Dr. Maria Rheaume, Licensed Psychologist

04/08/2026

Reminder: No Baby & Me Groups today! We reconvene next Wednesday 4/15

04/06/2026

So true. But I find that authenticity to be very, VERY refreshing.

04/06/2026

Profound! Magical ✨

Some transformations are so profound, but go completely unnamed.

Everyone knows about the first puberty. But many women experience a second one after becoming mothers, and most never learn what’s happening to them. It’s called matrescence, a biological and psychological shift that rewires the brain, reshapes identity, and changes how a woman thinks, feels, and responds to the world.

This isn’t just hormones. Brain structure, emotional processing, and priorities all reorganize to support caregiving, connection, and survival. What feels like confusion, overwhelm, or loss of self is often a deep internal transformation happening in real time.

Sometimes, naming it changes everything. What looks like “being hormonal” is actually one of the most significant rewiring processes the adult brain can go through—quietly shaping millions of women’s lives without recognition.

04/06/2026

I actually printed and read this article a few months ago, if anyone wants to see the original peer-reviewed article! Interesting and it aligns with exactly what I was noticing in my assessments over the years.

New research shows one genetic marker links 8 major psychiatric disorders — including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and depression.

A groundbreaking study has identified 683 common genetic variants that link eight major psychiatric conditions, including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. These shared genetic factors appear to regulate critical stages of brain development and influence complex protein interactions, providing a biological explanation for why these conditions frequently co-occur within individuals and families. This discovery suggests that rather than being entirely distinct ailments, many mental health disorders share a foundational genetic architecture that shapes the brain's growth from its earliest stages.

By shifting the focus from individual diagnoses to shared biological pathways, this research challenges traditional psychiatric classifications and opens the door for innovative, broad-spectrum therapies. With nearly one billion people worldwide living with mental health disorders, the ability to target these underlying genetic drivers could revolutionize treatment protocols. Scientists believe that understanding these shared variants will lead to more effective, genetically-informed interventions that could simultaneously address multiple conditions, offering new hope for personalized and comprehensive mental healthcare.

source: Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Shared genetic architectures across psychiatric disorders and brain development. Cell.

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

Snuggle them up! It helps brain development.

Some habits feel small, but their impact lasts a lifetime.

Babies who are held regularly during sleep develop stronger pre-frontal–amygdala connections, the very pathways that help regulate stress and prevent anxiety later in life. It’s not about coddling or creating dependence; it’s about wiring the brain for resilience, calm, and emotional balance. Those nightly cuddles and gentle touches quietly shape how your child will respond to challenges, stress, and relationships for years to come.

What feels like a fleeting comfort is actually a lifelong foundation. Holding your baby isn’t spoiling it’s a form of protection, helping prevent future mental health struggles before they even begin.

03/30/2026

What advice would you give to new parents?

03/26/2026

When you are your own boss so no one can tell you what to do… 🤣

03/26/2026

We had an amazing time at Baby & Me Groups yesterday! The infants and toddlers explored and climbed, testing their limits and building motor skills. Caregivers talked about when we step in versus when we allow them to take small risks.

03/23/2026

My passion! We had an excellent turnout at the Elizabethtown Social Center on Wednesday. We have openings at the Keeseville location for more babies (ages 0-3) and their caregivers.

03/23/2026

We had so much fun at the first week of Baby & Me Groups! There are still openings, especially in Keeseville.
518-834-0200

03/23/2026

“Happy” by one of my anonymous, fabulous, artist clients. It’s a vibe, right? It made me feel happy too!