Sequoia Counseling Center
Blog

It seems like the holidays have a way of always sneaking up on us. One minute it’s pumpkin-spice season and the next thing we know, there are twinkling lights everywhere, Christmas playlists in every store, kids running on sugar highs while parents are running on fumes, and everyone asking, “So… any exciting plans for the holidays?” For many people, this time of year feels warm and magical. For others, especially those who are grieving, it feels like walking through a place

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but in reality, it can also bring pressure, overload, and emotional strain. Between family expectations, social gatherings, travel, and end-of-year responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. Practicing healthy boundaries and intentional self-care is essential for navigating this busy season with more peace and authenticity. Start by identifying what truly matters to you duri

The holiday season can be a wonderful time filled with celebration, family, and tradition. However, it's also notorious for bringing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, shopping for gifts, or balancing work and family, holiday stress can creep in and dampen your enjoyment. Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that 89% of individuals report heightened stress levels during this period, and approximately 64% of

For many kids and teens, body image isn’t just about how they look but also about how they feel about themselves. When a child develops a...

Most of us know that self-care is important. We try to make it happen but it seems like we never have the time. Between working, raising...

One of the best ways to relax and unwind at the end of a long day is by watching a movie. Movies create a myriad of emotions for people....

If you are like a lot of people, you may hear a song that describes the holidays as “the most wonderful time of year” and immediately...

Parenting is a complex challenge. It can be hard to navigate school schedules, daily activities, providing healthy meals, help with...

A fun fact about me is that I am an avid reader. In almost every book I pick up, there is a consistent basic plotline: the protagonist...

Parenting is hard. Exhausting. Confusing. Exasperating. Lonely. Even with all those adjectives, that’s an incredible understatement. I...

I should be able to do it by myself Relationships aren’t worth it. What’s wrong with me? Why bother? If you’re anything like me, you’ve...

Making the switch from traditional parenting to conscious or positive parenting is a transformative experience for both parents and...

Our society focuses so much on behaviors that feelings tend to be mostly neglected. Think of all of the things you’ve talked to your...

Have you ever heard someone say “My child is giving me such a hard time”? Or even better, has one of your own parents ever told you that...

Have you ever heard of inherited family trauma? In his book, It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and...

Have you ever found yourself wondering why you responded to a situation the way you did? Yes? Me too. I would even argue that I do it...

Our families are one of the most important social institutions in our lives. Researchers have observed that in all the societies they...

By now, many of us have seen Disney’s animated movie, Encanto. For many of us, we may or may not have realized how many different mirrors...

Honest Communication In order for a child to understand what is happening, it’s important to be upfront and honest about their condition...

The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate a special time of year. It’s a time to escape our hectic lives...