Stress Is Inevitable—Suffering Is Not: An ACT-Informed Approach to Living Well Under Pressure April 2026 Newsletter We hear it all the time: “Try to reduce your stress.” It’s a common—and well-intentioned—recommendation from doctors, therapists, and care teams. But for many…
“Two Things are True”: Reflections from the Messy, Meaningful Middle of Parenthood March 2026 Newsletter Over the past few weeks, my household has been deep in what many parents know all too well: winter sick season. I am a working…
The Courage to Love Yourself – and Let Others In February 2026 Newsletter February is often wrapped in hearts, flowers, and messages about romantic love. But from a psychologist’s perspective, this month is also a powerful invitation to look at…
More Than Resolutions: Caring for the Whole You in 2026 January 2026 Newsletter As we step into a new year, many messages encourage us to do more, be better, and set bigger goals. Holistic psychotherapy offers a gentler—and often more…
When the Days Get Shorter: 5 Simple Ways Working Moms Can Beat the Winter Blues As we turn the clocks back and the evenings arrive earlier, many working moms notice a shift — less sunlight, lower energy, and a quiet…
When the Holidays End but Our Bodies Are Still in “Go Mode” December 2025 Newsletter Dear Community, As a psychologist, I often see clients who feel surprisingly activated once the holiday rush is over. The decorations come down, the…
Holding Space for National Suicide Loss Survivors Day November 22, 2025 November 2025 Newsletter Dear Community, Each November, we observe National Suicide Loss Survivors Day — a day dedicated to those who have lost someone to suicide. It’s a…
Step by Step: Walking for Awareness, Recovery, and Hope October 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Every October, as the leaves begin to change, I’m reminded that transformation often starts with something as simple as a single step. For many in our…
Stepping Aside How to Get Out of Your Own Way September 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, We’ve all been there—wanting to move forward, but feeling like our biggest obstacle isn’t the world around us… it’s ourselves. Whether it’s overthinking, procrastination,…
Easing the Back-to-School Transition Mental Health Tips for Young Minds August 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, In this month’s newsletter, we are going to turn our attention and focus on supporting young minds as they prepare to head back to…
Press Pause: The 3-Minute Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed Life moves fast. Between deadlines, responsibilities, and the constant stream of information, it’s easy to get swept up in stress before we even notice it’s happening. But what if I…
Riding the Wave: How to Stay Cool During Emotional Heat Waves July 2025 Newsletter Dear Reader, Ah, summer—long days, late sunsets, and… rising tempers? Whether it’s the heat, the social obligations, or just too many people in your personal space,…
Holding Space for Grief and Loss The Mindful and Compassionate Way June 2025 Newsletter Dear Consumers of Mental Wellness, Having just experienced the profound loss of someone that I loved and have known my entire life, I thought I would…
May I Have Your Sanity, Please? Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters More Than Ever (and Why It’s Okay to Laugh While We Heal) May 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Welcome to May—nature is blooming, the sun is showing off, and…
Don’t Stress It! – Your Monthly Dose of Sanity – by Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ April 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Understanding the Reality of Stress Have you ever been given the recommendation from a…
Fostering Flexible Perfectionism through Making Mistakes on Purpose – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ March 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Acknowledge the Inner Perfectionist I know that I am not alone here…
Fostering Connection Through Validation in Interpersonal Relationships – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ February 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Why Problem-Solving Isn’t Always the Best Response Question for you: What is your…
New Year’s Resolution: Prioritize Your Mental Health – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ January 2025 Newsletter Dear Readers, Happy New Year! As we all transition from the rush of the…
Finding Light in Winter: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ December 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, Why Do I Feel Like This is More Than Just…
Honoring Memories and Finding Comfort: Navigating Grief During the Holidays – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ November 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, Reflecting on Recent Mental Health Awareness Initiatives Last month there…
Shining a Light on Mental Health: Together, We Can Make a Change – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ October 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, As some of you may know, on…
Walking Together Towards Hope: Suicide Prevention and How You Can Help – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ September 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, Before we being… I’m excited to share some…
Community Involvement in Overcoming Addiction and Addiction Recovery – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ August 2024 Newsletter Greetings community! Save and Reflect on Mental Snapshots of Your Summer This summer…
Understanding PTSD: Signs, Symptoms, and Support Strategies – by The Montclair Therapist, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ June 2024 Newsletter Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Hello Readers, and welcome to the month of June! This…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Here are 4 Easy Activities You Can Do To Support Your Mental Health – by Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D. – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ May 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, May is…
“I see you and I hear you.” The benefits of offering validation to young adults who are struggling – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Licensed Psychologist in Montclair NJ April 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, At age 18, our teenage children are…
Speaking Points in Therapy: Do I Need an Agenda? – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ March 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, If you are new to the therapeutic process, or even if you are a seasoned veteran,…
Moral Code in Intimate Relationships: What do we value, and how do we live by it? An example of Loyalty and Love – by Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ February 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, The…
Understanding and Overcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D. – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ January 2024 Newsletter Dear Readers, Happy New Year! I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy new year in…
Holiday Harmony: 6 Activities for Overcoming Holiday Struggles and Having a Peaceful One Instead December 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, ‘Tis The Season! As we are in full swing into the Holiday season, it is important for us to remember…
National Family Caregivers Month – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ November 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, Welcome to November! This month’s mental health awareness initiative is dedicated to “National Family Caregivers Month.” This month allows us…
Upcoming Events in Essex County NJ – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair NJ October 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, I’m Back! After four months on maternity leave where I welcomed a very happy and healthy, beautiful baby girl, Ava Isabella, I…
Notice of Maternity Leave – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ Dear Valued Patients, This letter is to inform you that I, Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D., will be taking maternity leave from approximately Saturday June…
Help Raise Awareness for PTSD – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Montclair NJ Licensed Psychologist June 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, My aim of this month’s newsletter is to highlight two important facts: 1) that June is dedicated to National…
4 Ways to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Psy.D in Montclair, NJ May 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Happy May! As some of you may know, May is a…
6 Resources to Help Overcome Alcohol Abuse – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Psy.D in Montclair, NJ April 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, April is a time to honor Alcohol Awareness Month Alcohol Awareness Month started in April of 1987 as…
6 Tips to Improve Your Sleep Quality – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Psychologist in Montclair NJ March 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, Happy March! In this month’s newsletter, I would like to discuss the “sleep-stress connection” and some recommended behaviors…
6 Activities to Help You Love Yourself More Everyday – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna – Psy.D in Montclair February 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, Happy February! Many of us know this month to sensationalize Valentine’s Day, the day to celebrate the…
How to Set a SMART New Year’s Resolution for 2023 – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D in Montclair, NJ January 2023 Newsletter Dear Readers, 3… 2… 1… Happy New Year! As the holiday season is winding down, and we are…
‘Tis The Season – 25 Days of Gratitude Calendar for December 2022 by Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D December 2022 Newsletter Dear Readers, Spread the Holiday Cheer with Gratitude! We are now deep in the throes of the 2022 Holiday…
The Holiday Season Is Upon Us – Here’s 8 Tips on How to Avoid Holiday Burnout November 2022 Newsletter Dear Readers, Season’s Greetings! Happy November! With the holidays rapidly approaching, I thought I would share some helpful bits of…
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D. October 2022 Newsletter Dear Readers, It is so nice to connect with you again! Thank you to those who have offered encouragement and support in…
Meet The Montclair Therapist – Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D. –Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ September 2022 Newsletter Dear Readers, Hello, and welcome to the first of many monthly newsletters! My hope in this endeavor is to encourage a…
How Do I Know If Therapy Is The Right Fit For Me? – by The Montclair Therapist Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ Is Therapy Right For Me? Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t have to…
3 Grounding Exercises for Anxiety Relief – by The Montclair Therapist Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D – Licensed Psychologist in Montclair, NJ Managing Anxiety with Self-Compassion As quoted by Dr. Russell Kolts during his TED talk on “Anxiety, Compassion, and What…
