Scapegoating in Families, family counseling, Hoboken NJ therapist, Jersey City NJ therapist, hudson county therapist
Courtney Glashow
Understanding the Psychology of Scapegoating in ...

Scapegoating means that you are blaming a person or group for something bad that has happened or for something that someone else has done. Scapegoating typically occurs to protect the image of a person or family. In a family dynamic, a person may be used as the scapegoat to protect a more favored member in the family. While it is common for one person to be used as the scapegoat, it can happen to multiple people.

Scapegoating can occur in different environments, such as work, but it is most prominent in unhealthy family dynamics. In this case, scapegoating then tends to start in childhood when a child is blamed for all of a family’s dysfunction and problems. A scapegoat bears the burden of taking on the mistakes of a family or team. 

When children are assigned this role at a young age, it can wreak havoc on their mental health. A scapegoated child may not believe that they are inherently good, worthy, or lovable. Instead, they hear insults regularly, experience constant bullying, and even abuse and neglect. This leads to a low self-esteem, decreased self-confidence, and negative self-talk. 

Understanding the Psychology of Scapegoating in Families
toxic relationship, relationship counseling, couples therapy, hoboken therapist, jersey city therapist, marriage counseling, nj therapist, nyc therapist, premarital counseling
Courtney Glashow
How To Tell If You’re In A Toxic Relationship

When you are in a healthy relationship, it naturally functions well. Of course, like any couple, you may have disagreements from time-to-time or there may be some hard times, but you band together no matter what. You are able to make major life decisions together, discuss problems once they occur, and genuinely enjoy spending time with one another.

On the other hand, you have toxic relationships. In a toxic relationship, the ‘norm’ is feeling drained and unhappy after spending time with your partner. This should be a major red flag that some things need to change.

You may still love your partner, but the relationship does not seem enjoyable. Maybe minor issues turn into full-blown arguments or you always seem to provoke one another. It may even get so severe that you dread spending time with your partner instead of getting excited to see them, like you were in the past.

Continue reading this blog to see if your relationship is toxic, and some guidance on how to navigate a toxic relationship.

How To Tell If You’re In A Toxic Relationship
Intergenerational Trauma, trauma counseling, jersey city therapist, hoboken counseling
Courtney Glashow
Disney’s Encanto: How It Got Intergenerational ...

Disney has a way of exploring heavier life topics that can help children and the 2021 film Encanto is no exception. Movies like Inside Out and Soul also assist children in exploring heavier aspects of life, such as emotions, trauma, consciousness, and even death. Encanto joins the long list of children’s movies that have a deeper message.

Disney’s Encanto offers a multigenerational story about a grandmother and her family who have been endowed with magical gifts. The Madrigal family lives in a hidden village in Colombia. While each family member does their best to live up to their reputation and help others in the community, the facade slowly begins to crumble figuratively and literally in the house that all three generations share.
Not only do people love this movie because of its catchy soundtrack, including the famous song “We don’t talk about Bruno”, but people also love it because of its exploration of generational trauma.

Disney’s Encanto: How It Got Intergenerational Trauma Right
control issues, mental health blog, jersey city therapist, hoboken counseling
Courtney Glashow
7 Ways to Let Go of Control Issues

Do you have a hard time going with the flow? Do you have to follow a schedule or routine at all times? Do you try to control other people in your life? If you are dealing with control issues, it is likely that you feel like you must exert power over your life, relationships, and general environment. In some cases, this exertion of power may extend to the life of other people.

Control can simply be defined as exerting influence or power over the environment, actions, and behaviors of yourself or another person. There are many reasons why you may feel like you need to be in control, such as insecurities or fear of the unpredictable. At times, your need for control may become overwhelming and tiring, causing chaos in your career, relationships, and your overall quality of life.

7 Ways to Let Go of Control Issues
couples therapy, hoboken counseling, jersey city therapist, mental health blog, nyc counselor, relationship counseling
Courtney Glashow
8 Tips for Dealing With A Narcissist

While some people may be quick to throw the word “narcissist” around, it is important to remember that there is a distinction between someone being self-centered and unsympathetic, and someone who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Many people may have what doctors call narcissistic characteristics, such as feeling entitled or having a strong sense of self-importance. People who have narcissistic personality disorder may be challenging to deal with.

The first step to determine your dynamic with someone who you think is a narcissist is to know the difference between someone with narcissistic tendencies and someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

8 Tips for Dealing With A Narcissist

adult therapist hoboken

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What Is It Like Being The Golden Child?

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What Is It Like Being The Golden Child?

If you are the golden child in your family, chances are that you feel like you are living in a spotlight- always praised, always expected to succeed, and often held up as the example for others to follow, especially siblings. Parents, teachers, and even extended family members may shower you with admiration, reinforcing a sense of confidence and achievement. To learn more about your sense of self-confidence, check out our blog “The Ultimate Guide to Building Self-Confidence.” Knowing that your accomplishments are met with pride and celebration can be very validating and keep you in a loop of wanting to seek constant approval from other people. At times, you may even feel like you can do no wrong in the eyes of others. You may find that your mistakes are overlooked or easily forgiven. 


However, the role of the golden child is not always as perfect as it seems. The pressure to maintain high expectations can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of anxiety, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure. You might feel like your worth is tied solely to your achievements, making it difficult to express vulnerability or make mistakes without disappointing others. Additionally, relationships with siblings can be strained as they may resent the preferential treatment you receive. Being the golden child can be both a privilege and a burden, shaping your self-worth and family dynamics in ways that are not always obvious at first glance. If you resonate with being a golden child, keep reading this blog.

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Why do I feel addicted to love?

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Why do I feel addicted to love?

Love is a powerful emotion. It can sweep you off of your feet, feel euphoric, and be a source of immense happiness. However, when love starts to feel like an obsession or dependency, it may hint that there is a deeper issue going on. The sense of being “addicted” to love often comes from your brain’s response to the emotional highs of being in a romantic connection with someone. When you fall in love, your brain releases a host of feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These chemicals can create a sense of pleasure and attachment. Over time, you may become dependent on these neurochemical ‘boosts’. In other words, your association of love to intense feelings of validation and joy makes you crave love even more.


There is a point in time where a longing for love can become too intense and turn into emotional dependency. Some signs of this may be constantly seeking external validation  or falling into unhealthy cycles of emotional highs and lows with someone, even if it is a toxic connection. For more information on this, check out our blog “How To Tell If You Are In A Toxic Relationship.” The desire to feel loved, cherished, or wanted is at the core of the human experience, but it may cloud your sense of self-worth over time. Not being in a romantic relationship should not make you feel incomplete. Understanding why love feels like an addiction and your relationship to love is the first step toward breaking free from unhealthy patterns and learning how to nurture healthier, more balanced relationships.

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What do maladaptive daydreams look like?

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What do maladaptive daydreams look like?

Maladaptive daydreaming refers to a pattern of extensive, vivid daydreaming that interferes with daily life. Maladaptive daydreaming often becomes a form of escapism. Unlike normal daydreaming, which may occur occasionally and does not really disrupt functioning, maladaptive daydreaming can become all-consuming. 

People experiencing maladaptive daydreaming may spend hours each day lost in elaborate fantasies, often centered around idealized scenarios or intricate narratives that they mentally replay. These daydreams can be triggered by external events, emotions, or boredom, and they often involve highly detailed storylines with characters, settings, and even specific events. As these fantasies grow, they can take on a life of their own, making it difficult for individuals to focus on real-world tasks or engage meaningfully with other people to foster relationships.

While daydreaming itself is not inherently harmful, maladaptive daydreaming can have significant negative consequences. People who struggle with this type of daydreaming may experience difficulty concentrating on work or school, neglect relationships, or feel disconnected from their surroundings. These daydreams often create a sense of temporary relief from life's stresses, but they can ultimately cause more issues in the long-run, preventing individuals from addressing the real challenges they face. As the fantasies become more compelling and immersive, the boundary between fantasy and reality can blur which can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. For more information, check out our blog “3 Benefits of Working with a Depression Therapist.”

Understanding maladaptive daydreaming is crucial in order to address it effectively and find healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions.

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How Do I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?

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How Do I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?

Year after year, public speaking ranks as one of the most common fears that people face. According to most studies, roughly 75% of people experience anxiety or nervousness when it comes to public speaking. The idea of speaking in front of people can be extremely triggering, causing a host of symptoms from sweaty palms to a shaky voice. These symptoms of public speaking anxiety can actually cause many people to avoid situations where they might have to speak up. However, rest assured that this fear does not have to be permanent. With the right tools and mindset, you can conquer your anxiety to become a confident, engaging public speaker!

In this blog post, we will dive into practical strategies that can help you overcome your fear of speaking in front of others. Whether you need help leading a meeting with a small group of people or your challenges occur when you face a large audience, you can transform your nervous energy into confidence. From getting your mind into the right headspace to knowing what you are going to say, we will cover everything you need to know to transmute public speaking from a source of stress to a skill you have mastered! 

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Empowering Businesses and Schools through Mental Health Talks

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Empowering Businesses and Schools through Mental Health Talks

In the fast-paced world of 2025, mental health is a major component of everyone’s success and well-being in professional and educational settings. At Anchor Therapy, our team of professional mental health counselors are passionate about creating healthy environments by delivering professional and academic mental health talks tailored to the unique needs of businesses and schools. These academic and professional talks aim to empower teams, inspire students, and prepare leaders with the right tools to construct resilience, enhance communication dynamics, and promote mental wellness.


By addressing popular topics, like stress management; emotional management; and fostering a creative, diverse team culture, the goal of our licensed psychotherapists is to spark meaningful discussions and actionable, long-lasting change. Continue reading this blog to discover how our expert-led talks can make a real impact on your organization or school community.

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Understanding Miscarriage Trauma

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Understanding Miscarriage Trauma

Experiencing a miscarriage can be painful and it is often isolating. It can leave you and your partner to grapple with grief, confusion, and a profound sense of loss. While you may experience physical recovery in days or weeks following the miscarriage, the emotional and psychological effects of it can linger long after. The trauma of losing a pregnancy includes the sadness of an unrealized future along with feelings of guilt, shame, and uncertainty.


In this blog, we will dive into the complex emotions linked to miscarriage trauma, from immediate shock and grief to a long healing journey. We will get into the importance of acknowledging and processing miscarriage trauma while also explaining the significance of seeking professional support. A path toward emotional recovery is totally possible! Whether it is you or someone you know who has experienced a miscarriage, this blog will serve as a valuable tool filled with insights and coping skills to help you navigate this difficult experience.

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Your Guide to Natural Treatment for OCD

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Your Guide to Natural Treatment for OCD

Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming to say the least. Research from the International OCD Foundation shows that about 1 in 40 adults have OCD or will develop it at some point in their lives. This translates to roughly 8.2 million adults living with OCD in the United States. Luckily, natural treatment options are available which can provide hope when it comes to managing your OCD-related symptoms. While traditional treatments like medication exist, some clients may seek complementary services to enhance their mental health healing journey. In this blog, we will look at natural approaches to bettering your mental and emotional health through lifestyle adjustments, mindfulness practices, and mental health counseling. These methods will equip you with tools to lessen anxiety, interrupt obsessive patterns, and give you a greater sense of control over your life.


Whether you are looking to complement a traditional treatment option or explore standalone options, your OCD treatment plan should always meet you where you are at. From adequate sleep to mindfulness techniques like meditation and grounding exercises, natural strategies can play a key role in helping you manage your OCD symptoms. Let us dive into a practical look at how natural remedies can help with your OCD!

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Career Coaching for Teachers

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Career Coaching for Teachers

Teaching is one of the most impactful careers you can have, but the profession also comes along with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. This profession is built on passion, dedication, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of children and teens. However, like any other career, it requires careful navigation. Career counseling for teachers gives you personalized guidance to help you clarify your goals and enhance your skills as an educator. Whether you are looking to advance in your current role or explore opportunities outside the classroom, career coaching can give you support and personalized strategies to succeed.

If you are a teacher who wants to thrive personally and professionally, this is the blog for you! Continue reading this blog to discover practical advice, inspiring insights, and actionable tips to help you achieve your goals and rediscover your passion for your work. From transitioning into a leadership role to working toward a better work-life balance, working with a career counselor at Anchor Therapy will leave you feeling empowered to unlock your true potential and create a fulfilling career. 

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How to Thrive with ADD As An Adult

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How to Thrive with ADD As An Adult

Living with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) as an adult can be challenging. You may feel like you are constantly trying to juggle different responsibilities, deadlines, and relationships which can easily feel overwhelming and stressful. Specific techniques or traditional organizational tools may not work for you as they do not fit your unique way of thinking. With all of that being said, it is 100% possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life as an adult with ADD! By understanding your strengths, learning from your challenges, and creating systems that work for your brain and life, you can unlock your true potential and build a toolkit for success.


In this blog, we will explore practical tips and real-life approaches you can take to help manage the hurdles that come along with ADD. Whether it is sticking to a helpful routine or discovering creative ways to remain motivated, you will feel empowered to harness your energy and resilience. Whether you are newly diagnosed with ADD or have been living with the mental health condition for years, there is no better time to take control of your life and become the best version of yourself!

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How To Find In Person Therapy Near Me

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How To Find In Person Therapy Near Me

Finding a therapist who is the right fit for you can be a challenging task to say the least. Now, when you try to find an in-person therapist near you, it may be extra harder. A therapist in Hoboken can give you expert mental health advice as well as a space where you feel safe and genuinely supported as a client and human being. With many therapy options available, finding a therapist near me who aligns with your needs, such as your area of concern or type of therapy you are seeking, and schedule can feel stressful. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, career stress, relationship issues, trauma, or are simply seeking personal growth, mental health counseling can be a tool for powerful transformation and self-improvement. 


Starting the search for the right therapist can seem daunting, particularly if you do not know where to start your therapist search or how to filter through your options of counselors. It can first be important to understand your own preferences when it comes to finding a psychotherapist, from specialization to treatment approach. Knowing what is most important to you will help make the search a little easier and ensure that you find a therapist that truly fits your needs. For extra support with this process, check out our blog “How to Find The Best Therapist Near Me.”

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