Insights & Support

In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, many people are searching for tools that go beyond traditional talk therapy. People are searching for approaches that help them not just think differently, but feel differently. One of the most effective and accessible tools is Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

Tapping is a simple, evidence-based practice that combines modern psychology with ancient principles of Chinese medicine. By gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on a thought, feeling, or memory, EFT helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and release emotional blocks that may be contributing to anxiety, trauma, or depression.

What Is EFT and How Does It Work?

EFT is based on th

Anxiety is a normal human experience. It’s a built-in alarm system that helps us stay alert and respond to life’s challenges. When danger is near or pressure is high, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help us act quickly. This response can be helpful when you need to meet a deadline, make an important decision, or navigate a difficult situation.

But sometimes that inner alarm keeps ringing even when there’s no real threat. When worry becomes constant, or the body stays tense long after the stressful event has passed, anxiety can begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Understanding the Many Faces of Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it shows u

At Eastside Counseling Center, we believe mental health deserves the same level of comprehensive care as physical health. Just as a physician considers the whole body—looking at the interplay of systems, lifestyle, and environment—mental health care is most effective when it takes an integrative approach. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, an integrative model recognizes that our emotional, cognitive, relational, and even physical well-being are deeply interconnected.

An integrative model draws from multiple evidence-based traditions—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, systemic, humanistic, somatic, and mindfulness-based practices—to create individualized care plans. This approach allows us to honor the uniquenes

Watching our kids struggle with anxiety can be tough. As parents and caregivers, we all want to see our children thrive, but sometimes the outside world presents challenges that feel overwhelming. Whether it’s school pressures, social changes, or the constant chatter of the internet, there’s a lot for young minds to process these days. So, what can we do to support our kids as they navigate anxiety?

First, it’s important to let children know their feelings are valid. A simple “It’s okay to feel worried” can open the door to honest conversations. Encouraging kids to talk about what’s on their minds—whether it’s a difficult test or anxiety about making friends—helps them feel less alone. Sometimes, just being heard can make all the difference.

It also h

As parents and caregivers, watching a teenager struggle with the pressures of school can be both heartbreaking and confusing. From academic expectations to social challenges and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for teens to feel overwhelmed by everything life throws their way. If your teen is feeling the weight of it all, you’re definitely not alone—and neither are they.

It’s important to remember that school is about much more than grades. Teens are juggling friendships, managing time, dealing with changes in their own bodies, and trying to figure out who they are—all while homework piles up and exams loom. Even when things seem fine on the surface, there may be a lot brewing underneath, whether it’s anxiety about fitting in, worry about the future, or frustrat