Learning Center

In recent years there have been many changes to the classifications of anxiety disorders. However, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia continues to coincide within the same indicative category. Although the two share many features, they are two distinct issues in themselves. People with GAD can experience physical symptoms, […]

One of the best ways to improve your health as well as manage your stress is through positive thinking. It may seem a little far-fetched as a concept, but mind over matter can work, especially when you are trying to overcome negative self-talk. Many studies show that there is a direct relationship between areas of […]

You already know that physical exercise is great for your body. Did you know that staying active and keeping fit is also beneficial to your mental health? It can improve the symptoms that come along with anxiety, depression, and even ADHD. Not only that, but exercise can improve your sleep patterns, relieves stress, boosts memory, […]

If sitting is akin to smoking, then what does that mean for our social media behaviors? Not only do we sit while we browse, but we find it difficult to disconnect ourselves while we tackle other tasks. Just think about how often you pick up your phone absentmindedly and open a social media app. You […]

The holidays are a time when families reunite, spend a significant amount of time together and often discuss the ways of the world. Over the holidays, there are most likely going to be subjects of conversation that are sensitive, like religion, and of course, politics. So, how do you approach issues like these that make […]

For many Americans, spending the holidays with family brings happiness and excitement, but for some, holidays are anything but happy and can cause many triggers for a range of emotional and psychological issues. From gift-giving to travel, the holiday season can trigger a broad range of feelings and habits which can create serious conflict. If […]

Did you know that experts have linked social media with anxiety, envy, depression, a decrease in social skills, and loneliness? It’s true. Perhaps the larger question is why? It doesn’t take long to put together a picture of why is true. For the most part, when people share information on social media it’s to celebrate. […]

If the old adage is true and you are what you eat… what would you be? Parents try to keep their kids from eating too much sugar, lest they bounce off the balls and break a window. While studies haven’t found a link between those two things, we do know that your diet can positively […]

When you are in a new relationship, you want to spend every waking minute with the person you are falling in love with. However one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not making it routine to spend time by yourself. In relationships there is always going to be the need to spend time […]

Do you get enough sleep? If not, what is it that keeps you awake? Did you know that sleep deprivation can affect your mental health and it can also affect your relationships? Sleep helps you by processing the day’s memories and emotions, allowing you to wake up with a fresh mind and a fresh new […]

If you think back to when you were a teenager, its likely you can recall going through tough times. Life isn’t easy for any teenager; there is much to learn about who they are and what they must achieve to become an adult. With the stresses of education holding a bar over their prospects, learn […]

Any couple that has survived the engagement period knows that once they get past your wedding day, you can let your hair down a little and relax finally. Once the wedding is over, you can return to routine, your stress levels lower, and if you’re lucky you might even have a fantastic honeymoon vacation to […]

If you are headed into a marriage and are slightly uncertain about how things are going to be when you are married, there are a few things you can do to prepare to ensure your marriage is a happy one. If you have not been married before, there are usually a lot of questions raised […]

If you have been considering the option of marriage counseling, you may also be wondering if it will be worth it. Almost everyone knows someone who has been through some form of counseling and often marriage counseling often is associated with a lack of success. The stories of failed counseling will make you question whether […]

Every couple on earth goes through a rough stage where you can’t seem to agree on anything, have difficulty getting along, or feel disconnected from each other to a point where you simply don’t know what to do. When a couple gets to this point there really aren’t many options. You either work it out […]

OCD: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is can be confusing to those who do not suffer from it. Dr. Forshee discusses exactly what obsessions and compulsions are, and briefly gives tips on how to talk to someone you love about it.

One thing that comes up when a relationship isn’t working out how you planned is the option of marriage counseling. When it comes to keeping your marriage together and you’ve tried everything else, or there is communication breakdown that you can’t get past, marriage counseling is usually a last step for struggling couples. Getting through […]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapy technique used short-term to teach people to change their undesirable behaviors by changing the way they think. The principle of cognitive behavioral therapy is that cognition (how we think) and how we interpret life events influence how we act and feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches coping strategies to […]

Relationships are never 100% easy and no matter who you are, there will always be a time for compromise within a relationship. Whether it is for something simple like household chores to how important decisions to do with children or finances are made, compromise is essential in maintaining a happy healthy relationship. Happily ever after […]

Behavioral issues can begin at a young age and carry on through a person’s entire life if not dealt with accordingly. Reinforcement is what we use to help increase the probability that a behavior will occur with the use of a stimulus or item as soon as the required response or behavior is shown. If […]

Dialectical behavior therapy also known as DBT, is a type of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy established in the late 80s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, as a form of treatment for borderline personality disorder and other mental health disorders like self-harming or suicidal behavior, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and depression. Dialectical behavior therapy treatment […]

Elle Woods insists that enorphins make you happy – is this true? Dr. Forshee weighs in with Elite Daily Not every clever turn of phrase in a film is going to be factual, but according to doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Danielle Forshee, the endorphins you release during exercise really can […]

Online dating can be fun, but it can be stressful as well. It’s good to keep in mind that not all stress is bad stress, because learning how to cope with it in healthy ways is the best way to deal. Never has anyone who tried to ignore stress became less stressed, so dealing in […]

Texting is something that most of us put a whole lot of energy into- some of us put a whole lot more into texting than others. The world has changed, and in the last ten years technology has become so advanced that we no longer want to pick up the phone to call someone or […]

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? It likely stems from your life experiences and how they translate into how you view yourself, others, and the word. Additionally, there are a variety of other factors that can undermine your self-esteem – illness, major life events like divorce or job loss, and bad relationships are just a […]

You know, there are plenty of health benefits for people in happy relationships and when we discuss that we often forget that single people can be happy, too. Yes, many people choose to be single and their ability to be happy on their own makes them a more productive member of society, and well, happier, […]

1. Prepare and Take care of Yourself: Parents of youngsters who have been directly or indirectly exposed to a school shooting feel a great amount of distress for the safety of their children. Studies have found that men tend to be particularly worried about their spouses, feel a sense of responsibility for their loved ones […]

Whether you just have difficulty getting to sleep at night, burn the candle at both ends or you are suffering from insomnia – there is a link between sleep and mental health issues. People who deal with depression often report that they struggle to sleep, and a lack of sleep can also increase your risk […]

Do not underestimate how powerful lifestyle changes can be in your efforts to combat depression. It can be difficult to make such changes when you are living under the cloud of depression, which is why seeking professional help is vital. A physician may refer you for therapy and/or put you on medication that will help […]

While reunification therapy has been around for quite some time, it’s now being court ordered in many states. One of those states is New Jersey and this intervention is vital to reconciling children with their estranged or alienated parent(s). The most common reason reunification therapy is ordered is due to high-conflict break ups between the […]

Anger is an emotion that every human experiences; however anger should not grow to be so out of control that it escalates to violence or ruining relationships. If you are someone who struggles with managing the emotion of anger, you should seek anger management assistance to get things under control before it’s too late.  Many […]

The sad truth about anxiety is that it is equal parts intrusive and confusing. It is difficult to live with and not just for those suffering with it. It can be incredibly difficult to watch a loved one struggle with anxiety. Everyone has something in life that they struggle with and ultimately these are the […]

The holiday season can create some of the best memories in life, especially for children. For families who are spending the holiday season separated for the first time, it can bring a significant amount of stress and fear for both the parents who are transitioning into the role of co-parents, as well as the children. […]

If you’re newly separated or divorced, leading into the holiday season alone for the first time can be daunting, and you may be feeling some emotions you may not have felt in some time. If there are children in your family, and your ex-partner has them in their care, whether by court orders or mutual […]

The key to any healthy relationship is creating emotional boundaries. It is a skill that many of us have yet to do as effectively as we would like. Sure, we pick up pieces here and there after seeing others skillfully manage boundaries, for most people this concept is as new as it is challenging. Here […]

You will be able to cope with and recover from rejection quickly if you know how to deal with it. It will likely happen to every single one of us at some point in our lives. Of course, one of the most common ways we face rejection is in our relationships with others. Forms of […]

In less than 24-hours after what has been identified to be one of the largest-scale shootings in United States history, details and images of the tragedy in Las Vegas have consumed the media. These details, images and sounds have also likely consumed the screens of your children’s electronic devices. The attempt to find a delicate […]

Some people are just better equipped at handling failure than others, but unfortunately, many of us struggle to bounce back after experiencing a personal failure. That means it takes time to work up the courage to tackle something new, which can be a very difficult way of managing life circumstances. Nothing could be truer when […]

When we are frustrated and angry with someone we love, we tend to act in ways and say things that we regret shortly after. It usually helps when I explain that there are very good reasons our brains short circuit when we are angry (making us short circuit), and that there are neurochemical and survival […]

Reunification therapy is a process designed to improve or reestablish the relationship between a parent and child. The focus of reunification therapy is on ascertaining the source of estrangement between the parent and child and thereafter working with the family to build or rebuild a healthy and connected relationship with the parent. Dr. Forshee’s role […]

In the older adult, there are many variables that can contribute to clinical depression, or that may manifest as depression but truly may not be clinical depression. Life transitions; loss of loved ones; loss of independence and loss of careers; medical problems and prescribed medications are all potential complicating factors to consider prior to concluding […]

Depression can leave someone feeling hopeless, lethargic, and unmotivated. It can last for a brief period of time, or what seems to be forever. Grief can leave people feeling similarly, so what is the difference? Around 1 in 10 American adults experience depression and it is one of the most common disabilities in the US. […]

Being assertive in any relationship requires courage. Many people don’t know what true assertiveness looks like, and instead resort to aggression to make their point known. Being assertive may feel uncomfortable or awkward when you aren’t used to it, however, if practiced properly it can positively impact your relationships. Being Assertive Being assertive does not […]

An emerging treatment for marital and couples counseling is the Gottman Method. If you haven’t heard of it, here’s a rundown of who the Gottman’s are, and what the Gottman Method is. Who are the Gottmans? Dr’s. John and Julie Gottman are two world-renowned researchers in the fields of marriage, divorce and couples’ treatment. Dr. […]

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, can become crippling to one’s life. The disorder affects millions of people all around the world, and can affect an individual’s ability to function. The disorder manifests itself as a person experiencing uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (Obsessive) or uncontrollable repetitive actions and/or behaviours (Compulsions) — such as washing one’s hands many, […]

Anxiety affects all of us in different ways, and although it is likely non-threatening, for some people it can significantly interfere in their ability to have the life they know they are capable of. Most of us get anxious before an important exam, test results for a medical problem, or even a joyous moment like […]

People who find themselves in need of marriage counseling are not likely to have come across the term Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). There are many different techniques for marriage counseling, and too much terminology can be off-putting for people who already find themselves in a stressful situation. With that said, it is important to understand the […]

As common as divorce is, the process is rarely easy for everyone involved. Every situation is different and has its own pressure points, and navigating to the best outcome can take some work. Fortunately, many divorces are completed with a minimum of tension — this is often due to the process of co-parenting counseling, which […]

This morning I tested out a new texting crisis line called ‘Crisis Text Line’ from my personal cell phone. I am usually leery about these texting crisis lines; however, after my experience with and research into this Crisis Text Line, I encourage professionals in all arenas to provide this number to potential at-risk individuals as […]

When two parents decide to separate or divorce, the prospect of sitting down with the children and explaining what’s going to happen is always nerve-wracking. Often times, parents transfer their own emotions and anxieties onto the children, making the situation more stressful than it could otherwise be. That’s why it’s important to step back, take […]

The show on Netflix titled ‘13 Reasons Why’ has caused quite a bit of controversy. This controversy is likely partly due to the unknown element associated with what it means for youngsters watching this show. Over the course of the past several weeks, I have been asked what my professional opinion is on this show. […]

When couples go through a separation or divorce, children are often the most challenging part of the process — and for good reason. Although the family dynamic is going through a definitive change, you’re still both parents. You want this change to be as positive and uplifting as possible for your kids. At the same […]

Love can feel like an addiction. Scientifically, there is evidence supporting this experience. In human brain scans, our brains light up in different locations depending on the stage of love we are in (new-love stage; madly-in love 20-years later stage, and the madly –in love but recently dumped stage). Essentially, different parts of our brain […]

Want to know how to use touch to help facilitate attachment and love? In your first session with Dr. Danielle Forshee on her You Tube Channel, you will get tips on how to do this— and learn the science behind it. To see more videos by Dr. Danielle Forshee, please head over to our YouTube […]

Conflict occurs in all relationships. The presence of conflict does not mean your relationship is headed for disaster. In relationships where perpetual conflict occurs; when you are chronically in “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!” mode rather than “WHAT IS THIS?” mode toward your loved one, take heed that your relationship is likely headed into muddy […]

Have you ever thought about how you initiate relationships? Ask yourself- what are you looking to achieve when flirting? A serious relationship or a quick hook up? The verbal and non-verbal cues you communicate while flirting, and whether your flirting signals are appreciated, will likely determine the quality of your relationships. Research published in the […]

Once the secret of an affair is exposed, the aftermath for both partners and the overall relationship is catastrophic. Insults and harsh words are catapulted; tears pour harder than the Niagara Falls; fears, blame and shame become intermingled in the litany of pain. The confusion of hate and love seem to become one and the lack […]

Did your partner cheat on you?  Have you been thinking of cheating? Before making any decisions in either situation, consider what may be going on at the root of the desire to step out. In 2012, a few psychologists were interested in learning the motivations that led those involved in extramarital relationships (men and women) […]

At the peak of being in love, it is euphoric and addictive. We yearn for their touch… the sound of their voice. Time stops when they are not within reach – we feel lovesick. Eventually our “in-love” euphoria diminishes. What happened to us? The average life span of “in-love” euphoria lasts 2 years. This is […]

There are many reasons couples attend marriage counseling. In my experience as a marriage counselor, one of the foundational issues in relationship problems relates to communication. Often these difficulties have its roots in not saying what you mean, not feeling understood by the other or feeling that your partner is not listening. This breakdown of […]

In my practice, I regularly witness how anxiety provoking and unsettling it can be when couples decide to attend marriage counseling. Typically, by the time one partner decides to take the plunge and reach out to a marriage counselor, both parties fear their relationship may be nearly unrepairable. To add to your list of worries, […]

Dear Dads of Daughters: You are the first man in your daughter’s life. The positive impact you will have on her future emotional and social development and success is powerful beyond words. Fathers are not always recognized for the astounding role they play in shaping how their daughters will ultimately feel about herself and interact […]

A few months ago I received a letter from a fifteen-year old girl. The letter began, “My name is Caroline. I’m a sophomore in high school and we are doing career research in our Writing class.” In the letter, Caroline went on to express her interest in learning more about psychotherapy and identified herself as feeling […]

Did you know that if you live in New Jersey your marriage will have a statistically higher chance of lasting a lifetime than if you live in almost any other state? The most recent Census results from 2014 reflect that New Jersey has the 4th lowest divorce rate in the nation, and divorce rates in […]

Trying to decipher the best method of teaching your child ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’ and ‘desirable’ versus ‘undesirable’ behaviors can be frustrating. Some of the verbiage that you hear and read can also be confusing. Let’s look at what the differences are between reinforcements punishments & discipline, and which may have the most positive and long-term […]

There have been decades of research (in the United States and across cultures) supporting the importance of parenting for the development and overall well-being of children and adolescents. Some specific components of parenting (support and control) have been shown to be particularly relevant to adolescent psychological functioning. Parental “support”, or warm and nurturing parenting, promotes […]

Parents are the true Grandmaster Yodas of the Universe. Parents are charged with the most trying and important job of raising future generations of Grandmaster Yodas. I’m sure we can all agree that being a parent (and parenting) is important, but what makes it the most important job in the Universe beside ensuring survival of […]

Divorcing can be one of the most emotionally exhausting and challenging experiences of your adult life- especially if you have children. If not handled with care, the conflict that arises from a divorce can inflict emotional havoc on your children that may reverberate throughout their lifetime. It is not the divorce itself that can cause […]

The good and the bad memories flash through your mind like a slideshow; feelings of loss, anger or guilt poke at your soul like a flaming torch; you yearn for yet despise smells, sounds and touches that remind you of what once provided you comfort. The struggle to keep these feelings, memories and thoughts to […]

It’s difficult not to have expectations of others, especially from the person we are in a relationship with. There are times we are unaware of the expectations we have of our partner. Then there are times where we are fully aware of what we want from our partner and hold tightly onto those expectations. If we […]

You’ve tried everything to get your child to do something that you want them (or need them) to do. In fact, you’ve probably tried almost everything you can think of from enticing them with material objects, to taking away their most prized possessions. So, why have your efforts failed? Operant conditioning could be your missing […]

YOU TELL YOURSELF THAT YOUR CHILD…… Didn’t hear the arguing Didn’t notice you slept on the couch Doesn’t notice the lack of affection Didn’t hear you cry Didn’t notice how long you left the house Doesn’t feel the tension Is too young to know what’s happening   YOU TELL YOURSELF THAT YOU….. Argued outside of […]

In my practice I have had the pleasure of treating some incredible teenagers who have suffered from Social Anxiety Disorder. Unfortunately, by the time these youngsters and their families get to my office, they are at risk of failing school due to chronic truancy, are reported to have behavioral problems, and the adults in their […]

Author: Danielle Forshee, Psy.D ,LCSW So, you’ve decided you’re getting a divorce. Now for the hardest decision of all- informing your children. Many parents avoid telling their children that they are getting a divorce, and find themselves debating over what and how to tell them.Avoiding this topic with your children altogether is a short-term way of managing […]

Author: Danielle Forshee, Psy.D, LCSW Divorce alone does not have a negative impact on children. The conflict and hostility that arises between parents is what causes the long-term negative psychological effects. The goal in co-parenting counseling is to achieve better communication and learn how to problem-solve for your child’s best interests, even though you and your […]

Author: Danielle Forshee Psy.D, LCSW Recently, I have had a few friends ask me if I think they have adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Usually, I start out by asking them to consider what may be going on in their lives that could be causing them difficulty with concentrating or focusing. For many adults, stressors of […]

Author: Danielle Forshee, Psy.D, LCSW If you have caught your partner snooping through your belongings and electronics, or suspect that your partner may be, there are a few things you should know about the psychology of snooping. These insights may save your relationship- and your sanity. Those who sneakily sift through their partner’s belongings are […]

Author: Danielle Forshee, Psy.D, LCSW Do people tell you that you ‘nag,’ or have an ‘attitude’? Do you find yourself repeating the same thing to your spouse, children, or other family members- and they don’t seem to listen? Or, have you been told that you don’t listen? If this describes you, or someone you love, […]

Last month, The Center for Disease Control released one of the most comprehensive national studies on sexual-minority youth. In a national survey of 15,600 students in the 9th-12th grade, it was found that teens who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual ( 8% of the high school population, or 1.3 million students) suffer from substantially […]

Early on in romantic relationships, we are high on the excitement of new love. As time passes, people have the tendency to feel vulnerable, and then withdrawal from the loving behavior you became accustomed to. If you find your relationship going in this direction, there are behavioral and communication strategies that can help you. Individual […]

Author: Danielle Forshee, Psy.D, LCSW It’s about that time- back to school for your kids! It’s also that time when you ask your child regularly, “How was your day”, and they respond with one-worded answers such as, “Fine”, or “Okay”. If this pattern continues on for the entire school year, both you and your child […]

YOU are your child’s best advocate, and I am here to provide empowerment and knowledge for you, as parents. Please proceed with caution before considering antidepressant drugs for your child. Your children’s brains are still developing, and there is only a limited amount of research on the use of antidepressants in youth. Talk therapy (Cognitive […]