Three offices in New Jersey! Telehealth services are available. We now accept Aetna, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, and Oxford with most providers. Contact us for more information.
Welcome to The Expanding Mind, the blog of the Institute for Personal Growth — a space to explore the many dimensions of emotional and relational well-being. We write about the bonds and identities that shape our lives — marriage and couples counseling, sex therapy, child, adolescent, and family life, and LGBTQ+ and gender identity — and the emotions that can quietly take over: anxiety, depression, stress, and bipolar disorder.
We also have honest conversations about harder terrain — trauma and PTSD and EMDR, grief, loss, and life transitions, sex addiction, and the strain of work and financial pressures. And we share the tools that help, from individual therapy to mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction. Wherever you are on your path, we hope you'll find something here that helps you feel a little more grounded.
Clinically reviewed by Susan Menahem, LCSW — last updated August 2026. You’ve watched your teen struggle. You’ve found a therapist, maybe even booked the appointment — and then hit a wall: “I’m not going.” No explanation, or every explanation at once. Now you’re stuck between respecting their autonomy and worrying about what happens if they…
Feeling blue at times is normal. Usually, it fades away with time, and you’re back to your old cheerful self. But with depression, that feeling of sadness doesn’t seem to go away, so much so that it begins to impact your daily life and impairs your ability to function. This is why it is important…
Mental disorders in teenagers and adolescents are a significantly common issue. Worldwide, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience depression or anxiety accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. The usual ones are mood, attention and behavior problems. They translate into adulthood when left untreated and unrecognized. This can subsequently restrict…
Clinically reviewed by Susan Menahem, LCSW — last updated August 2026. One partner wants sex several times a week. The other wants it once a month, if that. Somewhere in between, both people start to feel something is wrong — one feels chronically rejected, the other feels chronically pressured, and sex turns into the thing…
Chemistry brings intimacy and excitement between a couple. The emotional connection grows along with a lasting commitment. It helps with an active sex life too and is crucial for a happy and healthy marriage. But the dopamine level might fade eventually in a long-term relationship. It is normal to feel out of love with your…
The Family Counseling and Crisis Intervention Services industry revenue is $48.1 billion in 2022. The annualized market growth has been 2.9% since 2017. What does family crisis intervention mean? It is a therapy session where a ‘neutral mediator’ boosts communication and resolves conflicts between family members. They try to nurture a change in intimate relations…
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on family counseling with a child. If you’re seeking solutions to improve communication, resolve conflicts, or strengthen the bond within your family, you’ve come to the right place. Family counseling is a powerful tool that can help families navigate challenging situations and work towards harmony. In this article, we will…
Clinically reviewed by Susan Menahem, LCSW — last updated August 2026. You’re not lying awake thinking about sex. You’re not fantasizing in the shower or counting down to date night. And somewhere along the way, that started to feel like a problem — like something’s missing, or broken, or wrong with your relationship. It might…
In the digital age, the internet has become a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers unlimited access to knowledge, connections, and support. On the other hand, it exposes individuals to online bullying, trolls, and triggers that can significantly impact mental health. The veil of anonymity and distance allows some users to engage in harmful…
Clinically reviewed by Susan Menahem, LCSW — last updated August 2026. You’ve reread the same text three times, trying to decide if “haha yeah” means something’s wrong. You’ve drafted a message, deleted it, and drafted it again. You’ve felt a wave of relief so big it’s almost dizzying the moment someone finally writes back. If…
