Good News from the Gooding Wellness Group: Winter 2026 Gooding Wellness Group Community Updates

Gordon Gooding
6 hours ago
5 min read

I think anyone reading this can agree that this winter was one for the records. Deep snow and freezing cold temperatures made many of us feel like this winter would never end, but thankfully, we've turned a corner and spring was on the other side of it.

While the winter made us want to stay inside in our fuzzy socks and pajamas, as you will read, the team at Gooding Wellness stayed busy at community events, producing a new podcast, and letting loose and having some fun throwing axes. Read on to see how we passed our time during the long, dark winter.

Launching of The Good Exchange Podcast

In January, we were thrilled to launch our new YouTube Podcast, "The Good Exchange." Hosted by our Founder and Director, Gordon Gooding, LCSW, each episode is dedicated to exploring a variety of vital topics within the mental health field. The podcast highlights the services offered by Gooding Wellness Group and features insightful conversations with some of our exceptionally talented and experienced clinicians.

So far, we have delved into important issues such as anxiety, trauma, family roles, addiction, and working with children. Our hope is that this new platform will serve as an accessible and valuable learning resource for all viewers. We firmly believe that by informing the public about common family, societal, and mental health challenges, we can increase the likelihood of them seeking necessary support and help from a licensed therapist when they are ready, whether that is with Gooding Wellness Group or another trusted provider.

Life is inherently full of challenges. Difficulties like parenting struggles, navigating childhood and adulthood, relationship issues, addiction, and trauma are a natural part of growing and aging. Our goal with "The Good Exchange" is to ensure viewers feel more comfortable and better informed when they choose to navigate these difficulties and seek the help they need.

Networking Event at Garden City School District

In January, Peter and Marialaina, had the opportunity to participate in the Garden

City School District's Provider and Resource Fair. This event served as a platform for our practice to deepen its connection with the local educational community and the families we serve.

The morning was spent engaging in meaningful dialogue with a diverse group of attendees, including representatives from various local school districts, parents seeking support for their children, and fellow mental health providers within our Long Island Community. This collaborative environment allowed for rich networking and the exchange of crucial insights into the current needs of students.

A primary focus of our participation was to showcase the specialized, evidence-based services we offer, which are specifically tailored to support the unique developmental and emotional needs of children and adolescents across all grade levels. We highlighted how our approach and experience integrates seamlessly with the educational environment to promote holistic well-being and academic success.

We extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Garden City School District for the gracious invitation to participate in this event.

Winter Meet-Up: Axe Throwing

In a team-building event this past February, the members of the Gooding Wellness Team traded their therapeutic tools for hatchets, gathering for a fun afternoon at New York Axe Throwing in Huntington, NY. The simple objective of the outing was to strengthen connections, offer a chance to relax from the demanding schedule of mental health work, and share some well-deserved laughter, along with light snacks and soft drinks.

While everyone had a great time, the team's collective axe-throwing skills revealed a humorous truth: we are, thankfully, far better mental health providers than we are lumberjacks or ax throwers. It was a humbling yet hilarious reminder that each team member’s true expertise lies in their compassionate care and professional dedication to wellness, not in the precision of throwing a rotating blade.

Cold Spring Harbor SEPTO Resource Fair at Lloyd Harbor School

In March, Gordon and Marialaina had the pleasure of participating in the Cold Spring Harbor Special Education Parent & Teacher Organization's (SEPTO) resource fair.

Gordon shared his knowledge of mental health services for children and teens in and out of schools and highlighted the services we offer to the Cold Spring Harbor Community. The fair was a positive and valuable experience, providing a wonderful opportunity for Gordon and Marialaina to connect with many parents and local resources, including our colleagues at College Rx, Balance Mental Health Counseling, Dr. Kristen Memoli, and Breakthrough Mental Health Counseling.

We all enjoyed speaking with and meeting parents and educators from across the

Cold Spring Harbor School District. We extend our sincere gratitude to Monica Wells and CSH SEPTO for the invitation!

Supporting AWARE in Northport

Gordon's March was marked by active participation in two events hosted by AWARE (formerly the Northport- East Northport Drug and Alcohol Awareness Task Force). AWARE is the Drug and Alcohol Coalition for Northport, NY, dedicated to promoting youth well-being through substance misuse prevention, mental health support, education, stigma reduction, and community outreach.

On March 5th, Gordon attended AWARE's Networking event at Northport Books. It was a successful evening with a strong turnout, allowing attendees to connect with representatives from various local organizations, businesses, and service providers. Gordon enjoyed meeting many inspiring community members.

Later in the month, on March 18th, Gordon was honored to celebrate the grand opening of AWARE's new offices in downtown Northport. The Gooding Wellness Group is proud to support AWARE and its vital work in the community, providing essential services for young people and the surrounding area. We extend our sincere gratitude to AWARE for their amazing commitment.

Our New Trauma Series

In March, the Gooding Wellness Group launched a free 7-day email series titled

"Facing Trauma."

This Micro Learning course is designed to offer understanding and a path toward healing, whether you are dealing with the impact of a major life event or the burden of quieter emotional pain.

When you sign up at goodingwellness.com, you will receive a brief email each day. These emails explore a different facet of trauma and recovery, delivering clarity, compassion, and evidence-based insights directly to your inbox.

This free series is an invitation to begin your healing journey safely, privately, and at your own speed. Understanding is the first step toward healing, and your journey can start here. Sign up today!

Best of Long Island and Social Work Month

In March, Gordon Gooding, LCSW, our Founder and Director, was again honored with the Best Social Worker on Long Island award in the FourLeaf Best of Long Island Awards. This marks the second time he has received this community-voted recognition, which celebrates favorites across various categories.

While grateful for the island-wide acknowledgment, Gordon dedicates the recognition to his colleagues, stating, "The truth is, there is no single 'best' social worker. There are so many dedicated professionals across Long Island doing extraordinary work every day to support individuals, families, and communities. During National Social Work Month, I’m especially grateful to stand alongside so many colleagues committed to making a difference.”

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, this award serves as a moment to recognize the countless dedicated social workers across Long Island

We were so happy to spend our winter with community members, students, teachers, clients, and with our team members. Activities and events like these remind us of the importance of forming connections and being a part of our neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing the work we do, in the company of bright sunshine, green grass, and flowers. In the meanwhile, have a very Happy Spring and know that the team at Gooding Wellness is a phone call, text or email away whenever you need us.