Gowestchestertherapy

07/07/2026

Real life gives us moments.
DBT gives us skills.

Let’s explore the psychology behind both. One real-life moment at a time.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of studying, practicing, and teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Somewhere along the way, it stopped being something I simply taught and became the lens through which I understand people, relationships, leadership, and everyday life.

It changed the questions I ask.

Instead of asking who’s right or who’s wrong, I find myself asking:

What’s the psychological lesson here?

That question inspired DBT in Real Life.

In this series, we’ll take real-life moments from sports, current events, leadership, parenting, and everyday life and explore the psychology behind them through practical DBT skills that anyone can use.

Episode 1 looks at a recent soccer moment involving Folarin Balogun.

The conversation focused on the red card.

The lesson was in the response.

Whether you agreed with the call or not, Balogun demonstrated emotional regulation, distress tolerance, Wise Mind, and interpersonal effectiveness by responding without escalating the situation.

Those aren’t just sports skills.

They’re life skills.

💭 Your DBT Reflection

Think about a recent situation you didn’t agree with and couldn’t change.

Which DBT skill would have helped you respond more effectively?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Pause. Reflect. Practice.

07/07/2026

07/06/2026

I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-presenting at the Southern Westchester BOCES Institute for Inclusive Learning this summer!

Our session, Beyond Behavior: DBT Informed Strategies to Create Inclusive, Emotionally Safe Learning Environments, will focus on practical strategies educators can use to better understand student behavior, strengthen relationships, and create classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to learn.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my co-presenter, Michelle Meyers, and to learn alongside so many dedicated educators and leaders who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students.

If you’ll be there, I’d love to connect!

05/19/2026

As the school year begins to wind down, it’s time to pause, connect, and celebrate the incredible work of our school social work community.

Join us for the NYSSSWA Social Gathering on Thursday, June 11 at The Hollows Bar & Lounge in Sleepy Hollow for an afternoon of networking, connection, relaxation, and community.

As Co-Westchester Regional Representative for NYSSSWA, I’m excited to help co-host this opportunity to come together with colleagues and friends, reflect on the year, strengthen connections, and celebrate the meaningful work we do every day in support of students and families.

Light appetizers will be served.

We hope to see you there!

Thursday, June 11, 2026
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
The Hollows Bar & Lounge
1 Legend Dr, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Please register and let us know if you can make it!



I kept it professional but warm, aligned with your leadership role and community-building style, and limited hashtags to five.

05/13/2026

Sometimes supporting student mental health means bringing the message directly to them.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to co host a Chalk the Walk event at school to promote mental health awareness, connection, and support. Inspired by community efforts such as those led by National Alliance on Mental Illness, we wanted to create an experience that was accessible to our students, knowing many are not able to attend after school events.

During lunch, students had the opportunity to participate by reading and creating messages of hope, encouragement, kindness, and support. Sometimes the smallest reminders can make a difference. A positive message. A moment of connection. A reminder that you are not alone.

Mental health awareness in schools is about more than one event or one month. It is about creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and connected.

Grateful to be part of opportunities that bring wellness, belonging, and hope into our school community.

05/02/2026

May 1

Mental Health Awareness Month

A time to slow down and notice what’s happening within us
Our thoughts
Our emotions
Our patterns
Our needs

Spring reminds us that growth doesn’t happen all at once
It begins with awareness

Paying attention without judgment
Naming what we’re feeling
Checking the thoughts that shape our reactions
Choosing, even in small ways, how we respond

This is where change begins

Not in pressure
But in presence

Not in perfection
But in practice

Mental health isn’t just something we talk about this month
It’s something we take care of every day

If things feel heavy right now, start small
One breath
One pause
One more helpful thought

You’re allowed to begin again
As many times as you need

04/19/2026

Grateful to represent NYSSSWA as Westchester Regional Co-Leaders at the NYSUT Health and Educational Professionals Conference this weekend.

Being in a space with professionals across disciplines was a powerful reminder that our work is deeply connected. When we come together, we strengthen not only our professional voices, but the support we provide to students, families, and communities.

Proud to stand alongside colleagues who are committed to collaboration, advocacy, and whole child wellness.

04/13/2026

My dog Sammy died yesterday, and as I sit with this loss, I keep reflecting on the incredible bond between a dog and their person.

There is something so deeply personal about the love of a dog. It is a quiet, constant companionship that becomes part of the fabric of everyday life. They are there through ordinary mornings, busy family days, hard moments, and peaceful nights. Their presence becomes home.

Sammy was more than our dog. He was love, comfort, protection, and companionship. He grew with our family from the time the kids were little, and his love filled this house in ways words can hardly capture. His gentle presence, his loyalty, and the way he always seemed to know when someone needed comfort made him so special.

As I reflect today, I am reminded of how profoundly dogs love us and how deeply we love them in return. That bond is real, lasting, and full of warmth. The love they give asks for so little and leaves such a lasting imprint on our hearts.

The house already feels different without him, and he will be missed beyond words. But I am so grateful for every year, every cuddle, and every moment of unconditional love.

Some bonds never leave us. They live on in our hearts.

Rest peacefully, sweet Sammy. You were so deeply loved.

🐶

03/08/2026

This weekend I had the opportunity to complete training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, and I’m truly excited to bring this work into my practice.

SPACE is a highly respected, evidence-based program that helps parents support children struggling with anxiety and OCD by shifting the way families respond to anxious behaviors. Instead of focusing only on the child, it empowers parents with tools that can create meaningful change.

This is a specialized clinical training that equips professionals with a structured, research-backed model for supporting families navigating anxiety.

As a school social worker and therapist, I’m always looking for ways to expand the support I can offer families. Learning this model was both inspiring and incredibly practical.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and continue bringing evidence-based approaches to the families I work with.

03/08/2026

Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day and the strength, courage, wisdom, and compassion that women bring to the world every single day.

I feel grateful to stand alongside so many incredible women in my life and work. Women who lead with heart. Women who support others while continuing to grow themselves. Women who show resilience, kindness, and courage even in the face of challenge.

As a social worker, therapist, and leadership consultant, I have the privilege of witnessing the power of women every day. Women advocating for their families, supporting their communities, mentoring the next generation, and creating meaningful change.

Today is a reminder to celebrate those women and ourselves. Our voices matter. Our leadership matters—our well-being matters.

Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we support them.
May we be them.

Happy International Women’s Day.