You Are Ready for Love Again Losing a spouse is an unimaginable heartbreak, and the idea of dating again can stir up a whirlwind of emotions—grief, guilt, uncertainty, and maybe even a little hope. It’s completely normal to feel conflicted. But loveContinue reading "Love After Loss: Unlocking Your Heart With Grief Therapy"
Body Dysmorphia Is Stealing Your Pregnancy Joy: Here’s How to Fight Back
By Melody Smith, LPC Your body during pregnancy is nothing short of miraculous. It grows, stretches, and transforms to nurture new life. But with these changes comes a complex emotional journey that isn't always discussed in prenatal classes or captured in those serene maternity photoshoots. The Physical Reality: Understanding Your Changing Pregnancy Body There areContinue reading "Body Dysmorphia Is Stealing Your Pregnancy Joy: Here’s How to Fight Back "
4 Warning Signs of Divorce According To An NJ Marriage Therapist
By Lauren Grossbach, LMFT Ever had that feeling that something’s off in your relationship, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? As a therapist, I often see couples struggling with that uncertainty. That's why I love sharing concrete research and terminology that helps make sense of relationship challenges, and how to overcome them. Dr.Continue reading "4 Warning Signs of Divorce According To An NJ Marriage Therapist"
Why New Parenthood Is So Hard on Relationships—And What You Can Do About It
By Megan Herelle, LAMFT at Brave Minds Psychological Services Welcoming a baby into your family is one of life's most profound joys—and most significant challenges. You're taking your family from a unit of two to a group of three; this is bound to come with changes and new challenges. If you’ve ever had to balance betweenContinue reading "Why New Parenthood Is So Hard on Relationships—And What You Can Do About It"
Why Healing from Narcissistic Parenting Is Possible: 5 Key Steps Toward Emotional Liberation
By Jaunai Staton, LAMFT Do You Need Help Healing Your Invisible Wounds? Do you find yourself constantly seeking approval, feeling like you're never quite "enough," or wondering why certain childhood memories still trigger such intense emotions, even decades later? These may not be visible signs, but they’re often the lingering echoes of growing up with narcissisticContinue reading "Why Healing from Narcissistic Parenting Is Possible: 5 Key Steps Toward Emotional Liberation"
Understanding Your Relationship Wounds: A Guide for Children of Narcissistic Parents
By Jaunai Staton, LAMFT If you grew up feeling like your emotions didn’t matter, or like love came with conditions, you’re not alone. For many, childhood meant learning to take care of others while quietly putting your own needs aside. Some parents may have looked responsible on the outside, and many were doing the bestContinue reading "Understanding Your Relationship Wounds: A Guide for Children of Narcissistic Parents"
Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond Your Parents’ Emotional Immaturity
By Jaunai Staton, LAMFT Were You the Emotional Adult Too Soon? Healing from Parentified Childhood in NJ Did you grow up feeling like the adult in the room—always calming storms, smoothing things over, or being the one who had to stay steady when your parents couldn’t? It’s like growing up in a house where the relationalContinue reading "Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond Your Parents’ Emotional Immaturity"