Blog
Learn more about Therapy, Medication Management, and Psychological Testing and Evaluations
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Job Search Anxiety: How to Manage Stress, Self-Doubt, and Interview Nerves
By Owen Allie, LPC Searching for a new job can be exciting, but it can also bring up a surprising amount of anxiety. You may find yourself worrying about whether you are qualified enough, how an interviewer will perceive you, or how to explain a gap in employment. Maybe you have applied to dozens of…
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Boundaries in Therapy and Life: Why They Matter and How to Set Them with Confidence
By Owen Allie, Licensed Professional Counselor When people hear the word boundaries, they often think about saying “no” or keeping people at a distance. In reality, healthy boundaries are about something much more important. They’re about protection. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with more than a decade of experience—including many years working in…
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When a Therapist Doesn’t Move Forward After Your First Session: What It Means and What to Do Next
By Owen Allie, Licensed Professional Counselor If you’re wondering, “Why won’t my therapist see me after my intake appointment?” there are several possible reasons. A therapist may determine that your needs fall outside their areas of expertise, that you would benefit from a different level of care, or that another provider may be better equipped…
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Tips for When You Know You Need Therapy but Don’t Know How to Open Up (or Fill a Session)
By Owen Allie, Licensed Professional Counselor Making the decision to start therapy is a significant step, but many people arrive at their first appointment with the same concern: “I know I need therapy… I just don’t know what to say.” After more than a decade as a Licensed Professional Counselor—including extensive experience working with individuals…
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How to Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Practical, Compassionate Plan
Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) requires patience, structure, honesty, and a willingness to look at patterns that may have been present for years. In my experience, the most meaningful progress happens when treatment is approached as a long-term process rather than a quick fix. That is especially true when NPD occurs alongside anxiety, depression, substance…
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What If My Teen Is Vaping or Using Substances? A Parent’s Guide to What to Do Next
Written By: Owen Allie, LPC Finding out that your teenager is vaping or using substances can be frightening. Parents may immediately wonder: How serious is this? Is my teen addicted? Should I punish them? Do they need therapy? What do I do next? In my work with adolescents, some of the most common patterns I…
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Will My Insurance Cover Therapy? What You Need to Know Before Your First Appointment
One of the most common questions I hear from prospective patients is: “Will my insurance cover therapy?” The honest answer is: it depends on your individual insurance plan. As the Training and Development Manager at Dr. Goldberg & Associates, I spend a significant amount of time helping patients understand their mental health benefits. Insurance can…
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Can Therapy Change My Thinking?
If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy can really change the way you think, the short answer is yes. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC), this is one of the most common questions I hear from new clients. Many people worry that therapy is about “thinking positively” or pretending life’s…
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What Should I Say When Booking Therapy? A Guide to Making That First Call
Written by: Moriah Veer, Training & Development Manager Starting therapy can feel intimidating before you ever sit down with a therapist. For many people, one of the hardest parts is simply making that first phone call or sending that first email. You may find yourself wondering: What am I supposed to say? How much do…
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What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Who Can Benefit From It?
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, emotions, or past experiences, you’re not alone. Many people believe they need to eliminate anxiety, sadness, fear, or self-doubt before they can move forward in life. In reality, waiting for difficult emotions to disappear often keeps us stuck. That’s where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can…
