Algorithms & Identity: How AI Shapes Adolescents’ Online World

Written By: Osvaldo Muro, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program FOR TODAY’S TEENS, the digital word is not separate from “real life”. Much of their social experience is shaped by artificial intelligence, particularly the algorithms that decide what shows up in their feeds. Whether it’s TikTok recommendations or Instagram’s “Explore” page, AI is constantly […]

Read More

Slaying Inner Demons: What K-Pop Demon Hunters Teaches Us About Mental Health

Written By: Juanita Ibarra, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program UNLESS YOU’VE LIVED UNDER A ROCKthis past year, you’ve probably heard about K-Pop Demon Hunters from your kids, your co-workers, social media, new outlets, and even your neighbor’s dog. It’s not only Netflix’s most watched movie ever and dominating music charts, it’s also a […]

Read More

Understanding Grief and Loss through a Cultural Lens

Written By: Juanita Ibarra, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program HAVE YOU EVER FELTlike you didn’t know what to say to someone who was grieving? Many of us have been there, wanting to help, but unsure how. Grief is one of those universal experiences that connects us all, yet it can feel deeply personal […]

Read More

What is Autism and What Should I Do About It?

Written By: Taylor Anderson, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program AUTISM IS A HOT BUTTON TOPICin today’s world, and it can often times be challenging to understand what Autism actually is. The scariest part of Autism is when we don’t understand it, so let’s take some time to understand what it is and how […]

Read More

Big Feelings in Small Bodies: Helping Elementary and Middle School Students Navigate Emotional Ups and Downs

Written By: Ariella Hartley, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program THE TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD into the tween and teen years can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, for students, parents, and teachers alike. Throughout elementary and middle school, children develop a deeper sense of self, stronger social awareness, and growing sensitivity to how others see […]

Read More

Is it a Disruptive Behavior Disorder or ADHD? Knowing the Difference and How to Support Your Child

Written By: Madison Reyna, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program IT IS COMMON FOR CHILDREN with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to exhibit some disruptive behaviors. However, ADHD symptoms can be misdiagnosed as a disruptive behavior disorder, especially in children of color (Fadus et al., 2020). Disruptive behavior disorders are typically presented as difficulties in […]

Read More

Stop Gaslighting Yourself: Learn to Accept All of Your Emotions

Written By: Margaret Wooll, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program WE ALL HAVE INTENSE EMOTIONSsometimes. Part of growing up is learning to handle the big ones. Somewhere along the way, though, a lot of us get the message that we should be able to just control whether we even have certain emotions. It doesn’t […]

Read More

What’s Really Going On With Your Teen? A Lot More Than You Think

Written By: Edelya Silva, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program THE TEENAGE YEARSare often referred to as the most trying years for a parent and their child. Lots of books and blogs love to capitalize on this “chaos” with catchy titles like Feeding the Mouth that Bites You or Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence. The […]

Read More

Communication Tools for Adults and Teens: IFAB’s and OFNR’s

Written By: Mariana Trejo, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program COMMUNICATIONcan be one of the most challenging aspects to our relationships, but one of the most crucial. During adolescence, most teens seek independence from parents or other adults in their lives, while many adults try to stay connected and provide guidance to them. Similarly, […]

Read More

Parenting Stress in Immigrant Families: Challenges and Strengths

Written By: Anjana Srinivasaprasad, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Adolescent Substance Addiction Treatment Program FOR MANY IMMIGRANT PARENTS, raising children in a new country comes with both pride and pressure. They carry the responsibility of preserving cultural traditions while helping their children adapt to an unfamiliar environment. This balancing act can create unique forms of parenting […]

Read More