Collaborative Minds Blog

Education to empower your mental health journey.

Redefining Self-Care
Gabrielle Moskovitz, LSW Gabrielle Moskovitz, LSW

Redefining Self-Care

Self-care is the new “buzzword” term that we read about all over social media. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), self-care is defined as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health” (NIMH, 2024). But, what really is self-care? Keep reading to learn more.

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My Teen Thinks They Have Autism–But Are They Right? 
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

My Teen Thinks They Have Autism–But Are They Right? 

Social media plays a huge role in influencing trends, especially amongst adolescents. But there’s one trend in particular that has caught the attention of healthcare providers and researchers all over the country; it’s become increasingly popular for teens to “self-diagnose” mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ASD in teens, how to go about getting a formal diagnosis, and ways to support your teen’s needs.

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Relax & Recharge: The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Break & How to Maximize Them
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

Relax & Recharge: The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Break & How to Maximize Them

With the days getting longer and warm weather approaching, Spring Break offers a much-needed respite from the routine hustle and bustle of daily life. But it's not just a chance to soak up some sun; it's a vital opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being. Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of your Spring Break for your mental health. 

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7 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know (From a Licensed Therapist Specialized in Treating Teens)
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

7 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know (From a Licensed Therapist Specialized in Treating Teens)

As parents, we’ve all been teens at one point…but raising teenagers can still feel like a total mystery at times. This time of their lives is crucial for exploring who they are and creating an identity of their own, but it’s equally as important to have your unconditional love and support (even if they pretend not to care). Practice owner and licensed clinical social worker Sara Schreiber shares 7 things teenagers want their parents to know but struggle to communicate themselves.

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Skills Groups vs. Process Groups: Which Type of Group Therapy is Right For You?
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

Skills Groups vs. Process Groups: Which Type of Group Therapy is Right For You?

The term “Group Therapy” seems pretty self-explanatory…it’s just therapy, but in a group setting, right? Well, yes and no. There are many different types of therapy groups that differ based on the intended goals of the groups, the condition(s) they aim to treat, the clinical methods used by the facilitating therapists, and more. Keep reading to learn more about two of the most common types of group therapy, Skills Groups and Process Groups.

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Common Holiday Stressors and How to Handle Them 
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

Common Holiday Stressors and How to Handle Them 

While the time between Thanksgiving and New Years is known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be the most stressful; in fact, one study found that a staggering 88% of Americans feel more stressed while celebrating the holidays. Keep reading to find out what some of the most common holiday stressors are and tips for handling them this holiday season.

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Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy 
Nicole Ivelevitch Nicole Ivelevitch

Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy 

For individuals who have experienced trauma, it can feel like you’ll never be the same–and this isn’t totally inaccurate. Research has shown that exposure to traumatic events can actually cause physical changes in our brains that make it harder for us to tolerate and cope with stress. The good news is that there are treatments you can use to help heal from these traumatic experiences and their consequences, one of the most effective being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Keep reading to learn more about this incredible intervention and whether it sounds like the right treatment for you.

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Maternal Mental Health Matters Too
Gabrielle Moskovitz, LSW Gabrielle Moskovitz, LSW

Maternal Mental Health Matters Too

Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs in the world. We are told to care for our children, spouses, and the household, all while working, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and running errands. Rarely, do we get the opportunity to stop and reflect on what WE need from ourselves or others. It is obvious why up to 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health disorder in the postpartum period. These disorders include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Especially in our culture where women are expected to return to work weeks after giving birth, with limited resources or benefits to support feeding their babies.

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Back to School and Overwhelmed with Assignments? Steal My Hack to Help Get Organized 
Sara Schreiber Sara Schreiber

Back to School and Overwhelmed with Assignments? Steal My Hack to Help Get Organized 

I think everyone can agree that one of the most difficult parts about being a student is keeping track of everything for all of your classes; between homework assignments, projects, exams, and more, it can start to feel really overwhelming (Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into a class and said, “Wait, that was due TODAY?” 🙋) This can be especially daunting if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, or other executive functioning disorders. Keep reading to hear what I did to help get myself organized and ultimately set myself up for academic success.

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Are Your Kids Back at School? 5 Ways for Parents to Practice Self Care During Back to School
Sara Schreiber Sara Schreiber

Are Your Kids Back at School? 5 Ways for Parents to Practice Self Care During Back to School

Are Your Kids Back to School? 5 Ways to Practice Self Care for Parents

While a lot of parents secretly (or not-so-secretly) rejoice when their kids go back to school, many still struggle to prioritize their own needs. You might be juggling after school activities, appointments, housework, your own career, and a seemingly endless to-do list…but it’s important to carve out time for yourself in the midst of all the chaos. Keep reading for tips on how to incorporate self-care into your routine now that school has started.

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5 Unexpected Ways to Help the Back-To-School Transition for Teens&nbsp;</a>
Sara Schreiber Sara Schreiber

5 Unexpected Ways to Help the Back-To-School Transition for Teens 

5 Unexpected Ways to Help the Back-To-School Transition for Teens

Going back to school after having a summer off can feel like a really big deal to a lot of kids and teens—it’s kind of like starting a new chapter, and it’s natural for new things to make us feel a little anxious. Keep reading to learn about ways that you can help to set yourself up for happiness and success this school year.

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