Alisa Hafkin, LCSW

08/17/2026

As children grow older and enter adulthood, the dynamic between parents and their kids changes in many ways. The once clear role of parent as protector and guide starts shifting into something more like a relationship between equals. Building a strong bond during this transition takes intention, like staying curious about who your child is becoming, respecting their independence, and finding new ways to connect.

Establishing and nurturing a loving relationship with adult children can be immensely rewarding. Still, it requires effort, respect, and something equally important from a parent: acceptance of the child’s autonomy. “The dynamics between a parent and a younger child and a parent and an adult chi...

08/11/2026

At some point in our lives, most of us have thought things would feel better once we achieved a specific goal. Maybe you told yourself you'd be happy once you landed the ideal job, met the perfect partner, or bought a new home, yet you still feel unfulfilled despite checking those boxes. If your life is perfect but you still feel unhappy, therapy can help you uncover what's causing that discontent when everything is otherwise going well.

07/28/2026

From an outside perspective, people-pleasing can look like reliability or generosity in those who are always willing to go above and beyond. However, for the people pleaser, this behavior can result in emotional exhaustion and a diminished sense of self. If you often put everyone else’s needs above your own, therapy can be a useful tool in helping you understand where the pattern comes from and how to set healthy boundaries without guilt.

07/21/2026

Male infertility is a real and difficult challenge that's not talked about often enough. Many men and couples face infertility, and it can result in feelings of shame, inadequacy, or isolation. These emotions are valid but do not reflect your self-worth or strength as a person. Talking with a therapist can offer a safe space to process these feelings and find support as you navigate this journey.

20-30% of all infertility in couples can be attributed to male infertility, and men contribute to infertility in about half of all cases.

07/13/2026

Signs of stress don’t often appear suddenly and profoundly. They show in subtle ways, like acting more impulsively, being more blunt, or conceding more often. If you begin to notice these signs in yourself, talking with a therapist is a great way to understand what’s driving them and find healthier ways to cope.

You may think stress announces itself with overwhelming exhaustion, but often the first sign is a subtle change in how you act.

07/07/2026

Caring for a loved one is an act of service that can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from your own needs, even though you are performing this service out of love and care. Pushing through your responsibilities while taking little to no time for yourself will lead to burnout, making it difficult to show up fully for your loved one and, just as important, for yourself. It’s vital for your health and wellness that you find ways to relax, decompress, and recharge, and working with a therapist can help you find ways to make that a reality.

Caregiving can be exhausting - physically and emotionally. Learn how to manage caregiver burnout, reduce stress, and increase your energy with simple, restorative habits....

06/22/2026

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can feel simultaneously like a relief and an emotional blow. It’s helpful in understanding why you’ve struggled with things throughout life, but it can also feel like an uphill battle. The good news is that the diagnosis is the key piece toward developing good habits that make your ADHD a small part of who you are, and you can learn to thrive with the condition at any age.

For adults, undiagnosed ADHD symptoms can lead to chronic stress and low self-esteem.

06/17/2026

You’ve probably heard of FOMO, or the “fear of missing out,” but this isn’t just a catchy phrase to explain away pangs of disappointment. Feeling like the world is moving on and you're being left behind is a real and uncomfortable sensation for many people. It’s vital to work through those emotions so that you can create a plan to move forward and achieve goals that are realistic for you.

06/08/2026

Did you know that gardening can boost your mental health? By nourishing plants and working with your hands, you can improve self-esteem, gain a sense of accomplishment, and enjoy an overall feeling of wellness.
Even if you don’t have an outdoor area to garden, potting and tending to indoor plants can be just as beneficial and can make your space feel more peaceful.

It's a new year, so it’s that time that many of us wonder what we can do to improve ourselves. Whether you're looking to increase physical exercise, improve general health, or make positive mental health changes, gardening is a great way to achieve all of these things!

06/03/2026

Being the partner of someone struggling with alcoholism can take a significant toll on your mental and physical health. If you have children, the toll becomes even more evident and painful as the family system suffers. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and, with the help of a therapist, develop strategies to heal from the impact of the situation in a safe and healthy way.

If you are married to an alcoholic, try to work things out together. It is possible, with careful, respectful, and supportive effort.