Elyse Hall 8/15/25 Elyse Hall 8/15/25

Parenting with Frustration

There are no magic words that will erase all frustrating childhood behaviors because the only way to do that is to try to remove all frustration from childhood, which would create an adult very ill-prepared to manage the real world. So when you have all the ‘right’ skills but still (of course) have moments when you are frustrated and struggling and it just doesn’t seem to work ‘right’, here are some things to keep in mind…

Elyse Hall 7/30/25 Elyse Hall 7/30/25

Limit Setting: How to Connect & Set Boundaries with Toddlers, Kids, and Teens

If you’re tired of being the broken record of ‘no’s or feel like all of your energy is going into negotiating things you’re not sure you should be negotiating, some new limit setting techniques might help! The ACT technique was originally developed by Gary Landreth, Ph.D. and can help you connect with your kid while setting clear boundaries.

Elyse Hall 7/17/25 Elyse Hall 7/17/25

When Your Anxiety is Overwhelming: Ideas to Feel More Resilient and Less Exhausted

First, it’s important to remember that stress is normal. Humans have evolved to live with and mange a million stressors - from being chased by a lion to stumbling through a new relationship to staring down the blank bubbles on the SAT. Stress is a sign that you are doing something that is difficult and important to you; it can help your body focus and be better prepared. However, a lot of the stress responses our bodies evolved to use (e.g. the adrenaline rush you need to run from a lion) don’t really translate to the modern world (trying to calm your heart rate down and ignore nausea while giving a presentation). But the more you practice noticing and moderating your body’s reactions and finding ways to release stress, the more resilient you will become.

Elyse Hall 6/18/25 Elyse Hall 6/18/25

Advice for College Freshmen

These might be the “best four years of your life!!” …or they might not. For most students, freshman year is a struggle, as you try to manage life on your own, find your friends, and be successful in your classes. Please know that THIS IS NORMAL, even if it feels like you’re the only one not having a great time. Reach out to your family, other students, and others for help and community as you manage this transition.

Here is my advice for college freshmen, as a former high school teacher, mental health counseling intern at a four-year university, and therapist who specializes in working with young adults.