When Perfectionism Looks Like Laziness
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

When Perfectionism Looks Like Laziness

If your teen is avoiding schoolwork, putting off tasks, or seems stuck in a cycle of procrastination, it might not be laziness—it could be perfectionism. The fear of not getting things just right can make starting feel impossible, leading to frustration, self-doubt, and avoidance. Perfectionism isn’t a personality trait—it’s a pattern that can be unlearned. With the right support, your teen can shift from feeling paralyzed by perfection to making progress with confidence.

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Are coping skills just not enough?
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Are coping skills just not enough?

You’ve taught your child deep breathing, positive affirmations, and grounding exercises—but the anxiety keeps coming back. Sound familiar? That’s because coping skills are like band-aids for a deeper wound. If your child is still struggling, it’s not about finding more coping tools—it’s about addressing the root cause. And that’s where EMDR can make all the difference.

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How Your Teen Can Strengthen Their Relationships with Peers
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

How Your Teen Can Strengthen Their Relationships with Peers

If your teen has a hard time starting conversations, maintaining friendships, or feeling confident in social settings, therapy for teens can be a great way to support their growth | Let’s explore how they can improve peer relationships and gain confidence.

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Who Can Benefit Most from a Therapy Intensive?
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Who Can Benefit Most from a Therapy Intensive?

Is your teen feeling stuck in anxiety, overwhelmed by commitments, or struggling with self-confidence? Traditional weekly therapy isn’t always the right fit—sometimes, a more focused approach is needed. Therapy intensives offer accelerated, immersive sessions designed to create meaningful progress in a short time. Whether your child is facing an upcoming exam, avoiding activities they once loved, or has a packed schedule that makes weekly therapy difficult, an intensive can help them break through anxiety and regain confidence. Learn more about how therapy intensives work and who benefits most.

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Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Your Mental Health
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, reset, and focus on your mental health! With fewer social obligations and more time for self-care, this season offers a unique opportunity for reflection and growth. If your teen struggles with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or people-pleasing, now is the time to prioritize their well-being. Learn how therapy can help them recharge, manage isolation, and build confidence for the seasons ahead.

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Your Guide to Therapy Intensives
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Your Guide to Therapy Intensives

Wondering if a therapy intensive is right for your teen? These focused, immersive sessions are designed to address challenges like anxiety, low self-esteem, or stress in a concentrated time frame. From a personalized workbook to evidence-based techniques like EMDR and DBT, therapy intensives provide teens with the tools they need to heal and grow. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how therapy intensives can help your teen thrive.

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Helping Teens Embrace Self-Acceptance
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Helping Teens Embrace Self-Acceptance

If you’re the parent of an anxious teen, you might notice they’re constantly feeling like they’re not good enough. Despite their best efforts, they often get stuck in a cycle of perfectionism, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. It’s a painful pattern to watch, but there is hope. Therapy can help your teen see their true worth and learn to embrace self-acceptance.

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beat the post holiday blues
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

beat the post holiday blues

The holidays are over, and the post-holiday blues are setting in. For those struggling with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or people-pleasing, this time of year can feel especially heavy. Learn to recognize the signs of post-holiday depression, discover practical self-care strategies, and see how therapy can help you or your teen navigate seasonal challenges. Don’t let the winter blues linger—find out how to start feeling better today.

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Why Choose a Therapy Intensive Over Weekly Sessions?
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Why Choose a Therapy Intensive Over Weekly Sessions?

Is your teen struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or overwhelming stress? Therapy intensives offer a faster path to meaningful progress by providing focused, in-depth sessions tailored to your teen’s unique needs. Discover how these transformative sessions can address challenges like anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship struggles, helping your teen thrive. Learn more about this powerful approach and how it can accelerate their healing journey.

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How to Set Realistic New Year Goals for 2025
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

How to Set Realistic New Year Goals for 2025

Struggling to stick to New Year’s resolutions? Setting realistic goals tailored to your needs can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and help break free from people-pleasing patterns. Learn practical strategies for creating achievable goals in 2025 and discover how therapy can provide accountability and support for lasting change.

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What Are Therapy Intensives, and Are They Right for You?
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

What Are Therapy Intensives, and Are They Right for You?

Feeling like weekly therapy isn’t enough? Therapy intensives offer a focused, fast-paced approach to address challenges like anxiety, grief, or burnout. These extended sessions dive deep into your concerns, helping you achieve meaningful progress in less time. Perfect for those needing immediate relief or looking to break through barriers. | NJ, VT, FL

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new year, New me? vision board edition
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

new year, New me? vision board edition

Learn why creating vision boards is a powerful tool help teens with their anxiety and depression. Go into this new year with a fresh perspective, identify new dreams, and practice mindfulness while building self-esteem. | Written by a therapist based out of NJ, FL, & VT.

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i’m a Lyra Health provider
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

i’m a Lyra Health provider

Did you know that Lyra Health offers free therapy for their employees and their families? Kristen Hanisch is a contracted Lyra Provider within the state of New Jersey, specializing in children & teens with anxiety and low self-esteem. Learn more about this service and see if your job offers this awesome benefit!

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A Customized Approach: Intensives Tailored to You
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

A Customized Approach: Intensives Tailored to You

LET’S BE REAL: LIFE CAN GET PRETTY OVERWHELMING, AND FINDING TIME TO FOCUS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CAN FEEL IMPOSSIBLE. THAT’S WHY THERAPY INTENSIVES EXIST—THEY’RE LIKE THE FAST TRACK TO EMOTIONAL CLARITY AND GROWTH.

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developing a “safe space”
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

developing a “safe space”

Discover the 'Safe Place' technique—a simple yet powerful tool from EMDR therapy that helps create a sense of calm and security anytime, anywhere. Learn how to guide your child or teen to visualize a space that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional grounding. Perfect for managing big emotions at home, school, or on the go!

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Helping Your Child Handle Friendship Drama
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Helping Your Child Handle Friendship Drama

Does your child come home from school anxious or upset after an argument with a friend? Learn how to help your child when friendship drama hits | Therapy for anxious teens in NJ, VT, & FL.

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Benefits of extended therapy sessions
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Benefits of extended therapy sessions

Discover how 90-minute EMDR sessions provide faster relief for teens facing anxiety and school stress. Learn how intensive sessions allow for deeper processing, build resilience, and help teens tackle challenges with confidence.

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Anxiety or Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Anxiety or Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Is it anxiety or oppositional behavior that’s driving your child’s reactions? Many parents find it challenging to tell the difference, especially when similar behaviors—like avoiding tasks, pushing back against rules, or having emotional outbursts—show up in both. While anxiety is often driven by worry or fear, oppositional behaviors come from a need for control or a reaction to limits being set. Understanding this distinction can make a big difference in how you respond and support your child.

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Building Confidence in Anxious Children
Kristen Hanisch Kristen Hanisch

Building Confidence in Anxious Children

Children with anxiety often avoid trying new things because they’re afraid of failure or embarrassment, which can limit their growth and self-confidence. As a parent, it can be tough to watch them struggle with these fears, but by offering support and encouragement, you can help them take small steps outside their comfort zone. In this post, we’ll explore why children avoid new experiences and provide practical tips for helping your child build confidence and overcome anxiety.

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