Dr. Mike

Ask Dr. Mike

July 5, 2023

Understanding the far-reaching impacts of cannabis on teens By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Cannabis became fully legal on July 1, 2021, in Virginia for adults 21 years and older. Cannabis is legal medicinally and recreationally, however, a final date for recreational or commercial sales has yet to be determined by the state.  Currently, 38 states, three…

Nurturing soft skills: A guide for teenagers

May 31, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. In our ever-evolving world, the emphasis on soft skills is increasing in all spheres of life. These personal attributes, which enable individuals to interact effectively with others, are as valuable as technical skills — for teenagers especially, soft skills lay the foundation for future success. To understand how well developed your…

Ask Dr. Mike

May 3, 2023

The impact of social media on ADHD: separating fact from fiction By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Social media is ubiquitous, and while it’s a great way to stay connected to important others, to get news and to learn about what’s going on in the world, overusing or over relying on social media has become a problem…

Ask Dr. Mike

February 28, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Dr. Mike, My husband is very strict and hard on our three boys, and he is a big believer in “Commando Parenting.” Sometimes it’s too much on our kids. The other day I found my oldest who’s 14 years old crying alone in his bedroom during the day after his dad…

Ask Dr. Mike

February 1, 2023

What is the best parenting time schedule for special needs children? By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Divorce is difficult for children, and there is no question that it is especially hard on children with special needs; children who require additional assistance, supports and accommodations for disabilities.   At school, special needs children usually have an Individualized…

Ask Dr. Mike

January 4, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. There are several reasons why New Year’s Resolutions fail – the resolutions are too vague or grand, the approach lacks planning, structure and accountability, and essential things are missing.  What can you do differently this year to maximize your success?  I recommend that you try focusing on how you think about…

How to talk to your children about the UVA shooting

November 25, 2022

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. As a child psychologist, I mainly address the developmental, emotional, social, and behavioral struggles of children, but sometimes the realities of the world enter the therapy space — events that are outside a child’s control and are upsetting. The recent tragic shooting at the University of Virginia has been upsetting to…

9 Tips to loving (and liking) your spouse again

November 2, 2022

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Do you find yourself in a marriage where you love your spouse, but privately and deep down inside, you don’t necessarily like him or her very much anymore? If you answered “yes” know that you are not alone. Research studies have shown that as many as 6 out of 10 married couples…

Ask Dr. Mike

August 31, 2022

Dr. Mike, Our sons are 17 and 12, and it’s already been a rough start to the school year. I thought we did well as parents with back-to-school shopping and with trying to get them back into a routine this year, but obviously not since they’re still staying up too late, and are on their…

Ask Dr. Mike

August 3, 2022

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Dr. Mike, Our son completed neuropsychological testing when he was three years old, and he was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. He’s now a rising First Grader, and my husband and I are still trying to figure out next steps for him with school for this fall.   Our son’s therapist…