How to Know When Anxiety Is No Longer “Normal Stress”
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Stress is a normal part of life. Deadlines, family responsibilities, financial pressure, and unexpected changes can all trigger worry or tension. In many cases, that stress fades once the situation passes. But sometimes anxiety doesn’t ease it lingers, intensifies, or begins to interfere with daily life. Understanding the […]
What Therapy Is Actually Like (If You’ve Never Been Before)
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy If you’ve never been to therapy, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect. Many people imagine awkward silences, being judged, or having to immediately talk about deeply personal experiences. Others worry they won’t know what to say, or that their problems aren’t “serious enough.” The reality […]
When Play Becomes Healing: How Creative Expression Supports Children with Anxiety or ADHD
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Children make sense of the world through movement, imagination, and play long before they learn how to put feelings into words. For kids who struggle with anxiety, emotional regulation, or symptoms of ADHD in children, play becomes more than a source of joy it becomes a powerful therapeutic […]
Little Hands, Big Hearts: Teaching Gratitude Through Creative Thanksgiving Crafts
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Thanksgiving is a time for warmth, connection, and reflection but it is also an opportunity to help children explore emotional concepts in a way that feels safe, playful, and meaningful. At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we use simple art activities, like decorating “thankful turkey” feathers, to help kids put […]
Parenting and the Fear of Failure: How to Help Kids Build Resilience Instead of Perfectionism
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Every parent wants their child to succeed — to try hard, achieve goals, and feel proud of themselves. Yet, sometimes that healthy encouragement turns into pressure, and pressure turns into fear. Many children today grow up believing that mistakes define them, that failure means “not good enough,” and […]
The Hidden Faces of Self-Sabotage: Why We Get in Our Own Way
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Have you ever found yourself procrastinating on a goal you deeply care about, talking yourself out of opportunities, or repeating the same unhelpful patterns despite your best intentions? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with self-sabotage the unconscious behaviors and thoughts that block progress, happiness, or connection. At […]
PTSD vs. Anxiety: Understanding the Key Differences in Symptoms and Treatment
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Mental health challenges often overlap, and two of the most commonly confused conditions are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Both can involve overwhelming worry, disrupted sleep, and heightened alertness. Yet there are important distinctions in their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches that can help you or […]
Anticipatory Anxiety vs. General Anxiety: Key Differences Parents Should Know
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for both adults and children. Yet not all anxiety looks the same. Some people experience constant worry that lingers day to day, while others only feel anxious before specific events. Understanding the difference between anticipatory anxiety and general […]
How to Manage Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety: Therapist-Approved Strategies
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy We’ve all experienced it at some point — the racing thoughts before a big presentation, the restless night before a doctor’s appointment, or the nervous jitters leading up to an important life change. This feeling, known as anticipatory anxiety, is the stress we feel in advance of something […]
Managing Anxiety and Physical Tension: The Role of Psychotherapy and Physiotherapy
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-RFounder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy – Brooklyn, NY Anxiety is more than just a mental experience—it has deep and lasting effects on the body. From chronic muscle tension and shallow breathing to jaw clenching and digestive discomfort, anxiety often shows up physically before we’re even aware of the emotional toll it’s taking. At […]