Dr Jennifer Ackrish, Psyd, Licensed Psychologist

08/26/2026

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202306/how-to-improve-postpartum-mental-health/amp

Great article from Psychology Today about Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and OCD. If you are struggling with postpartum mental health challenges please reach out for support. You can reach out to a trained mental health specialist or a trusted person in your life. The important thing is to communicate what you’re experiencing so you can find effective support that will help to relieve your symptoms. While parenting does come with with some sacrifices becoming a mother does not mean you have to give up your happiness, independence or identity.

Increasing awareness of mental health concerns in the postpartum period can help new parents.

07/29/2026

https://www.eonline.com/news/1434364/snooki-shares-cervical-cancer-battle-update

Thank you Nicole for sharing your cancer journey and helping educate women about the importance of screenings! I wish you and your family all of the best on your cancer journey ❤️❤️‍🩹. I’ve worked with many women like Nicole over the years who are dealing with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment while continuing to be a mother, wife and have a career. In addition to a medical team it is very important to have a knowledgeable mental health team in place to help cope with the stressors of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Five months after Snooki shared her stage one cervical cancer diagnosis, the Jersey Shore star shared an update on her health journey, saying, “I’ve been so busy traveling...but now it’s game time.”

05/15/2026

Grateful to Kristen Doute for being so candid about her postpartum journey on the Valley. Postpartum can be an isolating and challenging time for many women. I hope that her sharing her journey will help other women realize they are not alone in how they are feeling. I have had the privilege of supporting many women throughout the years with this life transition. Getting support that is tailored to your needs is such an important part of healthfully coping with postpartum anxiety and depression.

04/21/2026

https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/proton-therapy-helps-young-woman-beat-stage-3-rectal-cancer

This is an encouraging article about early detection and Proton therapy for Colorectal cancer. As the article states I am seeing more young and middle-aged adults in my practice dealing with a cancer diagnosis. While a cancer diagnosis almost always presents challenges being diagnosed with cancer as a young or middle-aged adult can be a particularly diffcult and isolating experience. I support my clients in advoating for their medical needs and prioritizing what is most important to them in their lives.

Diagnosed at 37 and successfully treated with advanced proton therapy at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, Carolyn Scavone’s story highlights a troubling trend: colorectal cancer is increasing fastest among young adults.

04/19/2026

https://people.com/first-baby-born-through-surrogacy-celebrates-40th-birthday-11953402

I have worked with many clients over the years who have decided to consider surrogacy as an option to grow their families. Surrogacy is often an unexpected reproductive avenue and the decision to move forward with it or not is made easier with ample support and guidance.

Jill Brand, the first baby born through gestational surrogacy, celebrated her 40th birthday on April 17.

04/17/2026

Love keeping fresh flowers in my office ❤️💐

02/27/2026

I appreciate Kate Middleton speaking about her challenges managing her "new normal" after cancer diagnosis and treatment. Many clients I have worked with who have dealt with cancer find post treatment the most challenging time psychologically. While it can be a difficult time it can also be a time of post traumatic growth. Many clients I work with who have healthy support during this time end up thriving in their lives even more so than they did before cancer. After going through such a harrowing experience, one's goals and priorities often become crystal clear in therapy. I then support the client in living their lives in line with those new goals and priorities.

Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since missing Royal Ascot, planting a rose named in her honor at a hospital garden, where she opened up about her cancer journey.

06/16/2022

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-therapy-journey/202206/mom-and-dad-guilt

A reality for many parents.

02/17/2022

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experimentations/202202/the-impact-social-media-body-image-eating-and-health

Emerging research suggests social media may be more harmful than we realize.

01/20/2022

Great article on the power of examining and changing automatic thoughts. Love this quote from the article: “Emotions tend to be good consultants but lousy executives.”

Mental health doesn’t just happen. Like physical fitness, it takes effort. Three principles spell the difference between just surviving and outright thriving.