middle school counselor

Are Empaths Real?

Are Empaths Real?

In recent years, a certain group of people known as “empaths” have gained a lot of attention. From social media awareness to the publishing of new books, the term “empaths” has gained a lot of traction. Empaths are said to be people with an extraordinary ability to sense or even absorb the emotions, energies, and moods of other people, experiencing these things as if they were their own. While most people are able to feel and showcase empathy, the heightened sensitivity that empaths have goes beyond normal measure. So the question begs- are empaths real?


The idea of empaths usually comes with much debate and contention, from scientists to conversations around popular culture. Some people may see being an empath as a unique personality trait. Some view it as an extension of deep emotional intelligence. Other people view it as an almost psychic six sense where empaths can tune into energies that most people would not even perceive. Regardless of which side you lean on, empaths do report intense emotional experiences that come to shape their day-to-day functioning and relationships with other people.

How To Support Your Teen Through High School and College Application Anxiety

How To Support Your Teen Through High School and College Application Anxiety

The season of high school and college acceptances is upon us. By this time of the year, most students have an idea of where they will be heading in the fall whether it is a great magnet high school or a dream college a plane ride away. In a few weeks, students will sigh a final breath of relief when they commit to a school but, in the meantime, these last few moments of indecision can be painful and anxiety-ridden. Additionally, some teens and young adults may be grappling with the sting of rejection, forcing them to rethink their entire futures. 


The impact of your child’s stress during this entire process should not be overlooked. This process can also be grueling for you as a parent. You may be going through the ups and downs of the high school and college admissions process with your child as the acceptances, rejections, and waitlists roll in. When your teen is accepted, feelings of joy and excitement may overcome them. On the other hand, if your child is rejected, or even waitlisted, they may be completely and utterly devastated, especially if they are denied from their dream high school or college. This experience undeniably plays a role in your teen’s mental health.

How to Help Your Pre-Teen or Teen Who’s Struggling in School

How to Help Your Pre-Teen or Teen Who’s Struggling in School

No matter how hard you try, your child may struggle at some point in their school career. If your pre-teen or teen is struggling, it does not mean that you are a bad parent or doing anything wrong. Instead, it means that the learning circumstances are different for them than they were for you while you were going through school.

Kids are under more academic demands now more than ever. The learning curve gets steeper as the years progress which lengthens the amount of time students must dedicate to their studies. As your child advances to the next grade each academic year, it is also making subjects more difficult. At that point, research papers, projects, and reports require more planning and time from your children.

When your pre-teen or teen is having a difficult time in school, the stress will inevitably follow them home. Eventually, the extra homework, high stress levels, and anxiety become a stressor for the whole family. If you want to help your child succeed in school, you have come to the right place!