Insight Counseling

02/26/2026

Teens need limits, limits are love.

02/24/2026

New study findings: Adolescent cannabis use is linked to increased risk later in life for:
▪️ Bipolar disorder
▪️ Psychotic disorders
▪️ Anxiety
▪️ Depression

Teen brains are still developing. What seems harmless now may carry long-term mental health risks.

Researchers followed more than 400,000 teens until they were adults. It found that those who used ma*****na were more likely to develop serious mental illness, as well as depression and anxiety.

02/22/2026

Parents, consider this your permission slip.

You are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to set boundaries.
You are allowed to hold limits, even when your child is upset about them.

Your child does not need you to negotiate every decision.
They need you to lead.

When you calmly say,
“No, that’s not safe.”
“No, that’s not respectful.”
“No, that’s not happening.”

…you are not damaging the relationship.

You are building security.

Children and teens may act as though they want full control. Most do not feel safe when they have it. Developing brains need structure. Emotional systems need containment. Anxiety decreases when expectations are clear and consistent.

You can validate feelings and maintain the rule.

“I see that you’re disappointed.”
“And the answer is still no.”

That is not rejection.
That is loving leadership.

Boundaries do not harm healthy attachment.
Inconsistent limits do.

Stay calm.
Stay firm.
Your child needs you to be the adult in the room.
-Liz

02/21/2026

Recognizing the signs of su***de risk in young people can save lives.
Learn the warning signs and if you notice any in yourself or others, it's important to take them seriously.

Text, call, or chat 988 988lifeline.org

01/31/2026

In today’s cannabis landscape, THC levels are far higher than they were even a decade ago. What many people don’t realize is that high-potency THC can significantly impact brain function, especially for teens, young adults, and individuals with underlying mental health vulnerabilities.

As Liz shares in this reel, in some cases, THC can trigger severe anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis, including hallucinations or disorganized thinking. For certain people, these symptoms may persist even after use stops.

This isn’t about fear or judgment. It’s about education, awareness, and informed choices.

If you or someone you love is experiencing mood changes, heightened anxiety, or unusual thoughts after cannabis use, support is available. Early conversations and professional guidance can make a meaningful difference.

💬 You’re not overreacting.
💬 You’re not alone.
💬 And help is here.

01/29/2026

Parenting a teen or young adult can feel overwhelming, especially when behavioral, mental health, or emotional challenges arise. Our Programs offer guidance, education, and support to help families communicate more effectively and regain balance. https://insightcounselingllc.com/programs-support-groups/

01/28/2026

📱 Is it really about “too much screen time”?

A new report suggests the conversation needs to go deeper.

For years, parents have been told to limit hours. But experts are now saying that focusing only on how much screen time kids get misses the bigger picture.

What matters just as much:
• What kids are watching
• How platforms are designed to keep them engaged
• How screen use affects sleep, mood, learning, and connection
• And the reality that parents shouldn’t have to navigate this alone

This shift moves us away from blame and toward shared responsibility; families, tech companies, and policymakers working together to support children’s mental health.

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or conflicted about screens in your home, you’re not alone, and curiosity is a healthy place to start.

Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/25/screen-time-report

At Insight Counseling, we believe thoughtful conversations, not rigid rules, help families build healthier relationships with technology and with each other. 💛

01/26/2026

Experience matters in therapy.

Not just training, but time spent listening, understanding nuance, and holding space for complex human experiences.

At Insight Counseling, our clinicians bring depth, perspective, and care to each relationship because trust is built over time.

Meet two of our incredible team, Patricia Bragdon, PHD, LCSW-R, and Adrienne Koenigsberg, LCSW. https://insightcounselingllc.com/staff/

01/24/2026

Recent research shows a significant rise in daily ni****ne va**ng among tweens and teens, and with it, stronger signs of addiction. The number of young people va**ng every day has nearly doubled over the past few years, and many who try to quit are finding it harder than ever to stop.

Ni****ne isn’t just a “habit." It’s a powerful addictive substance that can impact developing brains, mood regulation, and impulse control. Even occasional use can make quitting tough, and daily va**ng often becomes deeply ingrained.

As caregivers and community members, it’s important to:
• 🤝 open honest conversations with young people
• 🧠 talk about how ni****ne affects the brain and body
• 💬 listen without judgment when teens share what they’re experiencing

Support and understanding can make all the difference for young people struggling with ni****ne dependence.

🔗 Learn more in this important article:
https://www.powershealth.org/about-us/newsroom/health-library/2025/11/06/teen-ni****ne-va**ng-trends-show-powerful-evidence-of-addiction

01/22/2026

At Insight Counseling, we believe therapy works best when it’s personal.

That means:
• face-to-face care
• thoughtful, experienced clinicians
• real connection — not quick fixes

You’re not a diagnosis or a checklist. You’re a person with a story, and that story matters here.

01/20/2026

We loved this recent reflection, “The Light Is Already Here,” by Liz. It offers a gentle reminder that hope doesn’t arrive only after the hard moments pass; it often exists alongside them.

In times of stress, grief, uncertainty, or overwhelm, it’s easy to believe we must fix or escape discomfort to feel better. This piece invites a different approach:

💛 noticing small moments of connection
💛 allowing light to coexist with pain
💛 softening our inner dialogue
💛 grounding ourselves in what is already present

At Insight Counseling, we believe healing is rarely about rushing forward. It’s about learning to pause, notice, and be supported, even in the middle of difficulty.

If today feels heavy, this is a meaningful read and a compassionate reminder that you don’t have to wait for “someday” to experience moments of steadiness and hope.

🔗 Read the full piece here: https://insightcounselingllc.com/lizs-writings/

01/18/2026

❄️ If January has been harder than you expected, you’re not alone. You don’t need to have everything sorted out before reaching out. Support can meet you exactly where you are.
We’re here when you’re ready. www.insightcounselingllc.com