The Forest from the Trees: Gaining Perspective Through Psychology

Grades and test scores matter, but many of the challenges students face in college have little to do with coursework. Clinical psychologist Dr. Franny Thompson shares five non-academic skills high school students can start building right now, from managing their own schedule to getting comfortable with discomfort, so they can enter college with the confidence and resilience to actually thrive.

Selective Mutism is more than shyness. It is an anxiety disorder that affects a child's ability to speak in specific situations, often most visibly at school, and it can significantly impact their ability to participate in academic and social life. In this post, the clinicians at Juniper Psychology Group explain what selective mutism looks like, how it develops, and why early intervention makes a meaningful difference for children and families.

You can explain exactly why you're burned out. You've done the work. And you still can't fully rest. In this post, Ketki Deshmukh, LMFT explains why insight alone isn't always enough — and how somatic therapy works with your nervous system, not just your thoughts, to address what talk therapy sometimes misses. Written for high-achievers, tech professionals, and anyone whose body hasn't caught up to what their mind already knows.

If your child is applying to a Bay Area private school that requires an IQ test, this guide covers everything you need to know before you book. From choosing between the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V, to what Harker, Nueva, and Helios actually look for in a cognitive score, to how to prepare your child and get the most out of the assessment process. Written by the licensed psychologists at Juniper Psychology Group in Campbell, CA.

If you are parenting a neurodivergent teenager, you already know the advice to take care of yourself. What is harder to find is an honest explanation of why this kind of parenting is so depleting in the first place. In this post, licensed psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Gooding breaks down the three types of support neurodivergent teens still need from parents during adolescence, why those demands are often amplified and extended, and why protecting your own nervous system is not

Identity can be shaped by life's trials, social pressures, and the roles we play — sometimes leaving us disconnected from our authentic selves. Identity therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore who you are, embrace your strengths, and build a deeper, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Tension, headaches, poor sleep, and that constant uneasy feeling in your body are not random. This post breaks down how stress shows up physically and what your body may be trying to tell you.

Motherhood can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Learn how supportive, targeted therapy helps moms struggling with anxiety or depression feel heard, reduce overwhelm, and reconnect with themselves.

A comprehensive neuroaffirming psychological assessment helps families understand how a child thinks, learns, communicates, and regulates emotions. Learn how these evaluations identify strengths, clarify concerns such as autism or ADHD, and provide practical recommendations for support at home and school.