Beverly Hills Therapy Group

Mental and physical health challenges affect everyone, including professional, elite, and Olympic athletes. When four-time champion female tennis player Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Roland-Garros French tennis competition due to depression in June 2021, the world was shocked. Pressure, media attention, and fines charged based on the tournament’s code of conduct caused Osaka to take...Read More

Nearly all parents in the United States want their children to see and treat others equally, no matter their ethnic background or race. Many believe that if they do not point out differences to their children that perhaps they will not notice race, hoping that they will treat all differences the same as characteristics like...Read More

While not commonly known as body-focused repetitive behaviors or BFRBs, you likely have known or may even be or have been a person experiencing this set of disorders. BFRBs are when self-grooming routines go haywire and may include pulling, picking, biting, or scraping one’s nails, skin, or hair. Some disorders categorized as BFRBs include onychophagia...Read More

Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Therapy – Answered The signs that a person might benefit from therapy are not always apparent. Even people with no diagnosed mental health conditions or those with a strong support system may benefit from therapy at some point in their life. However, a person may not know when...Read More

Over the last decade, research has shown that unstructured free play has been rapidly declining despite the acknowledged benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged teachers and parents to see the benefits of unstructured play when schools were closed or virtual. Instead, there is often an emphasis on resume-building and more structured play. Extracurricular activities such...Read More

For many with PTSD, life is exhausting and they are unable to enjoy things that used to bring happiness to their lives. PTSD is not something that can be turned on and off and affects most aspects of the sufferer’s life. In June we recognize PTSD awareness month. Even resilient people can suffer from PTSD,...Read More

In June, we recognize PTSD Awareness month. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event that is either experienced or witnessed. Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance of situations, intrusive thoughts, depression, and more. There are many stigmas surrounding PTSD and there...Read More

Each May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness month. An easy way to stay functional and recognize your own mental health is to take a Mental Health Day. If you’re on your third coffee by 10 am and feel like you’ve been through the ringer on a Tuesday, you might need a mental health day. While...Read More

In May, we recognize Mental Health Month and are looking deeper into one of the forms of therapy we use in our practice. A common form of therapy today is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a relatively new treatment, with modern techniques that were not available until just a few short decades ago....Read More

May is National Maternal Depression Awareness Month; Women’s Health Month The last year has been challenging because of the pandemic, but even more so for pregnant women and their loved ones. May is National Maternal Depression Awareness and Women’s Health Month. Trying to stay emotionally healthy is important during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but...Read More

If you’re an adult with older children who are ready to start their careers, you might be anxiously awaiting the day your child decides to finally move out. But what if they don’t seem to be in a hurry? Or what if you are letting them live at home after a pandemic layoff, but they...Read More

Autism Awareness Month | April 2 – Autism Awareness Day Each April, we recognize Autism Awareness Month and Autism Awareness Day on April 2. While individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, previously categorized as Asperger’s syndrome) can face difficulties such as trying to fit in, relationship issues, or increased vulnerability, there are benefits to...Read More

March 30 – World Bipolar Day Diagnosing mental illnesses can be challenging as there is usually no way to physically measure or run lab tests that can help determine one diagnosis from another. Helping an individual find the best treatment options for their unique condition also poses a challenge. Mental health professionals depend on symptoms...Read More

In the month of March, we observe Self-harm Awareness month and observed Self-Injury Awareness Day on March 1st. Studies show that self-harm is much more common than you might think. Nearly one in five individuals will deliberately injure themselves during their lifetime.  On average, cutting typically begins during the teenage years, often between the ages...Read More

March: American National Nutrition Month Depression remains one of the largest health issues in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. The economic burden of depression has been estimated to reach nearly $200 billion annually, sometimes leading to disability in adults and children. Estimated to cause severe impairments in nearly 10 million Americans, depression rates...Read More

From February 23 to March 1, we recognize National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a triple threat to those suffering from eating disorders. Fear regarding health and food combined with social isolation can have a large impact on recovery. Stay-at-home orders, economic uncertainty, and stress relating to the pandemic only add...Read More

February 17th, 2021 marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Never before has random acts of kindness been so necessary due to the mental toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on all of us. During uncertain times, kindness helps us come together to create hope, support, and a sense of community. Kindness has the added...Read More

Several factors exist that conflict with a loving long-term relationship or marriage. Distrust, disrespect, and disinterest are relationship killers that slowly break the bond between two people. Over time, these three factors could potentially cause a break-up or divorce. Distrust Doubting the reliability or honesty of your partner is what it means to distrust them....Read More

After everything that has happened, it is difficult to envision where you’ll be in January 2021. From social distancing to working from home, asking ourselves where we envision ourselves in the New Year may seem like a hopeless endeavour. Yet with all the changes 2020 has brought us, it is still valuable to set aside...Read More

We all have those days where we wake up and want to throw the covers back over our head. Facing another overwhelming day seems like just too much. Maybe you shuffle to the kitchen and make a pot of coffee because you didn’t sleep well. You skip breakfast because you overslept and start work in...Read More

For many, writing helps them deal with their emotions in a safe, controlled space. Handling a global pandemic has been a stress-inducing experience, so it’s not surprising that many people are struggling with their mental health. A recent poll found that nearly half of Americans felt that their mental health was being affected negatively by...Read More

Depression and stress can ruin the holidays and our health, even when there isn’t a global pandemic. By planning ahead, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support, you can minimize stress and depression this holiday season. The holidays bring an array of demands from shopping to cooking, to entertaining. While visitors may not be as big...Read More

If a family member or other loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness or is dying, it can be challenging to come to terms with what is happening. It can be even more difficult when children are close to your loved one. Even during these hard times, being honest and open with children is...Read More

The globe has been living with the COVID-19 pandemic for months and the spread of the virus is still rising in many parts of the world. As the pandemic continues, many are getting tired of taking precautions to safeguard themselves and others. Prior to 2020, most cultures were not used to wearing face masks in...Read More

Holidays, special events, and celebrations have changed dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time many have been left with empty chairs at family gatherings because loved ones cannot or are not willing to attend family celebrations. With no end in sight, many traditions and religious events have been canceled...Read More

Do you feel lucky or unlucky around St. Patrick’s Day? Typically connected with religious practices or pagan beliefs, superstitions are commonplace in our society. Rather than being rooted in facts or logic, superstitions coincide with cultural traditions or simple coincidences. Superstitions allow people to feel more in control of their lives, which is why even...Read More

If COVID-19 has caused you to transition to working from home, you’ve likely had to modify your traditional workday in many ways. When responsibilities from work and home collide, it can cause great amounts of stress, not to mention the pandemic itself! We’ve collected some advice on reducing stress, staying productive, and managing your mental...Read More

November is National Caregivers Awareness Month. It is no secret that caregivers of family members give a lot. They may spend countless hours talking on the phone to physicians, nurses, therapists, or health insurance agencies. Many spend so much time in classes or doing research they could be honorary-degree holders. They drive their loved ones...Read More

If you’ve been more anxious than usual, you’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased anxiety and panic for many. To avoid the cascading effects, there are are few useful things you can try to help yourself lessen the symptoms.  Acknowledge that almost everyone is scared or uncertain The pandemic has most individuals worrying about...Read More

Survivors of trauma experience a profound impact on their mind, body, and spirit. After suffering trauma, individuals can feel unsafe in a way that is beyond a way of thinking into a more complex, sensory level of discomfort throughout the body. Trauma can cause feelings of being disconnected, either from life before, people who didn’t...Read More

As we transition into Fall, we still find ourselves in times of uncertainty. Each week brings us close to the day our communities will fully reopen, but it’s hard to know what that will look like and when. If any theme exists within this public health crisis, it is most likely to be uncertainty. If...Read More

September is Suicide Awareness month. As the COVID-19 pandemic extends into the remainder of the year, the pandemic may begin to have more long-term effects on those who struggle with mental health conditions. Preventing suicide in vulnerable populations is important during this time. There is evidence that deaths attributed to suicide increased during the 1918-19...Read More

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought on a unique set of challenges. During the pandemic, it is normal to feel vulnerable and anxious about the unknowns. We look to each other to...Read More

When we think about our health, usually we think about nourishing our bodies, not our brains. Our daily habits influence our cognitive health. As use of technology during our daily lives, particularly with changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are changing our technology habits at a rapid pace. Using technology during our day can...Read More

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many children have experienced anxiety, sadness, and stress. Playgrounds and parks have been closed, we’re staying distant from friends and family, and stores are closed. While these changes have affected us all, one of the most visible changes is people wearing masks or face shields. For children, the sight of someone...Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique challenges to most individuals. A new challenge for many is working at home with their partner. Millions of couples are now working from home together. It can be difficult to acclimate to spending the entire day with each other and getting adjusted to another person’s working style. If this...Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive to our daily lives, especially for children. With last school year being cut short, a return to school this Fall either in-person, remote, or as a hybrid will be welcome and exciting for most students. However, with the drastic changes that are probable with any scenario, other children may...Read More

Schools across the nation closed early this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic leaving millions of children to complete their school year remotely. Parents learned quickly about structure, homeschooling, schedules, and how to talk about the pandemic to their children. Now we are well into summer break and most kids are home with no school...Read More

If you are pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s okay not to be okay. Remaining calm, positive, and hopeful during the past few months might’ve been incredibly challenging. While you can’t change what is going on in the world, you can choose to focus on your mindset, mood, and anxiety levels. While it is important...Read More

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In July, we acknowledge Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, we’ve seen discussions of experiences of racism and the detrimental impact it has on equitable access to resources such as housing, healthcare, and education. However, we don’t often see the impact racism has on mental health. Experiences of racism have negative effects on the...Read More

As we navigate our new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology can be a tremendous blessing for keeping us connected, entertained, and even allowing some of us to work remotely. During the past few months, many apps have made adjustments to their prices or offering to help us cope with the pandemic and practice safe...Read More

If you’ve ever been stuck inside due to rain or a blizzard, you have an idea about experiencing cabin fever. However, anytime we feel isolated from the outside world ‘cabin fever’ can occur. COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine practices have many experiencing cabin fever due to confinement for a longer period of time. If you’re...Read More

Traumatic events ranging from personal ones to a global pandemic like COVID-19 can cause traumatic stress and take an emotional toll on your life. Experiencing traumatic stress after a distressing event such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a motor vehicle accident, natural disaster, or violent crime is completely normal. May individuals report feeling intense shock, fear,...Read More

Carla Washington, MA, LPC, ATRR is an adjunct professor of art therapy at Wayne State University and a licensed counselor with our practice, Beverly Hills Therapy Group. I asked Carla about her work, how she started, and how art therapy has evolved for her. Can you tell me a little bit about how you came...Read More

Animal-lovers know that pets are powerful mood boosters. Having a pet has numerous mental health benefits and can help many cope with their stress, anxiety, or depression. Our pets are incredibly attuned to our emotions. Dogs can interpret body language, gestures, and more. Numerous studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer...Read More

Stress has a large impact on our lives and affects our physical and mental health, relationships, and performance at work. Stress has such a powerful impact on our physical health that it can even make many health conditions worse.  Stress can exacerbate or cause many serious health problems. Cardiovascular disease has been linked to stress....Read More

Have you recently found yourself working from home? Or maybe you’ve been working from home for years. Individuals who work from home often face increased anxiety, depression and loneliness due to their remote situation. If you’ve just started working from home, do you find that you’re feeling more stressed, or perhaps fighting feelings of isolation?...Read More

Spring for high school and college Seniors usually means experiencing the delight of “senioritis”, experiencing the remaining time you have with your friends for the last few weeks before graduation. It’s also a time of many major life events such as prom, graduation parties and ceremonies, and other local traditions. However, due to the COVID-19...Read More

The world is being told to stay put in our homes and practice “social distancing” by limiting our trips outside the home and social contact during the COVID-19, or “coronavirus”, pandemic. While we’re all concerned with our physical health as it relates to avoiding the virus, many are also concerned about their mental well-being. The...Read More