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.
The most beautiful, yet challenging aspect of life is that it brings so many changes, big and small. While change can be overwhelming, it also teaches us the most important life lessons. It compels us to change the way we interact with our surroundings and with ourselves. What is common, however, is that major life…
If you are suffering from anxiety, remember you are not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common psychological issues in the United States. Around 18% of the population or 40 million people are affected by it in America, according to information provided by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The figures might be…
Good social skills mean a lifetime of healthy interactions. It helps a child develop better social skills, interpret feelings of others and learn to cooperate. In fact, the development of the brain depends on environmental stimulation, which further enhances cognitive, language and emotional skills, according to an article by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)….
Almost 9 in 10 Americans, or 88% of the population, believe that love is the most important reason to get married. This is way ahead of financial stability (28%) and legal benefits (23%), according to a survey by Pew Research Center. However, love is often not enough to hold the marriage together for a lifetime….
Exploring or affirming your gender identity can be an exciting and empowering journey, but it can also come with questions and emotional challenges. Many individuals navigating gender identity, whether considering a medical transition, questioning their gender, or simply seeking self-understanding, may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or isolated at times. Recognizing when professional support could be helpful…
Intimacy is often considered the cornerstone of a healthy romantic relationship and a vital component of personal well-being. It is the bridge that connects us to our partners and reinforces our sense of vitality. However, despite its importance, our sexual lives are rarely linear or trouble-free. Many individuals and couples, regardless of age, gender, or…
Maintaining healthy relationships is an essential part of our well-being, and it’s common to face challenges that require the help of a professional. If you are in New Jersey, finding a good relationship counselor can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine who will be the best…
We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and messages about sex, yet when it comes to our own personal lives, many of us struggle in silence. We wonder if our libido is too high or too low, if our physical responses are “right,” or if the challenges we face in…
Work stress can be a motivator. It pushes you to perform everyday tasks in a disciplined and timely manner. But the negative kind of stress could be overwhelming. It usually stems from long hours, conflict with co-workers or job insecurity leading to a drop in performance and depression. Bullying and discrimination are other reasons. Studies…
Challenges are a part and parcel of life. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cope during tough times. One effective way is positive thinking. Studies have found that it reduces the risk of several serious diseases, including stroke, respiratory complications and heart issues, while ensuring better psychological health and lower rates of depression, according…
