In times of political uncertainty, community stress, and ongoing global events, constant news exposure can take a toll on mental health. This blog explores how doomscrolling affects the nervous system, how positive news can support emotional regulation, and practical ways like somatic awareness and grounding to find balance, hope, and support when the world feels overwhelming.

DBT therapy focuses on building skills that help you manage emotions, tolerate distress, and communicate more effectively. This blog breaks down what DBT looks like in therapy, how skills apply to real-life situations, and how learning balance between acceptance and change can strengthen relationships and emotional well-being.

Mindfulness therapy is about learning to pause, notice, and respond with intention rather than reacting automatically. This blog explains how mindfulness works in therapy, how it applies to everyday stress and relationships, and how building awareness can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.

CBT therapy focuses on the powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this blog, you’ll learn what CBT actually looks like in therapy, how skills are practiced in real life, and how changing patterns of thinking can help you respond to stress, relationships, and life challenges with more confidence and control.

Every January, many of us feel pressure to reinvent ourselves through New Year’s resolutions—only to feel discouraged when they don’t last. This blog explores why resolutions often fail and offers a more compassionate, effective alternative: setting realistic, values-based goals through a yearly task list. Learn how to create achievable goals that support mental health, foster connection, and reflect who you truly are, not an idealized version of yourself. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, greater balance, or a fresh approach to the new year, this guide provides practical tools and encouragement to help you move forward with intention.

The holiday season often arrives with more pressure than joy. Messages telling us to be cheerful, grateful, and endlessly family-oriented, even when we're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. In this blog, we explore the idea of thanks living: choosing intentional boundaries, honoring your emotional needs, and engaging with others in ways that feel healthy and authentic. From navigating challenging family dynamics to managing holiday-driven anxiety, this piece offers practical tools for communicating limits, redirecting conversations, and prioritizing your own well-being. Whether you’re deciding how much time to spend with relatives, figuring out how to handle “The Commenter,” or considering the support of therapy during this season, you’ll find guidance here for creating a holiday experience rooted in self-respect, clarity, and calm.

Michelle Shya, LCSW (She/Her), Therapist and Founder of Acorn & Oak Counseling
Specializing in identity development, life transitions, and relationship dynamics, Michelle supports individuals exploring self-understanding, communication, and authentic living. She provides affirming, compassionate care for clients navigating gender identity, personal growth, and mental wellness.

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of the past months? You’re not alone. Explore local food pantries, community support resources, and small ways you can make a meaningful impact. If you need support processing stress, anxiety, or life changes, my therapy services are here to help you navigate this time with guidance and care.

Discover how celebrating Halloween can boost your mental health through play, creativity, and connection. From stress relief and community bonding to exploring fear in healthy ways, this season offers powerful reminders that joy, imagination, and tradition can nurture emotional wellbeing.

Learn the truth about narcissism, relationship health, and communication tools. Explore therapy to gain clarity, set boundaries, and grow.

ADHD Symptoms, Therapy, and Treatment: A Guide to Support - Learn about ADHD symptoms, therapy strategies, and treatment options. Discover how talk therapy, skills, and resources can help you manage ADHD and thrive.

A tiny fledgling outside my daughter’s dance studio reminded me of a powerful truth: growth is awkward, messy, and necessary. Just like baby birds, we don’t soar the moment we “leave the nest.” We stumble, hop, and learn through discomfort. This reflection explores what a baby bird taught me about independence, parenting, and trusting the process of becoming.