Gooding Wellness Group

09/04/2026

After 30 years as a school social worker, I’ve learned that the first day of kindergarten is often harder on the parent than it is on the child. ❤️

There will be tears.
There will be big feelings.
There will be days that don’t go as planned.

And that’s okay.

Your child doesn’t need you to fix everything. They need you to stay connected, stay calm, and give them opportunities to figure things out for themselves.

Play. Friendship. Independence. Resilience. Connection.

These are the things that matter.

So as you send your little one off to kindergarten, take a breath and remember:

It’s going to be OK.

And if it doesn’t feel OK right away, give it time. They’re learning. You are too. ❤️

08/22/2026

I know teletherapy is convenient.

But I’ll still make the case for showing up in person.

Get out of the house. Put your phone down. Sit across from a therapist who cares and is paying attention, not to a screen, but to you.

There is something powerful about being physically present with another human being while you work through difficult things.

For some people, in-person therapy provides a level of connection, presence, and accountability that makes the therapeutic process feel different.

Sometimes the environment matters.

Sometimes the connection matters.

Sometimes showing up is part of the work.

08/19/2026

Kids don't need to be the best. They need to believe they can handle hard things. 💛

If you're a Long Island parent watching your kid deal with school pressure, activities, friend drama, or just the general stress of growing up right now we made something for you.

"The Resilience Muscle" is a free 7-day email series from Gordon Gooding a 30 year school social worker. Each day, one short, practical email; no jargon, no guilt, no "just relax" advice. Real strategies for helping your kid build the kind of confidence that lasts:

🌱 Spotting burnout before it becomes a bigger problem 🌱 Letting kids struggle just enough to grow 🌱 Staying connected when things get hard 🌱 Why how YOU handle stress teaches your kids more than any lecture

It's totally free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Sign up here: https://www.goodingwellness.com/raising-resilient-children

Tag a parent who could use this in their inbox 👇

Long Island parents: get 7 days of clinically grounded parenting insights from Gordon Gooding, LCSW — free from Gooding Wellness Group in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.

08/11/2026

Sending your kid off to college isn't just their transition, it's yours too. Our latest blog shares 7 ways to navigate the mix of pride, excitement, and loss that comes with this milestone, and how to reinvest in yourself while you're at it. 🎓💛

Read the full guide: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-next-chapter-a-guide-for-parents-sending-their-kids-to-college

Sending your child to college? Our comprehensive guide helps parents navigate this emotional transition with practical tips and emotional support. Read more at Gooding Wellness.

08/02/2026

Ever feel guilty for slowing down? You're not alone. 🌊

Long Island summers go by fast and even our own therapists have to remind themselves to actually enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.

So we asked our team to share how they recharge, and we got a fun peek behind the scenes:

☕ Gordon starts his mornings with coffee on the deck with the dogs (and says any day with a lobster roll is a good day)

🐕 Peter's out walking his dog Leila in downtown Northport

🍧 Liana's ending beach days with Ralph's ices in Port Jefferson

🎶 Christine's catching the live bands at Cedar Beach

📚 Greg's reading by a lake in Maine — no plans, no pressure

And the advice they shared might be exactly what you need to hear this summer:

"Rest isn't laziness. It's part of what helps us stay emotionally healthy, connected, and present for the people we love."

"You don't have to 'earn' relaxation. Take it when you need it."

Read the full post to meet the team, grab a few local recommendations, and give yourself permission to slow down. 👇

https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/summer-with-our-long-island-therapists

See you out there in the community! Don't forget to pause and enjoy that lobster roll along the way! 🦞

Gooding Wellness Group | Cold Spring Harbor, NY | 631-351-2940

Ever feel guilty for slowing down? You’re not alone! 🌊 We asked our team of Long Island therapists to share a peek behind the scenes of their own summer rituals—from their favorite local spots in Northport and Port Jeff to their ultimate advice on overcoming "relaxation guilt." Read the blog ...