The Duffy Blog
Effects of Diet on Mental Health
At the Duffy Counseling Center, we see many children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety. The most common issue reported from parents is
Early Self-Regulation Leads to Improved Stress Tolerance
The University of Pittsburgh reviewed a 25 year longitudinal study covering the effects of early support for individuals and families in low income households. The
Emotional Exhaustion: Cause, Symptoms, and Remedies
In 2017, the American Psychological Association conducted a survey called Stress in America: The State of Our Nation and its results indicated that stress is
Developing Goals for the Fall/Winter
With the summer ending, the idea of returning to school or back to a rigorous work schedule can be difficult to cope with. Most people
ADHD: Biological or Developed Disorder?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, and difficulty with focus. These symptoms have been researched heavily and
The Push for Early Depression Screening Continues
In February, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended yearly screenings for depression in children and adolescents. If such recommendations were heeded, then children and adolescents would
Hey Duffy! Is It Possible For Me To Be Physically Dependent On My Medication?
With the opioid crisis and the rise of benzodiazepine abuse, this is a general concern of most patients. Many of our patients are not on
School Safety & Mental Health: 3 Considerations for Parents & School Personnel
School safety has been a hot topic among parents, politicians, school personnel, and mental health professionals. Much of the focus is placed on violence, which
Do You & Your Kids Have a School Safety Plan In Place? Use These 3 Tips To Get Your Plan Started!
I remember September 11, 2001 very vividly. I went to high school in Washington D.C. and was in my second period Spanish class when my
How Parents & Community Members Can Support Overburdened School Counselors
If you were to look at the job description for a school counselor, you would see that their role in the school is to provide
Drug Addiction: Progression from Usage to Abuse & Dependence
Government officials have long expressed an interest in addressing the nationwide opioid epidemic. Each year, there are around 70,000 deaths due to drug overdoses and
5 Ways to Reduce (Or Eliminate) Screen Time for Children & Adolescents
While much of our lives revolve around digital media (cell phones, television, computers etc.) it is understandable that the concept of becoming “unplugged” may seem
How Does ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Impact Brain Activity?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts a larger percentage of the population across all ages. If suspected at a young age, individuals can undergo a clinical assessment
The Pitfalls of Device Screen Time for Children
We are in a digital age where anything can be had at the touch of a button or through a few keystrokes of a tablet
2017: A Banner Year for Mental Health Awareness in Music
One of the most important developments of 2017 was the willingness of artists to share their struggles with mental health and spread awareness through their
The Holiday Blues Series: Most Common Factors of Holiday Depression (& How to Manage Through Them)
During the holiday season, we tend to shift our focus from work and daily responsibilities to time spent with family and friends. For most, it
The Holiday Blues Series: 4 Ways Avoid Holiday Depression
At approximately 3 pm on Thanksgiving Day, it seems as if the holiday season swings into high gear. Before you know it, seasonal decorations are
The Injustice & Profound Impact of Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault
Sexual harassment is something that is front and center in the media. It is something that has gone on in the darkest corners of our
4 Steps Towards Creating Your New Sleep Routine
There are many variables that may contribute to the maladaptive behaviors and emotional states of people. Physical ailments, poor nutrition, and defective coping mechanisms can
4 Tips to Managing Device & Screen Times for Kids
One of the more prominent issues we face in this time is the constant exposure of our children to the unknown and often time dangerous
Read This Post BEFORE Your Next 504 IEP Meeting
When it comes to helping our kids in school, knowledge and persistence are the currencies of success. The more we know about what our kids
DCC-504 Plan not working
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE IEP STOPS WORKING The most important sections of the IEP/504 Plan are the services and accommodations. On IEPs, services are
Helpful Tips To Tackle Anxiety Throughout the Week
Anxiety has the power to cripple our ability to get things done. When we experience the hallmarks of anxiety (racing thoughts, tightness in chest, panic
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Adulthood
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more of the following symptoms: hyperactivity impulsivity inattention Commonly diagnosed during childhood and early adolescence,
Shifts In Public Perception of the Therapeutic Process
Counseling is more common than most people think. In the past, feelings of embarrassment and shame were associated with going to therapy. In recent times,