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When the Sun Comes Out and the Shadows Deepen: Why Suicide Risk Rises in Early Summer
In this blog, I unpack why this seasonal spike happens, how polyvagal theory helps us understand it, and how faith can either wound or heal in times of crisis. I also share 5 simple ways to support someone who’s struggling.
Read the full post and let’s keep talking. Mental health isn’t seasonal—but suicide risk is.
Alexa Griffith
3 days ago4 min read
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Soiling the Nest: Why You Might Be Picking Fights Before Graduation (And How to Handle It)
Navigating the transition from high school to adulthood can feel overwhelming. Explore relatable resources for teens about emotional regulation, leaving home, and maintaining connections with family and friends. Find TikTok, Instagram, blog, and Substack recommendations that offer real, validating advice for handling "soiling the nest" moments — and tips for communicating with parents during this big life change.
Alexa Griffith
6 days ago6 min read
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Why You Freeze at Emails, Meetings, and “What’s for Dinner?”
If you’re an adult who freezes at emails, dreads group texts, or snaps when your partner asks “What’s for dinner?”—this might be for you. Adult PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) isn’t about being lazy or difficult. It’s a nervous system response to feeling trapped or expected. In this blog, we break down how PDA shows up at work, in relationships, and why your brain isn’t broken—it’s just trying to protect you.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 264 min read
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When Kids Don’t “Know Their Place”: Reframing PDA Through a Therapist’s Lens
Kids with a PDA profile often don’t recognize traditional social hierarchies—respect isn’t given based on age or authority, it’s earned through connection. This can leave adults feeling disrespected or flabbergasted, but PDAers aren’t trying to be rude—they’re trying to stay safe. Power-over approaches trigger threat responses. True connection happens when power is shared, not imposed.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 225 min read
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PDA...This Isn’t Defiance—It’s a Drive for Autonomy (And It’s Highly Misunderstood)
If you—or your child—melt down, shut down, or panic when asked to do something simple, it may be Pervasive Demand for Autonomy (PDA). This isn’t defiance—it’s a nervous system reacting to a loss of control. Inspired by Dr. Megan Neff and Robyn Gobbel, this blog explores PDA in kids and adults, explains why it’s misunderstood, and shares tools to support safety, connection, and regulation.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 193 min read
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You're Not Too Sensitive—You Might Have RSD (And No, You're Not Making It Up)
If you’ve ever spiraled after a short text, cried over constructive feedback, or thought someone’s silence meant you did something wrong—you might be dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. And no, you're not too sensitive. You’re wired for deep care. 💛
Alexa Griffith
Apr 163 min read
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The Cost of Disconnection: A Look at Netflix Adolescence Through the Lens of An Adolescent Therapist And Mother
Jamie’s story is a cautionary tale, but it doesn’t have to be a universal one. If we shift the focus from self-esteem based on achievement t
Alexa Griffith
Mar 285 min read
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Why Punishment Doesn't Work for Kids with ADHD (And What to Do Instead)
ADHD isn’t a knowledge problem—it’s a performance problem. Kids with ADHD know what they’re supposed to do; they just struggle to do it .
Alexa Griffith
Mar 164 min read
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Understanding How Children Grieve: A Guide for Loving Adults
Sometimes the unimaginable suddenly becomes very real. Grief isn’t just for grown-ups. Children grieve, too, though it often looks differen
Alexa Griffith
Mar 34 min read
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All Love To Young Activists 2025
“If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.” — Percy Jackson ( The Lightning Thief ) I’m so glad you’re...
Alexa Griffith
Feb 65 min read
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Play Therapy: How Kids Heal Through Play
Play therapy isn’t about “fixing” a child. It’s about creating a safe space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood—so they can heal
Alexa Griffith
Feb 34 min read


ADHD Isn't Lazy: How To Hack Your Child's Motivation
When we understand motivation, we can eliminate frustration and failure. Understanding brings compassion and strategy.
Alexa Griffith
Jan 274 min read
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Supporting Kids Through Divorce: A Trauma-Informed Approach to the First Conversation
Tailoring the conversation to your child’s specific needs is key to fostering emotional safety and understanding.
Alexa Griffith
Jan 73 min read
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Holiday Syndrome (Yes, It's A Thing)
You know that feeling when your brain is saying, "Relax, it's a break!" but your nervous system is screaming, "EVERYTHING IS WRONG"? ...
Alexa Griffith
Dec 9, 20243 min read
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Handling Holiday Stress During Divisive Times
Holiday get-togethers can be stressful but you can learn to bring yourself back to a state of safety and connection!
Alexa Griffith
Nov 21, 20244 min read
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2020, 24 Hours To Go
“Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go..I wanna be sedated. Nothing to do nowhere to go- oh…” -Ramones Y’all. It’s been a different...
Alexa Griffith
Dec 31, 20204 min read
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Thanksgiving Turkey or a Flaming Turd? Appreciating Thanksgiving in 2020
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace...

Alexa Griffith
Nov 24, 20203 min read
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Narcissus Does Not Live Here: Zoom Fatigue and Crappy Self Image
Narcissuses was a character from Greek mythology who could not look away from his own reflection. He fell in love with his reflection in...

Alexa Griffith
Oct 22, 20205 min read
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A Love Letter to Young Activists
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m grateful you have decided to grace the activist world with your specific brand of badassery.

Alexa Griffith
Oct 7, 20205 min read
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Its Time For Family Feud: Election Season Edition
Adult children can have different political views and raise their own children with their same values, which may or may not hold.

Alexa Griffith
Sep 23, 20205 min read
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