Lowey Psychological Services

02/13/2026

💕 Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to slow down, reconnect, and show up with intention - whether you’re partnered, dating, or focusing on yourself. Therapist Natasha Taffett, MS, LMFT shares thoughtful reflections on self-love, honest communication, and staying present:

1. Start with self-love.

Whether you are searching for love or nurturing a long-term relationship or marriage, it’s important to prioritize how you treat yourself. The way you care for yourself often sets the standard for how others treat you. Engage in practices that support your well-being—regular exercise, for example, has been shown to reduce anxiety, boost mood, and help prevent depression. And don’t underestimate the power of feeling good in your own skin: dressing up, having fun, and taking pride in your appearance can meaningfully shift how you show up.

2. Know your values and communicate your desires.

Clarity helps attract the right kind of love and ensures that you and your partner are on the same page. While many people hope their partner will surprise them with romance or reservations, waiting silently can lead to disappointment. If something matters to you, say so. Communicating your hopes allows both partners to plan intentionally and sets the relationship up for success.

3. Be present in the relationship you’re in.

For those in long-term relationships, consider letting go of past hurts—at least for the evening—and focusing on connection. Ask meaningful questions, such as: What made you feel most loved this year? or What are you hoping for in the coming months?

4. If you’re just beginning a new relationship, ensure you’re well supported by therapy and friendships as you work through old wounds. A healed heart creates space for healthier love.

5. Say yes to new experiences.

Growth happens outside our comfort zones. Go somewhere you’ve never been, try something you’ve always avoided, or revisit something you decided you disliked long ago. You might even discover you like onions after all.

6. Celebrate one another.
Clink glasses over promotions, milestones, successful sleep training of babies, and everything in between. These moments—small as they may seem—are your life. Take stock, be present, and allow gratitude to deepen connection.

And for single parents:
If you don’t have a Valentine this year, you actually do. Take your school-aged child out on a Valentine’s date. Dress up together and make the evening special. Children rise to the occasion when they feel seen as capable and valued—and the memory will stay with both of you.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with connection, intention, and care. 💗

02/12/2026

Feeling restless, low energy, or emotionally tight after limited social contact is more common than you might think. is a state of emotional discomfort linked to isolation, low stimulation, and reduced connection.

Understanding what is behind these feelings can help you respond with compassion and healthier coping strategies.

Cabin fever is a term for a relatively common reaction to intense isolation. Learn to identify the symptoms of cabin fever, what causes it, and some ways to cope.

01/28/2026

About a year ago, Jennifer C. Veilleux set a goal for herself: She would try never to answer “I’m fine” or “I’m good” if she wasn’t really feeling that way. When she catches those words rolling out of her mouth—which still happens occasionally—she corrects herself and tells the other person she's trying to avoid sticking to the script we all generally expect. If you've ever struggled to respond to "how are you" when you aren't feeling your best, this Time article might help you move through those interactions with a better sense for what to say.

One option: “I’m upright—that’s about all I can say."

01/21/2026

Generative AI chatbots are a growing part of life for American teens. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of adolescents are using chatbots, with 3 in 10 saying they use them daily. Extended chatbot interactions may affect kids' social development and mental health, and the technology is changing so fast that few safeguards are in place. Read more on NPR for a few ways to help teens navigate the technology safely.

Teen use of AI chatbots is growing, and psychologists worry it's affecting their social development and mental health. Here's what parents should know to help kids use the technology safely.

01/14/2026

“Happy hormones” such as serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are neurotransmitters and chemicals that regulate our mood and emotions. These hormones work together to create a balanced emotional state, contributing to overall mental and physical health.

You can support healthy hormone levels in a variety of ways, including engaging in regular physical activity, getting exposure to natural sunlight, and seeking out positive social interaction and connection. Supporting happy hormones through daily habits can be a helpful part of maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Happy hormones like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are neurotransmitters and chemicals that regulate your mood and emotions. Here's how you can boost them and enhance your mental wellbeing

01/07/2026

Whether it’s joy, fear, rage, or anxiety, emotions affect parents every day. How we manage our emotions influences our children’s ability to do the same. This article from Greater Good Magazine can help you become aware of ways to help regulate your emotions and their impact on your children.

Parenting isn't just about navigating your children's emotional ups and downs. We also need to work with our own big feelings.

12/31/2025

A new study highlighted by NPR found that taking just one week off social media significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in young adults.

Breaks from constant scrolling give the brain space to regulate and rest.

If online life has started to feel heavy, a short pause might be more healing than you expect!

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/25/nx-s1-5616412/just-one-week-off-social-media-can-improve-young-adults-mental-health-study-finds

Philadelphia psychology office, Lowey Psychological Services, offering therapy, counseling, psychological evaluations, and psychiatric medication

12/24/2025

To all our clients, staff, friends, and family: we wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season! 🎊❄️🎁⛄

12/22/2025

Workplace happiness isn’t just about the job itself; it’s shaped by emotional connection, autonomy, and a sense of meaning.

Greater Good Magazine highlights strategies that help you feel more fulfilled at work, such as finding purpose in your tasks, strengthening social ties, and setting supportive boundaries. These small shifts can boost day-to-day well-being! ✨

A new book offers science-based strategies to help you find more love, enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning in work and life.

12/17/2025

Online spaces shape how people view relationships, identity, and self-worth. Some corners of the internet spread distorted messages about masculinity and connection, leaving many feeling confused or isolated. Psychology Today explores how misinformation in the “manosphere” takes hold, and why awareness matters.

Understanding where these messages come from can help you stay grounded and protect your sense of self.

Effective strategies for working with our children to understand the harmfulness of misinformation in the manosphere.

12/17/2025

We're super excited and proud to share this Main Line Parent article featuring tips from our very own Dr. Noa Glick! 👏

Bullying often starts earlier than we think. Recognizing early signs and teaching empathy can make a lasting difference for kids. 💛

A Philly area expert shares tips for preventing bullying. Identify the signs, take action, and help your child build confidence and resilience.

12/11/2025

Falling in love quickly can feel exciting, but it may also signal a deeper pattern called .

People with emophilia often form emotional bonds before true compatibility becomes clear, which can lead to overwhelm or heartbreak. Understanding this tendency can help you build healthier, more grounded relationships!

We all get overwhelmed with good vibes when we meet someone special, but for some, this is an occurrence too often to be healthy. Learn the signs of emophilia.