All children and teens feel sad sometimes and they might not always know or be able to articulate why. Some, however, experience more than just sadness and may struggle with depression. Determining whether your child or teen is depressed can be difficult, especially when it’s developmentally normal to experience a wide range of emotions for a variety of reasons. If...[ read more ]

Anxiety is a feeling that we all experience, and one which children can often feel, especially when faced with the unknown. However, there is a point at which feelings of anxiety may become a problem for your child. If anxious feelings and behaviors are beginning to affect your child's daily life, it may be time to consider whether anxiety has...[ read more ]

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, regardless of age. However, children and teenagers may be especially feeling the effects and struggling to cope with the stress. There are many things that might be worrying your child or teen, from health concerns to isolation and dealing with a lot of change in a relatively short period of...[ read more ]

Bridge to Balance is a provider of therapy services, with a focus on helping children and teens, as well as their parents and families. Founded by Kim Finnie, CSSW, LCSW and co-owned with Julie Ferdas, LCSW, Bridge to Balance has a dedicated team of therapists who all have years of experience in delivering therapy to individuals and families. In addition...[ read more ]

Image from Pexels - CC0 License Being compassionate means to make an effort to understand the feelings and emotional states of another person. It also involves understanding your own emotional state.  Showing compassion has a big impact on a person’s mental wellbeing. Compassion is similar to empathy, which is the ability to imagine yourself in someone else's shoes. However, compassion...[ read more ]

Image from Pexels - CC0 License Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment and allowing whatever comes into the mind be there without judgement. Mindfulness can also be seen as a type of meditation or used as part of meditation practice. Mindfulness can help you to lower your stress and anxiety by encouraging you to focus on...[ read more ]

Image from Pexels - CC0 License Using grit and determination to get through life isn't something that's easy. But just because it isn't easy, it doesn't mean it's useless. While nature can play a role in just how much grit and determination you have, it's not just something that you're born with. It's something that is influenced by your upbringing,...[ read more ]

Image from Pexels - CC0 License Giving thanks around special occasions is sometimes the only time people might think to do it. However, giving thanks for things people do for you or the positive things in your life doesn't have to be something that you only do during the holidays. You can find opportunities to give thanks at other times...[ read more ]

The holidays are going to look a little different this year. Many of us didn’t see extended family and friends for Thanksgiving and most likely will not be able to do so for the winter holidays. Even though we recognize the importance of staying safe, having to make changes to your usual plans is difficult. You're prepared to make sacrifices,...[ read more ]

During the winter, you might hear people talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Or perhaps you start to feel a low mood as it gets colder and the nights get longer. You might wonder whether SAD could be causing your change in mood. But what exactly is SAD, how can it affect you, and how do you know if you...[ read more ]