Author: Cindy Anderson

Dr. Anderson is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist. She also owns Hope Springs Behavioral Consultants. Dr. Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and completed APA Accredited internship and postdoctoral training in Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology. She also holds a Masters of Science in Education Degree. She prides herself as a life-long student and tries to learn something new every day.

Evaluations for Surgery Readiness (Gender Affirming Treatment Evaluations)

We believe that it is vital that trans and non-binary individuals have access to gender affirming medical care, including hormones and surgical options. Currently, in order to access surgery, letters of support from licensed mental health professionals, like Licensed Psychologists, are required by many endocrinologists, surgeons and insurance companies. For many people who are gender-fluid, […]

 15,411 total views,  59 views today

Parent Burnout

Parent Burnout Is Real, Yet Treatable

Parent Burnout Is Real, Yet Treatable Parent burnout is real. It often starts small, and can lead to impairment in a parent’s ability to complete their responsibilities towards their children. It can make it difficult to balance work, social, and family aspects of your life. Unfortunately, if a parent feels distress, the children will too. […]

 17,607 total views,  60 views today

Self-care

Self-Care Suggestions for Challenging Times

These days, there is a lot going on in the world. We are coping with scary diseases, job changes, job locations, and health changes. Many of us have lost loved ones since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Given all of these things, varying degrees of stress, anxiety, depression, and fear are common. Life can feel pretty […]

 88,378 total views,  60 views today

Learning Delays After the COVID Pandemic: How We Can Help

(Hint: It’s Not All Academics) Learning delays and learning disabilities are common among many students.  In fact, prior to the pandemic, some research estimated that about 10% of children are diagnosed with a learning disability (University College of London, 2013).  Other research has found that 20-30% of students have learning disabilities, such as Dyslexia (Yale Center for […]

 72,754 total views

Concept Maps: A Tool to Help Learning

Concept maps turn verbal information (from speech or writing) into visual information.   Many of us could benefit from using concept maps. They can help a person study for a test, plan a report or paper, or even organize information that we have read. They often improve comprehension, organization, and memory. Concept maps are particularly helpful […]

 27,195 total views

fine motor

Fine Motor Weakness in Children: Skills and Tools That Can Help Handwriting

Fine motor weakness is common among school-age children and can certainly make learning more difficult.    Fine motor skills are the skills needed to coordinate small muscle movements with our hands and wrists.  They also coordinate actions with our brain messages.  When fine motor skills are delayed, children often struggle with strength, speed, and coordination.  Fine motor delays are […]

 25,945 total views

Holding lights in winter

Self-Care During the Winter Months

Changes in season can be really hard, particularly following many (too many) months of a global pandemic. For some, transitioning into winter can bring happy and enjoyable feelings. However, for others, this transition can also prompt feelings of overwhelm or dread, as we move towards colder weather, holiday planning, and staying inside more. Every year, […]

 44,322 total views

How to Be Yourself When the World Seems So Messed Up

By Dahlia Garofalo, B.A. and Cindy Nichols Anderson, Ph.D. ABPP Be yourself? That seems like such a tall order. Yet, identity helps us feel grounded and capable. It increases our agency, purpose, and confidence. It also helps us connect with society, loved ones, and people working towards common goals.  After COVID-19 (and many of its […]

 11,689 total views

Girl getting a shot

Vaccines for Children Are Not Linked to Mental Health Conditions

There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines, particularly as it relates to mental health conditions. Some communities report that vaccines have links to Autism, Schizophrenia, and other neurological concerns.  However, it is important to know the facts.   Here are some basic facts about vaccines and mental illness. Vaccines do not cause mental illness. The government […]

 5,238 total views,  1 views today

Uncertainty in the Midst of Corona Virus

Corona virus concerns seem to be everywhere: the television, the internet, the news, and our homes. Our children are out of school, and our college students are likely home early. And it seems like there are no clear answers or ways to help. These concerns represent a lot of uncertainty, and as a result, cause us a lot of stress.

 2,252 total views,  1 views today

Joyful Snow-showers

Snowflakes, soft and fluffy, were floating down, atop the 8 inches of snow on the ground. I watched my dog delightedly running circles in the yard as if to say, “Yey! Fresh snow! Look at me!” I called my 12 year-old son to the window. “I wonder why all dogs, big or small, short coats […]

 8,586 total views