Columns
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. In today’s interconnected world, relationships have evolved in myriad ways, and while physical infidelity is well recognized, another form of betrayal, often less visible but equally impactful, has emerged. It is emotional cheating. As a psychologist in private practice, the topic of emotional cheating comes up often. Just this past week,…
By Tim Jon I knew nothing of the late Mervin Jackson of Leesburg, Virginia, when I first moved to town; having said that, I wouldn’t have been surprised (even back then) at his existence. I remember first hearing a description of his character by a trusted friend (this being on the eve of Jackson being…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Transitioning into the “empty nest” phase of life as parents is a significant rite of passage. As your children leave home (often for college), a whirlwind of emotions can ensue. The empty space where there was once laughter, chatter, and occasional teenage drama in the home is suddenly filled with silence. …
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Separation and divorce is fraught with emotional upheaval and adjustments. Sharing the news with your children can be very challenging. However, there are compassionate and effective communication strategies that can significantly influence how your children navigate the forthcoming loss and changes. When discussing separation and divorce with your children, it’s important…
By Tim Jon There were two paths from which to choose: one, well-paved and more civilized, stuck to the wooded area and playground; the other, rough and rocky, descended – seemingly to the original, infernal pit itself. I chose the latter, of course. Pulling into the parking area for Trailhead Park in Ashburn, I could…
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…
By Tim Jon The morning of my last visit, it felt as if the slate of the entire world would be wiped clean; a very pronounced wind made its presence felt, as the actual temperature hadn’t risen appreciably enough above the freezing mark – at least for my sensitive tastes. Sensitive, that is, for someone…
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…
By Tim Jon “What do you recall?” Well, let’s see: there was stately, iconic Buchanan Hall, some not-so-distant views of the Blue Ridge, then that initial ride through main street – rolling through the Village – the classic silhouettes of the Hunter’s Head Tavern, an imposing physical (and spiritual) presence encountered at the Upperville Baptist…
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…