Alina Baugh, Psychotherapy

08/12/2025

This morning, I watched my child walk into 7th grade.

Not the first year of middle school. Not the last.
Just another school year… on paper.

But my heart knows better.

Every “first day” is a quiet reminder that time is moving forward. One step closer to being a teenager, one step closer to college, one step closer to a life where I won’t be needed the way I am needed now.

And yet… this kid still asks for hugs. Still lights up when we laugh together.

Parenting in the middle school years is a strange, beautiful contradiction—learning to let go while holding on, loving fiercely while stepping back.

In my latest post, I share what this season really feels like, how to navigate the push-pull of independence and connection, and how to take care of yourself in the process.

Read it here 👉 https://medium.com//parenting-a-middle-schooler-letting-go-holding-on-and-finding-yourself-again-8e21652e41bf

Because as our kids grow, we get to grow too. 💙



www.alinabaugh.com

05/29/2025

💚 Mental Health Awareness Month: Navigating Life’s Big Transitions 💚
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength it takes to care for our minds as much as our bodies.

Life transitions can be exciting… but also deeply unsettling.

🎓 Graduating into the unknown.
💼 Starting a new job—or facing an unexpected layoff.
💔 Going through a divorce.
📦 Moving to a new city or country.

These moments often come with a mix of emotions—grief, anxiety, fear, even guilt. And while change is a natural part of life, it can challenge our sense of identity, stability, and self-worth.

That’s where therapy comes in.

At East Bay Mental Health Spa, we provide a safe, compassionate space to:
✔️ Process emotions
✔️ Rebuild confidence
✔️ Develop healthy coping tools
✔️ Reconnect with your values

You don’t have to face change alone. Therapy isn’t just for when things are “bad”—it’s for any moment when you’re ready to grow, heal, and move forward with clarity.

✨ Because healing starts the moment you give yourself permission to begin.

www.EastBayMentalHealthSpa.com

04/16/2025

✨ Ever wish you had a therapist in your pocket? Now you (almost) can! ✨
Introducing… Action Figure Alina! 💁‍♀️
Complete with a Stanley cup, MacBook, ring light, and just enough style to keep things grounded, calm, cool, and compassionate.

In all seriousness, therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. As a real-life Marriage & Family Therapist (not just a 6" tall collectible), I’m here to help you move through challenges, find clarity, and feel more like yourself again.
🧠 Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationships, burnout, or just need space to breathe and process — I’ve got you.
📣 I currently have a few openings for new clients. If you or someone you know is looking for support, I’d love to connect.

Let’s talk: www.EastBayMentalHealthSpa.com

03/26/2025

It's been a minute since I attended school. Excited to be working on my ADHD Specialist training.

01/15/2024

Can you spot an idiot?
I really enjoyed this speech and want to share it with others.
It speaks to kindness and empathy. Two very important characteristics when we pick our friends, life partners, and even coworkers.

In his 2023 commencement address at Northwestern University, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker distinguishes kind & smart people from cruel ones. He seems to und...

12/14/2023

What Are Your Holiday Challenges as a Working Mom?

Moms' schedules are usually packed during the holidays with holiday parties, kids' school concerts, and other holiday related events. This leaves little to no time for moms to take care of themselves.

At Bay Area Mental Health Spa we are here to help. If you or a friend in California need support but have not taken the time to find a Therapist, we are just a click away.

We accept Lyra and Modern Health which are offered by many of the California employers.

Visit our website

Continuing to Struggle Will Only Intensify Your Pain My Expert Counseling Services Can Help You Live the Life You’re Longing to Have... Since you’ve landed on this page, you must be considering therapy. You’ve likely tried to resolve your problems, but things have not improved. Perhaps you’v...

08/03/2023

Have you been struggling with getting some uninterrupted sleep? Follow my advice to a recent reader on Alameda Post Inc.

To learn more about my services, visit www.eastbaymentalhealthspa.com

Sleepless In Alameda writes to Ask Alina for advice after a year of interrupted sleep plagued by anxiety, panic, and excessive worry.

07/19/2023

If you are in your 40s or 50s, "sandwich generation" is probably a phrase you have already heard. The amount of responsibilities on your hands are overwhelming and maybe even unmanageable. Follow the link to learn how BZ mom tackles this problem.
And if you have a question you want answered by a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, instructions to submit your questions are mentioned at the end of the article.

BZ Mom writes to Ask Alina for advice while feeling stressed-out and over-committed as part of the "Sandwich Generation."

05/19/2023

Are you expecting visitors this summer?
Recently a reader asked "How to Maintain a Happy Marriage While Parents Stay with us for Six Months?"
Read my answer to this question and more on Alameda Post Inc.

To learn more about my practice, visit www.alinabaugh.com

Daddy’s Little Girl writes to Ask Alina for advice while preparing for her parents to visit their two-bedroom apartment for half a year.

03/07/2023

How to help a Partner with Depression

Punching Bag Partner writes to Ask Alina for advice after their girlfriend has been struggling with depression for months.

02/22/2023

helps a married couple work through emotions

This week, Anonymous writes to Ask Alina for advice after their husband falls victim to the latest tech layoffs, which is putting a strain on their marriage.

02/07/2023

Does Marriage Therapy Work?

JM writes to Ask Alina about pursing marriage therapy after discovering text messages with another woman on their husband's phone.