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Is your LGBTQ+ teen struggling in silence — and would you even know? In this episode of The Good Exchange, Gordon Gooding, LCSW — founder and director of the Gooding Wellness Group — breaks down the real mental health crisis facing LGBTQ+ youth today, what the latest research tells us, and what parents and educators can do to make a life-changing difference. This isn't just a Pride Month conversation. It's one every family needs to have. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ The latest data from the Trevor Project's 2025 National Survey — including why anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ youth are getting worse, not better ✅ Why family acceptance reduces a young person's risk of suicidal ideation by 62% — and what that means for you as a parent ✅ What the coming out journey actually looks like from the inside — and why your child may have been "watching you" for years before they ever said a word ✅ 5 concrete, research-backed actions parents can take right now — including what to say (and what NOT to say) when your child comes out ✅ Warning signs every parent should know — and when to seek professional support ✅ Crisis resources and affirming therapy options for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults 💬 GORDON'S MOST IMPORTANT REMINDER: "You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be present." 📊 KEY STATISTICS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: • Anxiety in LGBTQ+ youth rose from 57% → 68% (Trevor Project, 2025) • Depression climbed from 48% → 54% • Suicidal ideation increased from 41% → 47% • 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide in the past year • LGBTQ+ teens are 6x more likely to experience depression (NAMI) • Family support = 62% lower odds of suicidal ideation • Nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth could not access mental health care despite wanting it 🆘 CRISIS RESOURCES — If you or someone you know needs help: 📞 Trevor Project TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (call or text, 24/7 — for LGBTQ+ youth under 25) 📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 💬 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 🌐 RESOURCES & LINKS: 🔗 LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy at Gooding Wellness: https://www.goodingwellness.com/lgbtq-affirming-therapy 🔗 Read the full blog: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/supporting-lgbtq-youth-mental-health-guide-parents-educators 🔗 Book a Consultation: https://www.goodingwellness.com/consultation 🔗 The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org 🔗 PFLAG (Support for Families): https://pflag.org 🔗 GLSEN (For Educators): https://www.glsen.org 🏥 ABOUT GOODING WELLNESS GROUP: Gooding Wellness Group is a full-service mental health practice located in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, serving individuals, families, and couples across Long Island. We offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, child and adolescent counseling, trauma therapy, anxiety and depression treatment, and more. 📍 147 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 📞 631-351-2940 🌐 goodingwellness.com 📸 Instagram: @GoodingWellnessPC 📘 Facebook: /GoodingWellnessPC ✅ PSA: Even though I am a licensed therapist, my videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. I always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible.

Why do healthy relationships feel boring at first? Why do we keep picking partners who resemble the most painful parts of our childhoods? And how do we begin choosing differently? In this episode of The Good Exchange, Gordon sits down with Liana Ross, LMHC — Clinical Director at Gooding Wellness, trauma therapist, and relationship specialist — to talk about how childhood trauma shapes our adult relationships, why our nervous systems chase familiarity (even when it hurts), and what it actually takes to break the cycle. What you'll hear: Why "the body keeps the score" in your relationships How chaos and cortisol can masquerade as chemistry Parentification — and how it shows up when you start dating Why hyper-independent people struggle to be partnered (not just single) Setting boundaries when you grew up in a family that didn't have them Why healthy love can feel "off" at first — and how to push through it What to do when you find yourself in the same pattern, again 🎙 Liana Ross, LMHC is the Clinical Director at Gooding Wellness Group, a trauma therapist, and a relationship specialist. Find her on Instagram @yourtraumatherapist or learn more at goodingwellness.com. 📚 Want to go deeper on trauma? Sign up for our free Trauma Micro-Course — a short email series unpacking how trauma impacts daily life, relationships, and healing. Link at goodingwellness.com. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the clinicians at Gooding Wellness Group on trauma, relationships, parenting, kids, and the everyday work of being human. 💬 Tell us in the comments — which moment hit hardest for you? 📍 This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. #trauma #relationships #attachment #goodingwellness🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. we always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-male-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-manosphere 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Discussion on Trauma and Relationships 02:30 Patterns and Attachment Issues 03:38 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Dynamics 05:17 Body's Reaction to Trauma 09:27 Boundaries and Communication 16:37 Parentification and Independence 20:38 Parentification and Independence 29:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

There's a reason millions of young men are pulled into the manosphere — and it isn't because they're broken. It's because they're disconnected. After watching Netflix's Inside the Manosphere documentary, I wanted to talk about what I'm actually seeing in my office. As a licensed clinical therapist who has worked with boys and young men for 30 years — from five-year-olds to college students — I see the same pattern over and over. Young men today are quietly hurting. They're lonelier than any previous generation. They're spending more time on screens, having fewer face-to-face friendships, and dating less than the generation before them. And the loudest voices online are stepping into that vacuum with the worst possible advice. This video is part one of a two-part conversation. Here, I walk through what I'm seeing clinically, why the manosphere is so effective at recruiting hurting boys, and why the answer is not anger — it's connection. I'm Gordon Gooding. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Gooding Wellness Group, a therapy practice in Cold Spring Harbor, NY. Check out our Blog Post! https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-male-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-manosphere 🧠 IN THIS VIDEO Why young men are quietly hurting (and what the research shows) How loneliness becomes the entry point to the manosphere Why algorithms amplify the loudest, worst voices in young men's lives How the manosphere reframes vulnerability as weakness Why blaming women becomes the identity replacement for connection What real social development actually requires (and why screens can't replace it) Why this generation of young men isn't broken — they're disconnected 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What are you seeing? Parents, teachers, mentors, partners — I want to hear from you. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE — Part two is coming, with what we can actually do to raise emotionally healthy boys and what young men can do for themselves. 📍 ABOUT GOODING WELLNESS GROUP Gooding Wellness Group is a therapy practice in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, offering individual, couples, and family therapy. We work with adolescents, young adults, and families navigating today's mental health challenges. 🌐 Learn more: goodingwellness.com #manosphere #malelonelinessepidemic #toxicmasculinity #raisingboys #adolescentmentalhealth #therapistexplains PSA: Even though I am a licensed therapist, my videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. I always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-male-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-manosphere 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Documentary Insights 01:45 Isolation and Connection 03:22 The Impact of the Manosphere 05:23 Emotional Vulnerability 07:27 Social Interaction and Growth 09:32 Building Confidence 11:00 The Need for Connection

In Part 2 of our conversation on Louis Theroux's Netflix documentary The Manosphere, licensed clinical social worker Gordon Gooding, LCSW, shifts from diagnosis to solutions — because our young men don't need more shame. They need guidance. Gordon breaks down what healthy masculinity actually looks like: responsibility, empathy, accountability, purpose, and emotional strength. He challenges the myth that vulnerability is weakness, drawing on 30 years of clinical work to show that the strongest men he's known are the ones willing to ask for help. In this episode: • Why emotional literacy is a skill we need to actively teach boys — not assume they'll figure out on their own • How real-world, face-to-face experiences build resilience that screens simply cannot replicate • The dangerous gap created when adults fail to model healthy relationships — and how algorithms fill it • What parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors can do right now to show boys a different way • Why therapy isn't weakness — and how it's helped men become stronger, more connected, and more confident The boys we support today become the leaders and mentors of tomorrow. This conversation is too important to skip. 📖 Read more on our blog: goodingwellness.com/post/the-male-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-manosphere Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though I am a licensed therapist, my videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. I always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/your-top-five-questions-about-emdr-answered

Most couples wait too long to start therapy. By the time they reach out, they've often been having the same fight for years — and one or both partners are quietly wondering if it's worth saving. In this episode of The Good Exchange, Gordon Gooding, LCSW, sits down with Lisa Current, LMFT, the Clinical Director at Gooding Wellness Group, to talk about what actually works in couples therapy — and why earlier is almost always better. Lisa is trained in the Gottman Method, the research-backed approach developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman based on decades of research on what differentiates couples who thrive from those who don't. In this conversation: Why couples therapy is a tool, not a last resort The difference between marriage and family therapy training and general clinical training What the Gottman Method actually is and why it works The "turning toward" principle that predicts long-term relationship success How conflict can deepen connection — when handled correctly Why "I just want the therapist to tell my partner I'm right" is the wrong goal What to expect in a first couples therapy session (assessments, the Gottman "Sound Relationship House," and more) When couples therapy isn't the right fit — and what to do instead The signs it's time to reach out to a therapist 📍 ABOUT GOODING WELLNESS GROUP Gooding Wellness Group is a therapy practice based in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, offering individual, couples, and family therapy. Lisa Current, LMFT, is our Clinical Director and specializes in the Gottman Method. 🌐 Learn more: goodingwellness.com 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on mental health, relationships, and the work that actually changes lives. PSA: Even though We are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/anxiety-relief-for-kids 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Introducing Lisa Current, LMFT 01:09 Challenges in Couples Therapy 02:19 Importance of Couples Therapy 03:06 Training and Approach in Therapy 06:42 Gottman Method Overview 08:24 Turning Towards Each Other 10:50 Managing Conflicts in Therapy 16:28 First Therapy Session Expectations 24:43 When to Seek Couples Therapy

Have you quietly stopped asking what you really want — and started asking what's just realistic? In your 40s and 50s, that quiet trade-off can sneak up on you. And it can slowly drain your sense of purpose, your excitement, and your sense of who you want to become. In this episode of The Good Exchange, Margaret Lorenz, LCSW and Gordon Gooding, LCSW have an honest conversation about what finding purpose in midlife actually looks like — and why it's not a job title, a passion project, or a lightning bolt at 3am. It's something you have to dig for. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, wondering if there's more to life than what you've built, or just beginning to ask "who do I want to become?" — this one's for you. 💬 We cover: • Why so many people in their 40s and 50s stop dreaming and start settling • The fear that keeps most people stuck (and why it makes complete sense) • Why comfort can quietly become a cage • How small changes — not huge leaps — are often what reignites the spark • The clarifying questions that can help you figure out what you actually want 📋 Free Clarifying Questions Worksheet → [LINK] 👇 Drop a comment: What's one thing you used to love that you've let go of? 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though We are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/your-top-five-questions-about-emdr-answered 00:00 Finding Purpose in Midlife 00:46 Challenges and Reflections 01:39 Transition Points and Career Reflections 03:37 Exploring New Opportunities 05:09 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear 07:54 Clarifying Questions and Personal Growth 10:36 Exploration and New Experiences 13:56 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

If you’ve noticed that kids today struggle more with friendships, frustration, or even basic communication… you’re not imagining it. As school social workers, we’re seeing a major shift—and it’s not just about behavior. It’s about a deeper loss of something kids used to learn naturally: how to play, connect, and problem-solve in real life. In this conversation, we break down: Why screen-based childhood is replacing play-based development How this impacts social skills, emotional regulation, and confidence The hidden connection between screen time, anxiety, and attention What we’re seeing in schools every single day And most importantly—what parents can actually do about it This isn’t about eliminating technology. It’s about restoring balance so kids can develop the skills they need to function in the real world. If you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to understand what’s changed… this is a conversation you need to hear.🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/embracing-a-play-based-childhood-in-the-digital-age Anxious Generation book: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book Amazing Generation Book: https://a.co/d/090cYI6t 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Impact of Screen Time on Children 01:30 Social Skills and Communication 03:31 Mental Health Concerns 05:14 Parental Role and Early Childhood 07:03 Negotiation and Social Cues 09:11 Attention and Impulse Contro 11:21 Anxiety and Sleep Deprivation 14:25 Physical Activity and Outdoor Play 18:00 Parental Guidance and Structure 21:10 Unstructured Play and Creativity 23:30 Conclusion and Resources

Healing trauma requires more than just talking about it. In Part 3 of our Facing Trauma series, Gordon Gooding and Peter Juliano break down what trauma treatment really looks like — and how to find the right trauma therapist for you. We cover: Why trauma therapy must be structured and specialized What EMDR therapy is and how it works How bilateral stimulation helps reprocess traumatic memories Why trauma lives in the body — not just in thoughts The role of attachment-focused EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, IFS, and the Flash Technique Why talk therapy alone is often not enough for trauma How to choose a trauma-informed therapist What questions to ask before starting trauma treatment Trauma healing isn’t guesswork. It requires a therapist trained in nervous system regulation, memory processing, and evidence-based trauma therapies. If you’ve been wondering: “Will therapy make it worse?” “What is EMDR and does it really work?” “How do I know if a therapist is properly trained in trauma?” “Can trauma symptoms actually go away?” This episode explains how trauma recovery works — and why the right therapist makes all the difference. 👉 Sign up for our free 7-day Facing Trauma email series here: https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-course 👉 Subscribe for more conversations about trauma, anxiety, relationships, and mental health You don’t have to navigate trauma alone — and you don’t have to guess your way through healing. 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapist, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. we always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Facing Trauma email series: https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-courseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Posts: Coping with discomfort: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/coping-with-emotional-discomfort Unpacking Complex Trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/unpacking-complex-trauma-understanding-recognizing-and-treating Thew truth about trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-truth-about-trauma 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Understanding Trauma and Recovery 01:22 Understanding Trauma and Recovery 02:13 EMDR Therapy Explained 04:12 Bilateral Stimulation and Its Effects 06:26 Shifting Negative Beliefs 08:25 Physical Symptoms and EMDR 10:12 Finding the Right Therapist 16:36 Building a Therapeutic Relationship 20:29 Advocating for Yourself in Therapy

Trauma doesn’t just live in your memories — it lives in your nervous system. In Part 2 of our Facing Trauma series, Gordon Gooding and Peter Juliano explore how trauma rewires the brain, affects the body, and quietly shapes your relationships — at home, at work, and in love. We break down: The difference between single-incident trauma and complex trauma Why there is no hierarchy of suffering (your pain is valid) How the amygdala and nervous system stay stuck in survival mode Why trauma shows up as anxiety, hypervigilance, people-pleasing, or emotional shutdown How trauma impacts romantic relationships, work performance, trust, and vulnerability Why you may feel “unsafe” even when you logically know you’re safe Trauma isn’t defined by how big the event was — it’s defined by how overwhelmed your nervous system felt. And if your body is still carrying that stress response, it can affect your connection with others, your confidence at work, and your ability to feel calm. This conversation is part of our free 7-week Facing Trauma email series, designed to help you understand trauma, how it lives in the body, and how healing is possible. 👉 Sign up for the free Facing Trauma email series here: https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-course 👉 Subscribe for Part 3, where we discuss trauma treatment, EMDR, and how to find the right therapist. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, relationship patterns, hypervigilance, imposter syndrome, or feeling emotionally stuck — this episode is for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. we always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ 7-week Facing Trauma email series: https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-course Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Posts: Coping with discomfort: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/coping-with-emotional-discomfort Unpacking Complex Trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/unpacking-complex-trauma-understanding-recognizing-and-treating Thew truth about trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-truth-about-trauma 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Understanding Trauma 02:30 Hierarchy in Suffering 06:17 Complex vs. Single Incident Trauma 10:02 Physical and Emotional Effects of Trauma 16:17 Trauma's Impact on Relationships 21:59 Coping and Treatment

What is trauma — and are we using the word correctly? In this episode of The Good Exchange, Gordon Gooding and Peter Juliano break down what trauma really is, what it isn’t, and why so many people either over-label it or minimize it entirely. We explore: • The difference between trauma and anxiety • Why some reactions feel disproportionate • How past experiences get “stuck” in the brain • Why trauma affects everyone differently • The danger of comparison • Generational trauma and environmental factors • Why minimizing your experience can keep you stuck Trauma isn’t about weakness. It’s about how your nervous system processed something overwhelming — whether it was too much, too fast, or too soon. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why am I reacting this way?” “Why can’t I get over something from years ago?” “Was that actually trauma?” This conversation is for you. We’re also launching our free 7-day email series on understanding trauma. You can sign up at : https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-course 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, and mental health. 👉 Drop your questions in the comments — we’d love to respond. #trauma #mentalhealth #anxiety #emdr #healing 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: OUR TRAUMA EMAIL SERIES: https://www.goodingwellness.com/facing-trauma-micro-course Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: Coping with discomfort: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/coping-with-emotional-discomfort Unpacking Complex Trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/unpacking-complex-trauma-understanding-recognizing-and-treating The truth about trauma: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/the-truth-about-trauma

How Family Roles in Childhood Affect Adult Relationships. Were you the golden child, scapegoat, lost child, or the family caregiver growing up? In this episode of The Good Exchange, therapists Gordon Gooding and Margaret Lorenz break down how these unspoken family roles form in childhood – and how they quietly shape your anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and relationships in adulthood. We talk about: The golden child/hero child – perfectionism, high achievement, and the fear of being “less than perfect” The scapegoat / black sheep – carrying the blame, truth-telling, and internalized shame The lost child – disappearing into the background, hyper-independence, and struggling to ask for help The caretaker / parentified child – feeling responsible for everyone else, enabling, and burnout in adulthood Why these roles are actually survival strategies, not character flaws How to start setting boundaries, tolerating discomfort, and outgrowing old family roles so you can live more authentically These patterns often start in “normal” families, not just in obviously dysfunctional ones. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I always end up in this role?” – this conversation will help you understand where it started and how to change the script. 🔗 Read the full blog on family roles and recovery: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/how-family-roles-in-childhood-affect-adult-relationships 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Exploring Family Roles 03:30 The Golden Child/ Hero Child and perfectionism 05:57 The Scapegoat/Black Sheep & being the "problem" 09:01 The Lost Child and hyper-independence 11:37 Caretaker/ Parentified Child & enabling 17:11 How these roles follow us into adult relationships 21:55 Guilt, boundaries, and outgrowing your family role 23:49 Final Thoughts

Welcome to another episode of The Good Exchange, our new video platform for Gooding Wellness! This video shares how facing difficulties is crucial for building mental grit and inner strength, essential for personal growth. We discuss how to overcome challenges in life, emphasizing that struggles are opportunities to grow stronger. This motivational video will help you foster a positive mindset, drawing lessons from everyday experiences. What happens to parents when the kids go to college? A therapist-to-therapist conversation on empty nest as a beginning, not an ending. In this candid discussion, Margaret Lorenz and Gordon Gooding explore the emotional push-and-pull of letting go. When kids leave for college, it can feel like: You’re on the sidelines of your own life There’s a physical ache in letting go Your identity was quietly built around being the mom, the parent, the helper You’re proud of them… and grieving at the same time But here’s the twist we don’t talk about enough: ✨ Your child going to college is also your green light to play again ✨ A chance to try the hobbies you dropped, date again, build friendships, reclaim joy ✨ A moment to model that your life is bigger than one role Yes, it's hard. But you get to step into yourself again — not in spite of your kids becoming adults, but because of it. This video is for: 💙 Therapists, single parents, divorced moms, Gen X and Millennial women, caregivers, and anyone navigating empowered aging and re-entry into themselves. 🧠 Topics we touch on: empty nest syndrome, separation anxiety, identity reclaim, modeling adulthood for kids, self-connection, rebuilding life, loving without losing yourself. 🔔 Subscribe for more therapist conversations and resources to help parents reclaim themselves after major life transitions. 🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though we are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post:https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/from-empty-nest-to-full-life-a-long-island-therapist-s-personal-journey-through-the-second-adolesce 00:00 Meet the Hosts: Gordon and Margaret 01:12 Personal Experiences with Kids Leaving for College 01:51 The Emotional Impact of Letting Go 05:02 Transitioning to Remote Parenting 08:33 Rediscovering Yourself: New Hobbies and Interests 12:12 Embracing the Second Adolescence 13:21 Rediscovering Play and Joy 14:52 Exploring New Experiences 16:50 The Concept of Launchers 19:52 Modeling a Fulfilling Life for Our Kids 22:11 Modeling a Fulfilling Life for Our Kids

✅ YouTube Description (Keyword-Rich + High Ranking) Finding a child therapist near you can feel overwhelming—especially when your child is struggling and every decision feels high-stakes. In this video, clinical social worker Gordon Gooding, LCSW shares a parent-focused guide on how to choose the right therapist for your child, whether you're on Long Island or searching anywhere in the U.S. ✅ What matters MOST in your child’s therapy (hint: it’s not the modality) ✅ The #1 mistake parents make when choosing a therapist ✅ Questions every parent should ask before the first appointment ✅ How school counselors and psychologists can help with referrals ✅ Why parent involvement is critical—no matter the child’s age ✅ When in-person therapy is better than virtual for kids and teens Parents are the experts on their children, and your trust and partnership can transform the therapy process. If you’ve ever searched child therapist near me and didn’t know where to start—this video will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap. 📌 Read the full blog: Navigating the Search for a Child Therapist on Long Island — A Parent’s Guide (link in description) 💬 Have questions or tips that helped your family? Comment below—your experience could help another parent. 👍 Like this video to support more mental health content ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes of The Good Exchange 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for more content on modern relationships, dating after divorce, and building love on your own terms! PSA: Even though I am a licensed therapist, my videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. I always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/navigating-the-search-for-a-child-therapist-on-long-island

If you’re dealing with high functioning anxiety, constant overthinking, or racing thoughts—you’re not alone. On the outside, you may look calm, capable, and successful. On the inside? It can feel like a constant loop of “what-ifs,” pressure, and never quite measuring up. In this candid conversation, therapists Gordon Gooding (Gooding Wellness Group) and Margaret Lorenz break down: what high functioning anxiety really looks like how “should” thinking fuels shame and stress and how to calm anxiety using practical, science-backed tools You’ll learn effective anxiety coping skills, including grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, how to manage panic attacks, and how to reduce anxiety symptoms in everyday life. We also explore how overworking, doom-scrolling, and emotional avoidance can actually make anxiety worse—and what helps instead. This is especially relevant for working professionals, parents, and adults navigating anxiety on Long Island and beyond. 💌 Free Anxiety Support If you’re experiencing a spike in anxiety or even panic attacks, we created something to help: 👉 7-Day Anxiety Relief Email Series Daily tools for grounding, calming your nervous system, and managing anxiety in real time https://www.goodingwellness.com/anxiety-course What You’ll Learn Signs of high functioning anxiety (and why it’s often missed) How “should” language increases anxiety and shame Grounding techniques for anxiety and panic attacks Why numbing behaviors (overwork, scrolling, substances) backfire How to take small steps to face anxiety without overwhelm Why connection is one of the most powerful tools for anxiety relief About Gooding Wellness Group Gooding Wellness Group is a therapy practice based in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, serving individuals, couples, and families across Long Island. We specialize in anxiety, trauma, and relationship-focused therapy, with an emphasis on matching each client with the right therapist for their needs. 🌐 Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ 📘 Blog: https://www.goodingwellness.com/blog Let’s Stay Connected 👉 If this video helped, subscribe for more content on anxiety, mental health, and real-life coping strategies 💬 Comment below: What’s one “should” you’re ready to let go of this week? 💌 Free resource: Try our 7-day Anxiety Email Series with daily tips and tools (grounding, body cues, coping skills). (LINK: https://www.goodingwellness.com/anxiety-course) Disclaimer This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy. If you’re struggling with anxiety, we encourage you to seek support from a licensed mental health professional. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/blog Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Launching the Anxiety Email Series 04:21 Understanding Anxiety in Different Age Groups 09:21 Coping Mechanisms and Tools for Anxiety 11:08 High Functioning Anxiety and Societal Pressures 15:21 Normalizing Anxiety and Community Support 16:12 The Importance of Vulnerability in Sharing Anxiety 18:07 Lessons Learned About Anxiety Over Time 19:36 Understanding the Genetic Component of Anxiety 21:37 The Impact of Anxiety on the Body 23:36 The Role of Connection in Managing Anxiety 25:09 Facing Anxiety: The Path to Growth 26:35 Managing the 'What Ifs' of Anxiety 28:04 Normalizing Anxiety Through Shared Experiences 29:49 Resources for Coping with Anxiety

You Are Enough: Understanding Feelings, Facts, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Do you ever feel like you’re not enough — not a good enough parent, partner, or professional? You’re not alone. In this video, we unpack the powerful idea that feelings aren’t facts. Learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you challenge negative thinking, stop comparing yourself to others, and quiet the inner critic that keeps you stuck in self-doubt. You’ll discover how to: Recognize and reframe unhelpful thought patterns Replace harsh self-judgment with realistic self-compassion Use CBT techniques to shift from “I’m not enough” to “I’m growing” Social media often amplifies our insecurities, but you can take back control of your thoughts. Watch until the end for practical tips you can start using today — and remember, you are enough. 💙 👉 Share your experiences in the comments below — how do you challenge self-criticism when it shows up? 👉 Subscribe for more therapist-led videos on self-worth, CBT, and emotional healing. PSA: Even though I am a licensed therapist, my videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. I always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible. LINKS: Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodingwell... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingWelln... Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/blog 00:00 Feelings Aren't Facts 00:14 The Universal Struggle of Not Feeling Enough 01:02 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Worth 02:21 Understanding and Challenging Negative Thoughts with CBT 03:37 Practical Steps to Reframe Negative Thoughts 05:11 Encouragement and Seeking Support