Around this time, reminders of the holiday season are all around us. We’re bombarded with Christmas commercials, holiday music, and decorations seem to be everywhere (including the workplace). For many, this is a joyous time, but the holidays can also elicit feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness.

As a therapist who has worked with sexual assault victims, I’d like to shed light on the recent controversy regarding women who are now coming out about allegedly being raped by Bill Cosby.

Ever feel like you’re wasting time (and money) on dating websites? There are many reasons why people feel frustrated with online dating, including the initial process of trying to connect with someone online in the first place. Ever felt stuck trying to land a good match, let alone schedule an actual date? In this blog I’ll cover ways to hopefully increase your odds of connecting with individuals on most online dating sites.

As millennials, many of us have grown accustomed to online dating. In a busy metropolitan city, particularly, online dating seems “the only way” to meet someone these days. While online dating can have success rates, it comes with its own set of challenges familiar to many of us.

I often hear people say they’re nervous to try therapy based on what they’ve heard. Many believe that therapy only involves lying on a couch, being psychoanalyzed or put into a hypnotic state. While this type of therapy still exists, it joins other, current treatment methods that have much more of a collaborative approach.

Many find it difficult to go out in NYC alone. In a major city like ours, it may feel strange or uncomfortable to go out by yourself in public. Having a movie night in with take-out often sounds like a cozier, safer option. Here’s the downside: Buying into your anxiety and choosing to stay in the comforts of home may lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. Venturing out into the city solo may not only boost your spirits—it can also lead to new friendships, connections and possibilities.

Bored during a movie, or a lecture? No problem. Daydreaming in these situations never hurt anyone else’s feelings. But what if you feel prone to boredom during social interactions? Experiencing boredom during conversation may feel fleeting and harmless to some. To others, moments like these can feel scary and paralyzing. Handling lack of interest during conversation may not only feel difficult to tolerate –it also requires us to make careful decisions with people whose opinions we care about.