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How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health During Winter Break: A Guide for San Diego Parents
Winter break can disrupt routines and increase anxiety for kids. Learn how structure, clear expectations, and mindful screen time can support your child’s mental health and create a calmer, more balanced holiday season.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Dec 15, 20256 min read


Holiday Sugar and Anxiety in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Holiday treats can bring joy—but also sugar highs, mood swings, and extra stress for kids. Learn how sugar impacts child anxiety and discover practical strategies for balance, mindful eating, and keeping the season fun without the overwhelm.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Holiday Stress for Moms: Seven Strategies to Stay Calm and Enjoy the Season
The holidays can overwhelm even the most organized moms. Discover simple strategies to reduce stress, set boundaries, and enjoy meaningful moments with your family.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Dec 1, 20254 min read


Why Your Teen Turns to Alcohol: Understanding Anxiety and Drinking
Is your teen in San Diego drinking to cope with anxiety? Many teens use alcohol to manage stress and social pressure, but it can worsen anxiety. Learn how to recognize the signs and support your teen in building healthier coping skills.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Nov 3, 20253 min read


“My Gifted Child Is Bored in Class”: School Accommodations to Consider for GATE and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students
Gifted students often feel unseen in traditional classrooms. At La Jolla Therapy Center, we support advanced high schoolers navigating academic pressure, perfectionism, and school-related anxiety.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Oct 27, 20256 min read


Halloween Candy and Anxiety: How to Help Your Child Enjoy the Holiday Without the Emotional Crash
Halloween candy is exciting for kids—but the sugar highs and crashes can make anxiety and mood swings worse. This blog shares simple strategies for setting limits, encouraging mindful eating, and keeping Halloween fun while supporting your child’s mental health.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Oct 13, 20255 min read


Teen Vaping, Marijuana, and Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know
Many teens vape to manage anxiety, but it often makes symptoms worse. At La Jolla Therapy Center, we help teens break free from vaping and build healthy coping skills. If your teen struggles with marijuana use and anxiety, our therapy can support lasting recovery and better mental health.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Oct 6, 20255 min read


Couples Therapy in San Diego: How It Can Help You Reconnect and Heal
Couple’s therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and fostering stronger connections between partners.

Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT
Sep 29, 20257 min read


“Why Is My Teen So Difficult?” A San Diego Family Therapist’s Guide to Reconnecting
Struggling to connect with your teen? Learn why things feel so tense at home—and how San Diego families can rebuild calm, trust, and communication.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Sep 1, 20253 min read


Anxiety and Sports Performance: How Parents Can Support Mental Health in Elite Sports
Support your teen’s mental health in elite sports. Learn how high-achieving families can manage athlete anxiety, pressure, and performance stress.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Aug 18, 20255 min read


How to Help Your Child Transition Back to School After Summer: A Therapist’s Guide for Parents
A school-aged girl smiles on her way to the first day of class, illustrating the importance of therapy to help prepare kids and teens for...
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Aug 4, 20256 min read


A Teen Therapist’s Guide to Helping Your Kid Survive the College Launch
A teen therapist's guide to helping you and your kid survive the college launch. How to support your teen through the college transition using connection, not control. Trusting your kid to rise—and trusting yourself to step back without falling apart.

Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT
Jul 22, 20255 min read


When Your Child Self-Harms: A Therapist’s Guide
A therapist guide on what to do and what not to do if you find out your child has been intentionally self harming.

Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT
Jul 7, 20255 min read


Parenting an Anxious Child? Avoid These Top 5 Mistakes
Struggling to support your anxious child? Discover 5 common parenting mistakes that may be fueling their anxiety—and learn what to do instead to help them feel safe, confident, and emotionally resilient.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Jun 30, 20254 min read


When Your Child Refuses to Sleep Alone: How to Support Kids with Separation Anxiety and Bedtime Fears
Struggling with bedtime battles? Learn how to help your anxious child sleep independently with therapist-backed strategies.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
Jun 23, 20256 min read


Parenting a Depressed Teen
Teenagers are emotional by design. But depression is different. It's not just being “moody” or sleeping in on weekends. It's like someone hit the dimmer switch on their entire life. Your once chatty kid might now communicate in grunts. The honor roll student starts failing chemistry. The soccer lover suddenly has zero interest in lacing up cleats. Keep reading to learn the difference between the typical teenage years and clinical depression.

Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT
Jun 16, 20255 min read


“It’s Not Just Puppy Love”: Supporting Your Teen or College Student Through a Breakup
Breakups are messy. They’re painful. They’re also a deeply human experience that builds emotional resilience. If you approach your teen or young adult with empathy, patience, and a willingness to walk beside them—not lecture from ahead—you’ll help them learn one of life’s most valuable skills: how to grieve, heal, and grow stronger on the other side.

Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT
Jun 2, 20255 min read


How to Survive Your First Year of College: A Guide for Students and Parents
The first year of college comes with big changes, living away from home, new routines, and emotional ups and downs. This blog offers practical tips for students adjusting to campus life and guidance for parents supporting them through the transition.

Jade Brier
May 26, 20255 min read


7 Things Your Child's Therapist Wants You to Know
Parenting a child with anxiety can be tough. Learn 7 things therapists want parents to know to help your child thrive in therapy and build emotional resilience.
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
May 19, 20255 min read


Helping Kids Manage Social Anxiety at Graduation or End-of-School-Year Parties
This blog offers a practical and compassionate approach to helping kids manage social anxiety in the context of graduation or end-of-school-
Kelly McCullough, LCSW
May 13, 20256 min read
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