Finding Steadiness in an Unsteady Political ClimateIt’s hard to ignore the intensity of today’s political climate. Whether it shows up in the news, on social media, in family conversations, or even in the therapy room, many people are feeling heightened stress, frustration, fear, anger, or exhaustion. As a therapist, I want to first say this clearly: If you are feeling overwhelmed right now, you are not alone — and you are not “too sensitive.” Political tension can deeply impact our nervous systems, relationships, and sense of safety. Why does the Political Climate feel so Personal?Politics are not just abstract policies. They touch on identity, values, safety, finances, healthcare, education, civil rights, and the future of our families. When something feels tied to our survival or belonging, our nervous system responds accordingly. You may notice:
These reactions make sense. Your nervous system is trying to protect you.  I want to Care, but I don't want to Burnout. Is that Possible?Many clients share a struggle between wanting to stay informed and wanting peace of mind. It can feel irresponsible to “tune out,” yet overwhelming to stay fully tuned in. Balance is not apathy. It’s sustainability. Consider:
When Politics Strain RelationshipsPolitical division can fracture families and friendships. Some clients feel hurt by loved ones’ beliefs. Others feel silenced or misunderstood. Before engaging in difficult conversations, ask yourself:
It is okay to say, “I’m not able to discuss this right now.” It is okay to prioritize peace over proving a point.  Grounding Yourself in What you Can ControlOne of the most destabilizing parts of political unrest is the feeling of powerlessness. While we cannot control large systems alone, we can anchor ourselves in small, meaningful actions:
Regulating Your Nervous SystemWhen the world feels loud, your nervous system may live in fight-or-flight mode. Intentional regulation practices can help restore balance:
 Holding ComplexityIt’s possible to feel anger and hope at the same time. It’s possible to feel fear and determination. It’s possible to care deeply and still protect your peace. We are living in complex times. Emotional complexity is a healthy response to complex circumstances or in a term I love to use “Two things can be true”  A Gentle ReminderYou are more than the political moment. You are more than the headlines. You are allowed joy even when the world feels heavy. As your therapist, my role is not to tell you what to believe — it is to help you stay grounded, emotionally regulated, and connected to your values and wellbeing. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the political climate, let’s talk about it. Your feelings deserve space. In turbulent times, tending to your mental health is not selfish — it is essential. About the AuthorCandyce Young, MSEd, MHC-LP is a compassionate, grounded therapist who helps clients navigate life during uncertain and emotionally charged times. Her approach is rooted in nervous system awareness, emotional regulation, and values-based living. She creates a space where clients can process anxiety, anger, fear, grief, or confusion without judgment. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle, strained in relationships due to political differences, or simply exhausted by the state of the world, therapy can be a place to regain steadiness. Candyce does not tell clients what to believe. Instead, she will help you reconnect with your own values, strengthen your coping tools, and build resilience so you can stay informed and engaged without sacrificing your wellbeing. In turbulent times, Candyce believes therapy should be both grounding and empowering. Her goal is to help you feel centered, clear, and capable — no matter what is happening outside your door. Want to learn more about Candyce? Check out her bio here.
Ready to schedule an appointment? Check out Candyce's availability and request an initial appointment by clicking here. High-Functioning Anxiety: When You Look Fine but Feel Overwhelmed Insideby Fallon Panetta, MSFrom the outside, everything may look together. You show up. You meet deadlines. You care for others. You handle responsibilities. But internally, it can feel very different. High-functioning anxiety is often hidden beneath achievement and capability. Many people who experience it are described as dependable, organized, motivated, or successful. Yet beneath that competence, there may be constant worry, mental tension, and difficulty truly relaxing. What is High-Functioning Anxiety?High-functioning anxiety is a term used to describe living with ongoing anxiety while still managing daily responsibilities. Unlike anxiety that visibly interferes with work or relationships, high-functioning anxiety can exist quietly in the background. Because things are getting done, it may not be recognized as anxiety at all. In many cases, it becomes part of how someone identifies themselves.  Common Signs of High-Functioning AnxietyHigh-functioning anxiety may look like: • Overthinking conversations long after they end • Difficulty turning off your thoughts at night • Feeling restless during downtime • Keeping constant mental to do lists • Fear of disappointing others • Saying yes when you want to say no • Irritability beneath a calm exterior • A strong need for control to reduce uncertainty • Trouble relaxing even during breaks or vacations Many people describe feeling driven by anxiety. Productivity can feel like the only way to quiet the worry. Why High-Functioning Anxiety can be Hard to RecognizeBecause responsibilities are being handled, anxiety may feel justified or even necessary. You might think: “I just care a lot.” “I work better under pressure.” “This is just how I’ve always been.” When anxiety fuels performance, it can feel productive. Over time, however, constantly operating in a heightened state of alert can be exhausting. What is the Role of the Nervous System in High-Functioning Anxiety?Our nervous system is designed to protect us. When it senses a threat, it activates a stress response. For someone with high-functioning anxiety, that response may stay slightly activated most of the time. Even when there is no immediate danger, the body can feel on edge. This may show up as: • Muscle tension • Headaches • Digestive discomfort • Fatigue • Difficulty sleeping • Feeling guilty when resting Living in a near constant state of alert can quietly impact emotional and physical well being.  What is the Cost of High-Functioning Anxiety?While high-functioning anxiety can lead to achievement, it often comes at a cost: • Difficulty being fully present • Perfectionism and self criticism • Strained relationships • Burnout • Emotional overwhelm beneath composure You can appear capable and still feel overwhelmed. Both experiences can exist at the same time. Gentle Ways to Begin Shifting with High-Functioning AnxietyIf you recognize yourself in this pattern, small changes can support your nervous system and emotional health. Practice intentional pauses. Even a few minutes of slow breathing can signal safety to your body. Notice what is driving your productivity. Are you acting from inspiration or from fear? Experiment with saying no in low stakes situations. Boundaries can reduce internal pressure. Remind yourself that your worth is not tied to output. Rest is not something you earn. It is something your body needs. Allow space for good enough. Perfection is often anxiety in disguise.  When to Consider Therapy for High-Functioning AnxietyIf anxiety feels persistent, exhausting, or begins to affect sleep, mood, relationships, or health, therapy can help. In therapy, you can explore the roots of your anxiety, patterns of perfectionism or people pleasing, and ways to regulate your nervous system more effectively. You can learn how to set boundaries and motivate yourself from a place of steadiness rather than pressure. High-functioning anxiety is common, and support is available. You do not have to wait until things feel unmanageable to seek help. If anxiety is impacting your well being, our clinicians are here to support you. Contact us through our website or by calling our office to learn more about how therapy can help. Fallon Panetta, MS, is Healing & Growth Counseling's Intake Specialist. Interested in learning more about services to address high-functioning anxiety? Call us at (516) 406-8991.
Interested in scheduling an appointment? Travel Anxiety: When the Desire to Go Meets the Fear to Leaveby Candyce Young, MS, MHC-LPFor many people, travel represents freedom, joy, and connection. For others, it brings a familiar knot in the stomach, racing thoughts, and the urge to cancel plans at the last minute. Travel anxiety is more common than we talk about—and it doesn’t mean you’re weak, ungrateful, or “bad at relaxing.” It means your nervous system is trying (sometimes clumsily) to keep you safe. What is Travel Anxiety?Travel anxiety is the intense worry, fear, or physical discomfort that shows up before or during travel. It can be triggered by flying, driving long distances, staying in unfamiliar places, or even planning the trip itself. Some common experiences include:
Travel anxiety isn’t about the destination—it’s about uncertainty, loss of control, and perceived danger.  Why is my Anxiety so Bad when I Travel?From a therapeutic lens, travel anxiety often stems from:
What are the Symptoms of Travel Anxiety?When anxiety kicks in, your body may enter fight-or-flight mode. This can feel like:
 What are Effective Strategies for Managing Travel Anxiety?1. Prepare Without Over-PreparingAnxiety thrives on uncertainty, but too much planning can keep it alive. Helpful prep includes:
2. Regulate Your Nervous SystemTravel can activate the body’s threat response. Gentle regulation helps signal safety. Effective techniques:
3. Use Distraction With IntentionDistraction works best when it’s purposeful, not avoidant. Good options:
4. Use AffirmationsTherapist-approved travel anxiety affirmations are another great tool—designed to calm the nervous system without pretending fear doesn’t exist. You can save these, screenshot them, or repeat one at a time as needed. 🌿 Reassurance & Safety
✈️ Coping & Capability
🌬️ Nervous System Grounding
🧠 Letting Go of Control
🤍 Self-Compassion
🌱 Growth & Meaning
5. Meditation Apps to Reduce My Travel Anxiety?🧘♀️ Why Meditation Apps Help With Travel Anxiety - Travel anxiety is a body-based stress response, not a thinking problem. Meditation apps are another great tool that can help by:
Meditation works best proactively, not only in crisis. ✈️ Ideal moments to use it:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
 When to Seek SupportTravel anxiety doesn’t mean you’re incapable—it means your system needs reassurance, safety, and patience. With support, skills, and self-compassion, it’s possible to travel with anxiety instead of being controlled by it. If travel anxiety is limiting your life, therapy can help. Modalities such as CBT, ACT, exposure therapy, and nervous system–informed approaches can reduce symptoms and increase confidence. You don’t have to “just push through” alone. About the AuthorMy name is Candyce Young, a mental health clinician who specializes in anxiety, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed care. With a compassionate approach, that helps clients understand the why behind their anxiety while building practical tools to feel safer in their bodies and more confident in their lives.
My work is rooted in the belief that anxiety is not a personal flaw, but a protective response that deserves curiosity, patience, and care. I am passionate about helping clients who feel limited by anxiety reclaim a sense of freedom, choice, and self-trust. Through therapy, writing, and psychoeducation, I aim to normalize your human experience and help empower you. Understanding Unhelpful Thought Patterns and How They Shape our Mindsetby Fallon Panetta, MSOur minds are constantly interpreting the world around us. These interpretations influence how we feel emotionally, how we respond to others, and how we view ourselves. While thoughts can be helpful, they are not always accurate or balanced. At times, the mind relies on automatic patterns that can distort how situations are perceived, especially during stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. These patterns are often referred to as thinking traps, but they may also be called unhelpful thought patterns, mental shortcuts, or automatic negative thoughts. They are not intentional and they are not a sign of weakness. In fact, they are a common human response to uncertainty, pressure, or emotional activation. When these thought patterns go unnoticed, they can quietly shape mindset, increase emotional distress, and reinforce self-doubt. Learning to recognize them creates an opportunity to respond with more balance, clarity, and self-compassion.  Why the Brain Falls Into Unhelpful Thought PatternsThe brain is designed to keep us safe. When faced with stress or perceived threat, it works quickly to make sense of situations. In doing so, it often relies on shortcuts based on past experiences, learned beliefs, or emotional reactions. These shortcuts can be helpful in urgent situations, but they can also lead to inaccurate conclusions. Unhelpful thought patterns tend to: ● Appear automatically and feel convincing ● Intensify emotional reactions ● Narrow perspective and limit flexibility ● Increase anxiety, frustration, or self-criticism Because these thoughts feel immediate and believable, many people assume they are facts rather than interpretations. Common Unhelpful Thought PatternsRead on to explore the most common unhelpful thought patterns that people struggle with daily: All-or-Nothing ThinkingAll-or-nothing thinking involves seeing situations in extremes with no middle ground. Experiences are viewed as either a success or a failure, good or bad, right or wrong. This pattern can increase pressure and perfectionism, making it difficult to recognize effort or progress. When things do not meet unrealistic standards, disappointment or self-criticism often follows. Over time, this way of thinking can lead to avoidance or burnout. Helpful shifts include practicing flexibility, recognizing partial successes, and allowing room for learning rather than perfection.  Fortune-TellingFortune-telling occurs when the mind predicts negative outcomes and treats them as facts. These predictions often focus on what could go wrong rather than what is likely or possible. This pattern fuels anxiety by keeping attention on imagined futures instead of present reality. It can also lead to avoidance or excessive worry. Challenging fortune-telling involves acknowledging uncertainty and reminding yourself that the future is not fixed or fully predictable. Ignoring the PositiveIgnoring the positive involves focusing almost exclusively on mistakes, challenges, or shortcomings while dismissing achievements or strengths. This pattern can slowly erode confidence and reinforce negative self-beliefs. Even positive feedback may be brushed off or minimized. Actively noticing effort, progress, and positive moments helps balance this pattern and supports healthier self-perception. LabelingLabeling occurs when a single experience or behavior is used to define one’s identity. Instead of acknowledging a mistake or difficulty, a person assigns themselves a negative label. Labels can feel permanent and damaging. They oversimplify complex experiences and limit growth. Separating behavior from identity allows room for change and self-compassion.  Taking Things PersonallyThis pattern involves assuming responsibility for situations that may not actually be about you. It can lead to unnecessary guilt, shame, or self-blame. Taking things personally often increases emotional strain in relationships and makes interactions feel more threatening. Reminding yourself that many factors influence others’ behavior can help reduce this emotional burden. Worst Possible OutcomeThis pattern focuses on imagining the most extreme negative outcome and assuming it will happen. It often includes underestimating one’s ability to cope. This way of thinking can make challenges feel overwhelming before they even occur. Shifting attention toward coping skills, past resilience, and realistic outcomes can help reduce fear and anxiety. Mind ReadingMind reading involves assuming you know what others are thinking, usually in a critical or negative way. These assumptions often lack evidence and increase emotional distress. This pattern can lead to miscommunication, avoidance, or unnecessary tension. Checking assumptions and seeking clarification can help interrupt this cycle. Ways to Support Healthier ThinkingBecoming aware of unhelpful thought patterns is the first step. Additional strategies include: ● Slowing down before reacting ● Naming the thought pattern when it appears ● Asking whether the thought is a fact or an interpretation ● Looking for alternative explanations ● Considering how you would respond to a friend in the same situation ● Practicing self-compassion rather than self-criticism These steps do not aim to eliminate negative thoughts but to change how much control they have.  How Therapy Can HelpTherapy provides a supportive space to explore thought patterns without judgment. With guidance, individuals can learn to identify automatic thoughts, understand where they come from, and practice responding in more balanced ways. Over time, this work can support emotional regulation, increased confidence, and a more flexible mindset. Therapy helps individuals build awareness and choice rather than reacting automatically. A More Balanced Way ForwardUnhelpful thought patterns are part of being human. They do not define who you are, and they do not have to dictate how you feel or respond. Awareness creates space for reflection, flexibility, and growth. By learning to recognize these patterns and respond with curiosity and compassion, it becomes possible to experience situations with greater clarity and emotional balance. Small shifts in thinking can lead to meaningful changes over time. Fallon Panetta, MS is the Intake Specialist at Healing & Growth Counseling. Do you have questions about our services? Call us at (516) 406-8991.
Are you interested in scheduling an appointment? Fill out our Contact Form here. Use our Online Portal to view current clinician availability and request an initial appointment. The Importance of Rest for Mental and Emotional WellnessIn a culture that values productivity and constant movement, rest is often overlooked or misunderstood. Many people push through exhaustion, believing that slowing down means falling behind. However, rest plays an essential role in overall wellness. Without adequate opportunities to pause and reset, the mind and body can remain in a prolonged state of stress, which impacts emotional balance, focus, and resilience. Rest is not simply the absence of activity. It is a necessary process that allows the nervous system to recover, the brain to process information, and the body to restore energy. When rest is consistently neglected, stress can build over time, making it harder to regulate emotions and respond effectively to daily demands.  How Stress Affects the Mind and BodyOngoing stress keeps the nervous system in a heightened state of alert. While this response is helpful in short-term situations, prolonged activation can lead to emotional fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Over time, individuals may feel constantly “on edge,” overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. The mind and body are deeply connected. When the body does not feel rested, emotional regulation becomes more difficult. Even small challenges can feel overwhelming when the nervous system does not have adequate time to reset. What Rest Really MeansRest does not always mean sleep, although sleep is an important part of wellness. Rest can take many forms and may look different for each person. It can include moments of quiet, stepping away from stimulation, slowing the pace of the day, or allowing the body and mind to disengage from constant demands. Examples of restorative rest include: • Taking short breaks during the day • Spending time in a calm or quiet environment • Limiting screen time or constant notifications • Engaging in low-demand activities • Allowing yourself to pause without multitasking These moments of rest help signal safety to the nervous system and support emotional balance.  The Role of Rest in Emotional RegulationRest supports emotional regulation by giving the brain and body time to settle. When individuals are well-rested, they are better able to manage stress, communicate effectively, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Rest allows emotional responses to soften and makes it easier to access coping strategies when challenges arise. Without adequate rest, emotions may feel more intense and harder to manage. This can contribute to increased frustration, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion. Rest as a Preventive Wellness PracticeIncorporating rest into daily routines can help prevent burnout and chronic stress. Small, intentional pauses throughout the day can be just as impactful as longer periods of rest. Consistent rest supports mental clarity, improves focus, and helps maintain emotional resilience over time. Wellness does not require drastic changes. Even brief moments of slowing down can have a meaningful effect when practiced regularly. How Therapy Can Support Rest and WellnessTherapy can help individuals recognize patterns of overextension and learn how to integrate rest in a way that feels realistic and supportive. In therapy, individuals can explore barriers to rest, develop healthier routines, and learn strategies to regulate stress more effectively. A therapist can also help individuals identify early signs of burnout and create personalized plans to support balance and emotional well-being. Therapy provides a space to reflect, reset, and build sustainable wellness practices.  Creating Space to PauseRest is a vital part of caring for mental and emotional health. Creating space to pause allows the mind and body to recover and supports overall well-being. Slowing down does not mean giving up; it means honoring what your system needs in order to function at its best. If ongoing exhaustion or stress feels familiar, support is available. Rest, combined with therapeutic support, can help restore balance and strengthen emotional resilience. Fallon Panetta, MS, is the Intake Specialist at Healing & Growth Counseling. If you have any questions please call us at (516) 406-8991 or fill out our Contact Form here.
|
PurposeBlog posts are meant to bring mental health awareness and education to anyone who visits our site. Please know that although reading blogs may be extremely helpful, they may not substitute the work that can be done in therapy. Archives
March 2026
Categories |
- Home
- Services
-
Our Team
- Brenna Tighe, LMHC, CRC
- Sarah Mohan, MS, CRC, MHC-LP, CVE, WIP-C
- Joann Romano, MSEd, LMHC
- Candyce Young, MS, MHC-LP
- Talia Bina, MSEd, MPhil, MHC-LP
- Jaime Harkins, MSEd, LMHC, CRC
- Marisa Higgins, MSEd, CRC, NCC, MHC-LP
- Meg Ockovic, MA, LMHC
- Rachel Lubell, LCSW-R, CASAC
- Tiffany Leonard, MA, LMHC
- Heather DeGuire, MA, LMHC
- Cindy Zabinski, LMHC-D, CRC, ACS
- Margaret DiTusa, MS, CRC-CVE, CESP, MHC Intern
- Groups
- Fees & Insurance
- Contact
- Online Therapy in NY
- Blog
RSS Feed
Healing & Growth Counseling
4770 Sunrise Highway, Suite 102
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
(516) 406-8991
4770 Sunrise Highway, Suite 102
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
(516) 406-8991
- Home
- Services
-
Our Team
- Brenna Tighe, LMHC, CRC
- Sarah Mohan, MS, CRC, MHC-LP, CVE, WIP-C
- Joann Romano, MSEd, LMHC
- Candyce Young, MS, MHC-LP
- Talia Bina, MSEd, MPhil, MHC-LP
- Jaime Harkins, MSEd, LMHC, CRC
- Marisa Higgins, MSEd, CRC, NCC, MHC-LP
- Meg Ockovic, MA, LMHC
- Rachel Lubell, LCSW-R, CASAC
- Tiffany Leonard, MA, LMHC
- Heather DeGuire, MA, LMHC
- Cindy Zabinski, LMHC-D, CRC, ACS
- Margaret DiTusa, MS, CRC-CVE, CESP, MHC Intern
- Groups
- Fees & Insurance
- Contact
- Online Therapy in NY
- Blog