Erika Gilmore

In 2023, 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, reflecting the growing emotional and social challenges facing youth today (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). At the same time, many children and teens are experiencing increased loneliness, social anxiety, and difficulty forming meaningful peer relationships. Children today are growing up in a world where technology, academic pressure, busy schedules, and post-pandemic social...

If you’ve ever asked your child, “What did you do at school today?” and received the answer, “I don’t know,” you’re not alone. This response can feel frustrating or confusing, but it’s not a sign that your child is being difficult or secretive. Instead, it reveals how children’s brains process information differently from adults. Understanding this can help you support your child in sharing more about their day and strengthen your connection. Why Kids Often Say “I Don’t Know” After School...

"Boredom eating" is a conversation that comes up often in therapeutic spaces, especially during seasons when weather keeps us indoors, routines shift, and emotional regulation feels harder to access. When clients notice themselves reaching for food outside of physical hunger, it’s easy for shame, frustration, or self-criticism to follow. But boredom eating is not a personal failure. It is often the body’s attempt to cope. Our society’s relationship with food is complex and deeply influenced...