FamilyFirst Psychological Services, PC

01/23/2021

Just announced our mindfulness meditation and gentle, relaxing yoga classes. Sign up and enjoy this special experience.

https://familyfirstva.com/family-first-is-offering-via-zoom/

Helps Relieve Symptoms of Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia THURSDAYS, 8:00-9:00 PM SATURDAYS, 10:00-11:00 AM Facilitated by Dr. Marcia Kaufman Registration required for each class by 6:00PM the night before class. Individuals and families are welcome to join. All registered participants will receive an...

01/10/2021

What a sad and scary week for our country. I saw a meme yesterday that said something to the effect of, “Hey, 2021, I want my money back…the 7 day trial didn’t work out so well.” As parents, we ourselves are likely struggling with how to cope with the Capitol riots, the political unrest as inauguration nears, and the continued rise in COVID-related deaths.

https://familyfirstva.com/keeping-our-children-safe-in-the-midst-of-chaos/

12/15/2020

Strategies for Preventing Substance Abuse During the Pandemic:

https://familyfirstva.com/strategies-for-preventing-substance-abuse-during-the-pandemic/

The current pandemic has presented a host of social, emotional, and economic difficulties.  With a rise in psychological stressors and perceived threat attached to COVID-19, substance use rates have risen.  Nielsen statistics regarding alcohol sales reported a 54% increase in the United States for...

11/15/2020

Our next MBSR (over zoom) group will begin on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Please contact Dr. Marcia Kaufman at mkaufman@familyfirstva.com for more information and to register.

11/09/2020

Supporting Athletes During Covid-19. As we continue our ongoing adjustment to the restrictions of the current pandemic, we are recognizing that student-athletes are faced with a unique set of challenges and difficulties.

As we continue our ongoing adjustment to the restrictions of the current pandemic, we are recognizing that student-athletes are faced with a unique set of challenges and difficulties. Not only did they have to quickly adjust to online learning like all students last March, but also the abrupt cancel...

11/09/2020

Helping Children with Attention and Learning Differences Succeed During Distance Learning.

This school year has begun like no other school year in history: online. The majority of students in Northern Virginia, and the rest of the country, are now a few weeks into distance learning. Students have become more accustomed to learning online at this point in the pandemic than they were in Mar...

09/09/2020

Parenting During the Pandemic: Lessons to Learn and Remember: In early March (what I have come to refer to as “the before times”), none of us could have imagined that we would be heading into a new school year with social distancing, mask wearing, and.... read more by clicking on the link below.

In early March (what I have come to refer to as “the before times”), none of us could have imagined that we would be heading into a new school year with social distancing, mask wearing, and limits on travel and other activities still necessary and still in place. As time goes on, it may become.....

08/25/2020

Parenting During the Pandemic: 5 Mindfulness Strategies for Coping. Cultivating a mindfulness practice where one nurtures being in the present moment with lovingkindness and without judgment can prove to be a valuable coping tool for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://familyfirstva.com/parenting-during-the-pandemic-5-mindfulness-strategies-for-coping/

08/11/2020

Helping Teens Make Healthy Choices During the Pandemic. The stereotype surrounding teens and risky behavior is one that, in this case, is well-founded. Teens often don’t consider the consequences of their actions, even when they are well-informed about the risks. Or if they do consider the possible negative outcomes, somehow those consequences don’t get factored in to their decision making.

The stereotype surrounding teens and risky behavior is one that, in this case, is well-founded.  Teens often don’t consider the consequences of their actions, even when they are well-informed about the risks.  Or if they do consider the possible negative outcomes, somehow those consequences don....

07/07/2020

Since the start of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all faced an incredible amount of uncertainty about the future. Not knowing what is going to happen, social isolation, and having so many things out of our control increases the risk of experiencing feelings of anxiety and/or depression. https://familyfirstva.com/the-importance-of-controlling-the-controllables-during-the-pandemic/

Since the start of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all faced an incredible amount of uncertainty about the future. Not knowing what is going to happen, social isolation, and having so many things out of our control increases the risk of experiencing feelings of anxiety and/or depression. We all have...

06/26/2020

As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, families are charting a new course this summer while we all work together to keep our communities safe. From the loss of end-of-the-school-year parties to limited playdates and cancelled summer camps, these unexpected changes in plans, normalcy, and routine mean that kids (and parents) are challenged more than ever before to manage stress and anxiety during a time that is usually expected to be relaxing and fun

As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, families are charting a new course this summer while we all work together to keep our communities safe. From the loss of end-of-the-school-year parties to limited playdates and cancelled summer camps, these unexpected changes in plans, normalcy, and r...

05/20/2020

Parenting During the Pandemic: How to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ at Home

https://familyfirstva.com/parenting-during-the-pandemic-how-to-keep-calm-and-carry-on-at-home/