Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates, LLC

12/22/2025

If you or a loved one experience a crisis during the holidays, 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365 and is designed to help those facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, or alcohol/drug use concerns.
https://988lifeline.org/

12/19/2025

❄ 'Tis the season of giving and of focusing on others, but don't forget to take care of yourself! Check out these tips from www.samhsa.gov ❄

12/17/2025

8 Christmas songs turned into real coping tools:
🎄 It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…Drop the “perfect holiday” pressure. Anniversary reactions and grief often peak during the holiday season.
🎅 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town…Family coming? Decide in advance which topics are off-limits, practice radical acceptance of difficult relatives, and remember that you can only control YOU.
🦌 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer…Feeling like the odd one out is universal. Embrace your uniqueness, and allocate time for a “herd” that appreciates you.
🕯️ Deck the Halls…Make your space calm and cozy, but it’s okay to skip holiday decorations if they stress you out.
🔔 Jingle Bells…Seek pleasant sensory input. If Christmas music makes your mood spiral, then turn it off and opt for something different.
🌲 O Christmas Tree…Step outside! Take time away from the indoor artificial tree to enjoy fresh air, movement, and the natural beauty of real evergreens.
🌙 Silent Night…Guard your sleep and quiet time like they’re sacred (because they are).
🌟 Joy to the World…Help someone else—small acts of kindness are proven mood-lifters and relapse-busters.
You don’t have to feel jolly to successfully make it through December. Keep it real, one song at a time. ❤️💚
Source: http://tiny.cc/PTMindfulMetaphor

12/13/2025

🌱 Feeling easily offended or quick to take things personally? You’re not alone, and you can change this pattern.

Chronic reactivity often stems from old wounds or a nervous system stuck on high alert. You can train yourself how to respond better.

✨ Practical steps that work:
• Pause for 10 seconds before responding—ask yourself: “Is this about now, or an old trigger?”
• Remember: You can’t control what others say or do—only your reaction.
• Separate real disrespect from simple discomfort or clumsy words.
• Reframe your thoughts: “They said something I didn’t like, and that’s okay.”
• Practice perspective-taking—most people aren’t trying to hurt you.
• Build genuine self-esteem (your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions).

Preventing yourself from taking offense isn’t about “toughening up”— it’s about emotional mastery.

If reactivity, rumination, or people-pleasing are holding you back, therapy can help accelerate your growth.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/Nice-News-article

12/10/2025

Dr. Romano was pleased to copresent today with Brian Smith from the U.S. Probation Middle District of La on S*x Offender Treatment and Supervision Within the Federal System

12/08/2025

Check out this article in The Advocate 📰 featuring some of Dr. Romano's work

The specialty court, launched in April 2024, is designed to treat abusers and reduce recidivism for one of the parish’s most rampant areas of crime.

12/05/2025

❇️ Ever noticed how your heart seems to beat a little faster — in the best way — when you're cheering at a game or singing along at a concert?

That magical feeling has a name! “We Mode” (also called collective joy) is when our bodies and emotions sync up with the people around us, creating an instant sense of connection and happiness.

Research shows this type of shared positive experience isn’t just fun — it’s essential for our mental health. As one expert put it, “There’s a fundamental human need for synchrony.”

Invite more “We Mode” into your life...
▪ Join an in-person exercise group or dance class
▪ Go to a concert, sporting event, or spiritual gathering
▪ When you’re there, let go of self-consciousness and fully participate — cheer, clap, sing, or do the wave with everyone else!

Source: Nice News

12/02/2025

As we enjoy the light displays that have begun popping up, we also acknowledge that the holidays can bring unique challenges. Some people feel overwhelmed, are missing someone, or have complicated family dynamics.

If you are one of those people...
🎄 Make time for things that bring you genuine happiness. How about a walk outdoors? Time with friends? A solo dance party? Small moments of joy can make a difference.
🎄 Avoid faking it. You can be honest without overburdening the listener. It’s fine to say, “It’s been tough, but I’m doing my best to work through it.”

Wishing everyone comfort and peace this season.

11/27/2025

We hope everyone enjoys a day of full bellies and full hearts.
Our office will reopen on Monday (12/1) at 7:30A.

11/26/2025

Counting your blessings is wise – Thankfulness boosts sleep💤 and fights depression😞.

Amid life's chaos, here are simple ways to grow gratitude:
1️⃣ Start small – Savor the warmth of your coffee or a beautiful sunset.
2️⃣ Ask yourself reflective questions – What made me smile today? Who was kind to me today?
3️⃣ Express it out loud – Make a point of telling loved ones that they matter to you.
4️⃣ Lower your expectations – Be genuine rather than forcing yourself.
5️⃣ Don’t overdo it – Strike a balance. Sometimes less frequent acts are more meaningful.
6️⃣ Be flexible – Try whatever act of gratitude feels natural in that moment.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/APA-pulse

11/24/2025

🦃 Try ACTIVELY Giving Thanks 🦃
Simply practicing thankfulness can act as a natural antidepressant.

For example, keeping a gratitude journal can shift your mindset from negativity to positivity—especially powerful for anyone managing anxiety or mood challenges.
👉 Try this: Tonight, jot down 3 things for which you’re thankful.

Make gratitude a HABIT—not just a holiday tradition🍂

11/22/2025

For 6 yrs, Cornell’s The Contribution Project has paid young people (ages 14–25) $400 💵 each to make a meaningful difference in the world.

The only string attached? Act on what matters to you.

Participants reported…
😌 Stronger sense of purpose
☺️ Deeper belonging
😌 Feeling truly needed
☺️ Better emotional balance

“Invite someone to contribute and help them do it—and they’ll walk with greater purpose,” says lead psychologist Anthony Burrow.

A fulfilling life isn’t about GETTING more, it’s about GIVING more. 💙

https://shorten.ly/TheContributionProject