This blog is written by the clinicians at Jonah Green and Associates, a mental health practice based in Kensington, MD that provides quality services for children, teens, families, and adults. It is intended as a resource for families who are seeking to expand their knowledge about mental health and mental health services, and also as a resource for families who are seeking quality mental health services, especially in the mid-Atlantic region.
“Why is this so hard?” They were thoughtful, committed, and trying. “We love each other,” one partner said. “But it just feels… tense.” “I feel like I’m always getting it wrong,” the other partner added. “With the kids, with you—everything.” These are familiar moments in stepfamily therapy. There is love, effort, and goodwill, mixed with
Different Modes of Mind Our minds tend to operate in different modes depending on the situation. Dialectical Behavior Therapy describes these modes as “rational mind,” “emotional mind,” and “wise mind.” When we lead from the rational mind, we focus on facts and logic. Asked to solve a math problem, for example, and we rely on
Most of us have an inner voice—that quiet (or sometimes not-so-quiet) running commentary in our heads that helps us think things through, plan what’s next, manage emotions, and stay on track. For individuals with ADHD, understanding self-directed speech, or inner dialogue, is especially important because it can function differently, affecting daily life and self-regulation.
Amelia and Hunter hadn’t spoken to each other for a couple of days. An argument about bedtime with their son had lingered, leaving both parents irritable and emotionally distant. A few mornings later, their six-year-old, Felix, asked his father quietly, “Daddy… why aren’t you talking to Mommy?” “I’m busy with work,” his dad replied, gently
Ideas from Ximena Vengoechea’s book Listen Like You Mean It Listening can transform relationships. When someone feels genuinely heard, their nervous system settles, defensiveness softens, and something shifts. Conversations move from attack and retreat—or from listless information exchanges—to a feeling of being known. Ximena Vengoechea’s 2021 book Listen Like You Mean It offers practical strategies