Blog
My name is Averi Kaplowitch, and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work with a lifelong passion for helping others. I was born and raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Since I was a young girl, I found joy in supporting those around me—being the friend who listened, comforted, and stood by others in their times of need.
I'm Isabella Gabaldon, LMSW, a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with Upsider Therapy. I was born and lived in Caracas, Venezuela, before life brought me to Greenwich, Connecticut. Growing up bilingual and bicultural gave me a deep appreciation for the richness of human experiences and the power of connection.
As the days grow shorter, and it starts to get colder and darker, it is common to experience a shift in mood. With daylight savings, the early sunsets can make us feel a bit more tired, isolated and even sad. If you are starting to feel the “winter blues”, just know that you are not alone.
Waiting can be one of the most challenging experiences, especially when the outcome is significant. Waiting for medical test results, an exam score, or any life-altering information can feel like time is moving so slowly. Being in a state of uncertainty can feel overwhelming which can often lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Human beings are constantly striving to improve their conditions - either financially, emotionally, physically, or mentally. As part of this growth, we reach milestones and overcome new hurdles that can make life feel very stressful at times. Whether these stressors are unanticipated or planned, it is crucial to have healthy tools to overcome these difficult moments.
Unfortunately, heartbreak happens. At one point in our lives, we will all be faced with the experience of the demise of a relationship. Whether the relationship was long or short-term, the emotions that come with its ending can feel equally painful.
Summer is a time many people look forward to, as it can be a time to relax and have fun and socialize with friends. However, for many, summer can also feel like an isolating time filled with periods of loneliness. Whether it’s because of social media, transitioning to a new school or job, or just navigating the everyday high and lows of life, feelings of isolation can feel intense, but it’s important to know that you are not alone.
The sun is finally out and with it comes the strong pull to enjoy NYC’s parks, restaurants and rooftops. In contrast to the darker, colder months, when the temperature rises and sun sets later, the city comes to life with more experiences available at your fingertips. Despite feeling like you have more energy to take on such activities, it is common to feel anxiety and pressure to fill our time and make the most of the sunshine. Such worries can lead to feelings of “FOMO” or “fear of missing out.”
Returning back into your routine after a holiday weekend or a vacation can often feel overwhelming. The transition from your relaxing, fun time away from your normal routine back to your everyday responsibilities can be challenging.
Setting boundaries when you are a “people pleaser” can often feel overwhelming and challenging, but important for maintaining healthy relationships, as well as for your overall well-being. Individuals often struggle with setting boundaries because of a fear of pushing people away, or they fear it will make them seem like a “mean” or bad person”. However, learning to honor your limitations and effectively communicate with others will help you create healthier relationships, including the one with yourself.
As we start to look forward towards the sunshine-filled days of summer, the springtime months can often leave us feeling like the days are long and never ending. While the sun is starting to set a bit later, we are coming to the point of the year where it is common to get stuck in routines, which can often bring feelings that may be difficult to describe.
Each New Year starts with new promises, hope and a feeling of starting over. People often feel the New Year is a chance to create new habits and have a fresh start. While the New Year can serve as a great time to reset, it can also lead to placing unnecessary pressure on meeting certain goals. Some common goals after the New Year may include eating healthier, exercising more and saving money.
Social skills are an important set of tools that will help your child learn how to make friends, interact with the world around them and navigate social environments. These skills are crucial throughout your child’s life in order build, grow and maintain meaningful relationships.
I'm Mikayla Greeley, a passionate Licensed Social Worker at Upsider Therapy. My journey began in the vibrant streets of Boston, Massachusetts, and led me to Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City. My diverse background, both professionally and personally, has deepened my empathy and understanding for those who step into my office seeking support.
During a time when life feels hard, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to resume your normal daily activities. If you are someone that is struggling with finding ways to cope, here are some tips to get you through these challenging times.
While social media can be a positive resource used for information, connecting with others, or seeking inspiration, it can also sometimes feel overwhelming and draining.
As summer comes to an end it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on the past few months and think about how you feel. Are you satisfied with how you spent your summer? Are there things you wish you did that you haven’t done yet? Are there people you wish you spent time with or certain things you wish you prioritized more?
The idea of going back to school can leave children with many different emotions. Children may be feeling excited, nervous, and also a little worried of the unknowns for the upcoming school year. They may also be sad that summer is coming to a close and having to get back into the routine of waking up early, studying and doing homework again.
Many single individuals express a desire to meet someone but may find it challenging to enjoy the dating process. For some, the idea of dating can sound intimidating, and the fear of rejection can feel scary. However, dating can be a great way to meet new people and is also a way to practice putting yourself out there.
Do you ever take time and think about your relationships and ways in which they can improve? Whether relationships are platonic or romantic, they aren’t always easy to navigate as things in your life continue to change. Relationships are a huge part of your life; it is a way of connection to both you and others. It’s important to have people to celebrate wins and be there for a hug and, to also support you when times are tough.
Is it possible that you are single during a time that you did not think you would be? Being in this stage can feel challenging; thinking that you would be somewhere on your journey but are finding that is not the case. Being single is not only important for self-growth and self-discovery, but it can also be a fulfilling and enlightening phase of life.
Many people find that making friends as an adult can be very challenging. Whether you moved to a new city, have shifted your values, or are seeking to broaden your friendships, the idea of making new friends can feel scary, awkward, and overwhelming. If you are someone that relates to this feeling, or have struggled with this situation, you are not alone.
As the weather starts to get nicer, it is likely that you are starting to feel excited for the summer months to begin. Whether you are in school finishing up the semester or working and just looking forward to having some time off this summer, these next few weeks can feel draining and long.
Are you someone that dreads their birthday because it causes anxiety? Do you often find yourself feeling sad around your birthday? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are definitely not alone! Experiencing the birthday blues is very real and totally valid. Birthdays can bring up a lot of complicated emotions for people, no matter what your age may be.
Your day to day schedule can be filled with activities and tasks, and running from place to place, which can often feel stressful and overwhelming. You may feel as if you are constantly on the move and may feel you do not have enough time for yourself. This can lead to feeling burnt out, exhausted and even feelings of unhappiness.
Being in a relationship can feel good and exciting when both you and your partner enjoy a lot of the same activities and love to spend time doing the things you each love, together. While it is important to spend quality time together, it’s equally as important to find separate time for yourself. Prioritizing doing the things that bring you joy, rather than having to compromise for your partner, will allow you be the best version of yourself and show up for your partner and your relationship in the most effective way.
Do you feel generally unhappy and want to feel a sense of happiness? Do you know what it is that is causing you to feel this way? It can be helpful to ask yourself a chain of challenging questions such as “Am I happy at work?”, “Are my relationships causing me to feel unhappy?” and “Am I taking enough time to reflect on what is going on in my life?”
As Miley Cyrus says in her latest song, “I can buy myself flowers”. Let me start by saying, if you are single on Valentine’s day, you are certainly not alone. Whether you are single by choice (yes, that is absolutely OKAY), just got out of a relationship, are in the dating game, or are in a complicated “situationship” you can absolutely still enjoy Valentine’s Day.
Do you ever feel like you think of a past or future event over and over? Do you feel like your thoughts continue to circulate in your mind, making it hard for you to quiet your thoughts? There is actually a name for this, and it is called rumination.
As soon as January 1st arrives, I always find myself feeling motivated, excited, and optimistic to set my goals for the new year. Every year, I find myself experiencing this same burst of motivation just before the start of the new year. This optimistic mindset of mine comes along with similar thoughts, “Okay Lexi, you’ve got this, this is going to be the year you actually conquer your goals”.