Higher Grounds

11/28/2025

At Higher Grounds Management, we work with families across Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and beyond to identify the real reasons behind school refusal and create a structured plan to get teens back on track.

11/25/2025

At Higher Grounds Management, our model is built on connection, accountability, and results. Our coaches and therapists meet teens in their home environment to build trust, identify challenges, and help them make meaningful, lasting changes.

11/25/2025

Parents please speak to one another: We must create community!

A Hermosa Beach man is reportedly recovering after enduring a violent beating by more than a half-dozen alleged teenagers Friday night, all of whom fled while the victim lay incapacitated in an all…

11/23/2025

ADHD & ODD (oppositional defiance) look different in everyone. For some, it’s about focus and organization. For others, it’s emotional regulation, impulsivity, or motivation. A one-size-fits-all therapy model rarely works — especially for teens who need real-world structure and accountability, not just weekly talk therapy.

ADHD & ODD (oppositional defiance) look different in everyone. For some, it’s about focus and organization. For others, it’s emotional regulation, impulsivity, or motivation. A one-size-fits-all therapy model rarely works — especially for teens who need real-world structure and accountability,...

11/21/2025

If it feels like your teen is constantly reaching for their phone — checking messages, scrolling TikTok, or hopping between apps — you’re not imagining it. The technology is designed that way.

Behind every “ping,” “like,” and notification is the same powerful chemical: dopamine. Often called the brain’s “reward” signal, dopamine motivates behavior by making us feel good. And today’s phones are engineered to deliver it — over and over again.

If it feels like your teen is constantly reaching for their phone — checking messages, scrolling TikTok, or hopping between apps — you’re not imagining it. The technology is designed that way. Behind every “ping,” “like,” and notification is the same powerful chemical: dopamine. Often ...

11/19/2025

The newly released teaser for “Toy Story 5” makes a bold statement: “The age of toys is over.” In a world with a frog-shaped smart tablet named Lilypad, Bonnie’s beloved toys—Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang—see their classic era of play under threat. The message is clear: screens are here, and real-world connection might be losing ground.

The newly released teaser for “Toy Story 5” makes a bold statement: “The age of toys is over.” In a world with a frog-shaped smart tablet named Lilypad, Bonnie’s beloved toys—Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang—see their classic era of play under threat. The message is clear: screens are...

11/17/2025

At Higher Grounds Management, we know that inviting someone into your home for therapy can feel personal — even vulnerable. That’s why our process is structured, transparent, and collaborative from start to finish.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how our in-home family therapy program works and what makes it so effective for families across the South Bay.

At Higher Grounds Management, we know that inviting someone into your home for therapy can feel personal — even vulnerable. That’s why our process is structured, transparent, and collaborative from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step look at how our in-home family therapy program works and ...

11/15/2025

If your teen takes criticism hard, gets anxious after social rejection, or avoids new things for fear of failure, you’re not alone. This could be Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a real neurological response common in ADHD that causes intense emotional pain from perceived rejection or criticism.

If your teen takes criticism hard, gets anxious after social rejection, or avoids new things for fear of failure — you’re not alone. This could be **Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)**, a real neurological response common in ADHD that causes intense emotional pain from perceived rejection or...

11/13/2025

At Higher Grounds Management, we help teens and young adults across Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and Palos Verdes understand the science behind their thoughts — and how changing their inner dialogue can change everything.

11/11/2025

If your home feels like it’s filled with tension — constant reminders, emotional blow-ups, or power struggles over schoolwork — you’re not alone. Families of children and teens with ADHD often experience a cycle of stress, frustration, and miscommunication that can leave everyone feeling drained.

If your home feels like it’s filled with tension — constant reminders, emotional blow-ups, or power struggles over schoolwork — you’re not alone. Families of children and teens with ADHD often experience a cycle of stress, frustration, and miscommunication that can leave everyone feeling dra...

11/09/2025

In today’s world of instant gratification and constant convenience, discomfort feels unfamiliar — even threatening. But here’s the truth: emotional growth and confidence don’t happen inside the comfort zone. They’re built in the space just beyond it, where challenge meets courage.

11/07/2025

If your teen or young adult seems glued to their phone — constantly scrolling, gaming, or watching videos — you’re not alone. At Higher Grounds Management, we understand that while smartphones connect us to the world, they can also disconnect teens from the real-life experiences that build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Too much screen time isn’t just a habit — it’s quietly becoming a barrier to growth, maturity, and genuine human connection.

If your teen or young adult seems glued to their phone — constantly scrolling, gaming, or watching videos — you’re not alone. At Higher Grounds Management, we understand that while smartphones connect us to the world, they can also disconnect teens from the real-life experiences that build con...