Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety and stress related condition where a person has a recurring, intrusive thought that triggers distress, and responds to that thought with some type of behavior to relieve that stress. For example, they may have a recurring fear that they are going to catch an illness (obsession) they respond by washing their hands (compulsion). Obsessions, as recurring thoughts, all occur behind the scenes in a person’s mind as these…
read moreMost of us know, instinctually, how difficult it can be to live with a mental health disorder like anxiety. It is a frequent, difficult challenge that impacts your work, relationships, sleep, and so much more. But sometimes, we take some types of anxiety more seriously than others. For example, while we may seek a therapist for issues like panic attacks, we often do not seek therapy for other forms of anxiety – especially phobias. Phobias…
read moreOver the past few months, our co-founder, Stacy Pellettieri, has been working on launching something new and exciting – a podcast! Titled “Why Do People Do That?” this mental health podcast covers your most common and pressing questions about mental health. Stacy already has over a dozen episodes out, covering topics such as: The Power of Play for Kids How to Deal with Childhood Trauma Before and After Adulthood School Refusal The Importance of Gratitude Psychologically,…
read moreThere are many people that seek therapy because they’re in the middle of some immense struggling. They’re unable to manage their life while challenged with severe anxiety, depression, and other conditions that make it very difficult to function. But there are many others that do not quite fit this description. They have anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or other issues, but on a day to day basis they’re able to manage their life in some way.…
read moreMost of us are spending too much time on our phones. It’s an issue that seems so minor, but it’s causing us to neglect our kids/relationships, avoid responsibilities, and more. It also affects our mental health. Scrolling and phone time are known to increase anxiety and stress, prevent sleep, and increase the risks of burnout. If phone time causes so many issues, then why do we do it? And, relatedly, why don’t we notice that…
read moreMaintaining healthy relationships – especially romantic relationships – is, for many, an important part of life satisfaction and emotional development. But, for those with executive function disorder, finding and maintaining these relationships successfully can be more challenging. That is because traditional relationships often rely on our executive functions, and when those struggle, a relationship can as well. What Are Executive Functions? Executive functions are mental processes that a neurotypical person traditionally has that helps them…
read moreThere are different types of mental health conditions and ways that people can experience mental health issues. Personality disorders can be especially challenging. Unlike conditions such as anxiety and depression, those with personality disorders often do not know that they have these conditions, because it is a part of their “normal” – their reality. Often, as therapists, we use a person’s own insight into themselves to know more about them and help them get a…
read moreSo much of the discussion around mental health in veterans revolves around post-traumatic stress disorder. Those that serve can experience significant trauma, and that trauma does have the potential to cause issues like PTSD. But the military’s affect on a person’s mental health extends far beyond PTSD. There are so many issues that can arise because of a person’s time serving – and what happens after – that can lead to mental health issues unique…
read moreLong Island Counseling Services has expanded! We are thrilled to announce that we have opened up two new offices, to make it easier for those on Long Island to find a therapist near them. Only a few years ago we operated an office in Melville and an office in Bellmore, though we moved our Bellmore office to East Meadow. Now, we have offices in two new locations: Rockville Centre, NY Huntington, NY Some of our…
read moreAnger is, in many ways, one of the strangest emotions we have as human beings. It is a common one, yet also frequently unproductive. Happy makes you feel good. Sad helps release tension and emotions. Even emotions like anxiety can help drive you to change. But anger rarely has a positive benefit. Some people believe it might help motivate people to change. Others feel like it offers some form of protection. But anger, especially sudden…
read more