Spring is around the corner, and with it comes travel plans, busy schedules, and new challenges for our mental health. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing practical insights—from managing fear of flying before spring break to understanding teen anxiety in the age of smartphones. You’ll also find our newest blog on AI mental health chatbots, a fresh approach to making friends through “soft socializing,” and a peek inside our Highland Park office.
Warmly,
Dr. Debra Kissen
In this Issue:
Flying Without Fear This Spring Break ✈️ :watch 2 tips to calm fears before stepping on the plane.
How Technology is Shaping Teen Anxiety—and what parents can do about it.
AI Therapy Bots are Everywhere—but are they actually helpful for anxiety?
Soft Socializing: a growing trend that offers a new approach to making friends.
Take a Tour of Our Highland Park Office - and see where the healing happens.
Spring Break Travel Plans?Learn how to calm fear of flying before you even step on the plane.
Many people feel anxious about flying, especially when turbulence, physical sensations, or a lack of control trigger worry. In these 2 short clips, our team breaks down the difference between anxiety symptoms and real medical emergencies, and explains how fear of flying differs from claustrophobia.
In this Empathy Unbound podcast episode, Dr. Debra Kissen discusses how smartphones and social media can fuel anxiety and compulsive behaviors in teens. She also explains how evidence-based treatments like CBT and exposure therapy help teens face fears and build resilience by learning to tolerate uncertainty.
To Use Or Not To Use… An AI chatbot for mental health support
Our newest blog explores the growing use of AI chatbots for mental health support. While these tools can provide quick coping ideas and a place to process thoughts, they also have important limitations compared to working with a licensed therapist. Learn when AI support can be useful, when it might fall short, and how to decide what type of support is right for you.
Struggle With Social Anxiety or Meeting New People? There’s a softer approach.
“Soft socializing” is a growing trend that focuses on low-pressure ways to connect with others without the intensity of traditional social events. This approach can be especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by large gatherings or social expectations. In our upcoming blog and worksheet, we’ll explore practical ways to ease into connection and build friendships at your own pace.
Curious what it feels like to walk into our Highland Park office? Take a quick virtual tour and see the welcoming spaces where our clinicians work with children, teens, and adults. Creating a calm and supportive environment is part of how we help clients feel safe enough to face their fears and build lasting skills.
