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

02/03/2026

Most of us have struggled 😫 with a difficult relationship. Clingy partner? Volatile family member? Challenging colleague?
Psychology shows these behaviors often stem from insecure attachments, sensitive temperaments, or emotional regulation challenges. Strategies like self-regulation techniques, thoughtful breaks, and compassionate, specific feedback can help shift firmly cemented negative relationship dynamics.
Check out this Nice News article for details...

Difficult relationships often reflect deeper patterns of attachment, temperament, and differences in how our brains work.

01/31/2026

Happy National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day! 🎨 Our counselors can attest that engaging with art positively impacts mental health, and creative pursuits have been shown to lower cortisol and enhance mood. Take some time to plan a visit to LSU Museum of Art, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Baton Rouge Gallery - center for contemporary art, New Orleans Museum of Art, or Arts District of New Orleans. These are but a few of the many options nearby!

01/28/2026

As we continue moving through January, remember that perfect resolutions and quick fixes are not the answers. Think small...a moment of deep breathing, reaching out when things feel heavy, or giving yourself permission to rest. 🌱Growth happens gradually, and that's okay. If it's hard to prioritize your mental health right now, know that you're not alone and support is available. 💙

01/24/2026

Currently, we plan to follow our usual operating hrs🕣 on Monday with no changes to appts. If weather❄️🌧 or road🛣 conditions necessitate changes, then we will contact any affected clients ASAP💨

01/21/2026

🫂 It's National Hugging Day 🫂
Hugs can release oxytocin (the "love hormone"), reduce stress😧, and foster connections. The key to meaningful touch is respecting personal boundaries.

A warm, genuine interaction might include
-Asking first ("May I give you a hug?")
-Accepting a "no" gracefully (smile, share kind words, or offer a high-five instead)
-Reading cues and honoring what is comfortable for others

Hugging is great, but it's also possible to be a warm person without physical contact.💙

01/19/2026

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the enduring legacy of a leader who championed equality through nonviolent advocacy and whose efforts advanced unity in America. 🇺🇸

Amid these achievements, Dr. King navigated personal challenges, including periods of depression that he faced from a young age. His ability to persevere and accomplish so much highlights the resilience possible when facing mental health struggles. 💚

🕊️ Let's honor Dr. King's example. 🕊️

01/16/2026

🧠 Perhaps the arrival of 2026 has brought feelings of increased pressure for rapid self‑improvement. From a clinical perspective, long-term changes are more likely when a person focuses on realistic goals and consistent self‑monitoring.

Consider a brief weekly reflection...
-Identify one behavior that supported your well‑being
-Note one stressor that impacted your functioning
-Select one manageable adjustment for the week ahead

Small shifts accumulate over time, resulting in larger milestones.💙

01/14/2026

🌤️ Are you feeling the winter blues? Most major depression arrives without warning, but Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is different — its onset is often predictable within just a few weeks each year.

Effective help is available. Here are some proven ways to manage SAD:
💡 Light therapy is the first-line treatment and involves sitting near a special light box for 20–30 minutes each morning.
🗣 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be tailored to SAD to help a person challenge negative seasonal thought patterns and build lasting coping skills.
💊 Medication for depression can be helpful, especially if combined with light therapy or CBT.

Simple lifestyle boosts also have an impact. Keep a consistent sleep😴 schedule, stay active🏋️‍♀️, get outside when possible (our milder Southern winters help!), or talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements.

Brighter days are possible! 💛

Source: https://tinyurl.com/1440SAD

01/08/2026

👉 Did you know that having a strong sense of purpose in life is linked to better health? Purpose isn't something that just dawns on us—it takes intentional work to discover or renew it.

Experts share 5 tips:
▫ Identify your core values (try visualizing your funeral to clarify what truly matters).
▫ Notice "tuning fork moments"—those times when an activity energizes you deeply.
▫ Get on the playing field—start small, even 15 minutes a week, pursuing what resonates.
▫ Seek wisdom from mentors who can offer fresh perspective on your path.
▫ Volunteer—giving to others often reveals hidden passions and boosts your sense of usefulness.

💙 Your purpose matters for your mental and physical health 💙

Source: https://tinyurl.com/NiceNewsFindingPurpose

01/05/2026

We’re excited to welcome Emily McWhorter, PLPC to Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates. She possesses experience and a keen interest in counseling justice-involved individuals, making her a perfect addition to our team! Emily's supervised hours at our practice involve working with adolescent and adult clients.

12/31/2025

🎉 Happy New Year! 🥂
Our staff are headed home early today, but we'll be back to it on Monday, 1/5 at 7:30A.

12/29/2025

🎄 Christmas Day is officially in the rearview mirror, and if you’re feeling a strange mix of "Now what?" plus total exhaustion and a little guilt for not being more excited about 2026, then you’re not alone. The post-Christmas slump is real and is experienced by many.
❄️ The house feels too quiet (or too chaotic with kids home)
❄️ The healthy habits we promised ourselves went out the window with the last slice of pie
❄️ January 1 feels like a mountain instead of a fresh start

That’s okay. You don’t have to wake up on the 1st with a 10-step life overhaul and boundless energy. Real motivation usually starts small. A few things that actually help:
🌿 Give yourself permission to feel blah for a few days — it’s part of the emotional cycle of the holidays
🌿 Pick one small thing to work on and let that be “enough”
🌿 Talk about how you’re really feeling — out loud, to someone safe. The slump loses power when it’s not secret
🌿 Remember that you don’t have to earn rest or joy

If the low mood is sticking around, the new-year pressure is turning into anxiety, or things no longer feel manageable...know that we’re here. You don’t have to muscle through it alone. 💙
Source: http://tiny.cc/ForbesArticle