Emotional Regulation - Dakhari Psychological Services, LLC

Needle Phobia in Kids: How to Prepare for Shots Without a Power Struggle

July 8, 2026 No Comments

For some children, the thought of a shot can trigger intense fear, tears, resistance, or even panic. Needle phobia is more than simple nervousness—it can make medical appointments stressful for both kids and parents. The good news is that with the right preparation, communication, and coping strategies, you can help your child feel more confident and reduce the likelihood of a power struggle. Discover practical ways to support your child before, during, and after vaccinations or other needle-related procedures.

Sleep-Away & Day Summer Camp Anxiety in Kids: How to Prepare

June 28, 2026 No Comments

Starting a summer camp can be exciting, but it can also bring up anxiety for many children. Whether your child is attending a day camp or spending nights away from home for the first time, worries about new routines, unfamiliar people, and separation from family are common. With thoughtful preparation and supportive conversations, parents can help children feel more confident, resilient, and ready to embrace the camp experience.

When Your Child Asks For Certainty Use ‘The Two Sentence Rule’

April 15, 2026 No Comments

When your child keeps asking for reassurance, it’s often anxiety—not defiance—driving the question. The Two Sentence Rule helps you respond with calm, supportive limits so you don’t accidentally feed the anxiety cycle while still helping your child feel secure.

Why Anxiety Can Look Like Anger in Kids

March 23, 2026 No Comments

When kids feel overwhelmed by anxiety, it doesn’t always show up as worry—it can come out as anger, frustration, or sudden outbursts. Understanding what’s really underneath the behavior can help you respond with calm and support.

Can’t Figure Out Your Child’s Anxiety? 12 Ideas That Can Help Today.

March 17, 2026 No Comments

Sometimes your child’s anxiety doesn’t look like anxiety. It doesn’t always come across as worry, fear, or even nervousness. At times, it shows up in less expected ways — irritability, shutdown, defiance, or what might look like “attitude.” A child snaps over something small. A teen pulls away from something they usually enjoy. A young adult procrastinates or seems unmotivated. From the outside, it can look like unexpected or even unacceptable behavior. Underneath, it may be distress.

Youth Sports Anxiety in Kids: Coach and Parent Scripts That Actually Help

March 9, 2026 No Comments

When competition pressure rises, anxiety can take over. These simple scripts help parents and coaches respond calmly, build confidence, and support young athletes when nerves start to show.

What To Do When Your Child Has an Anxiety Stomachache

March 7, 2026 No Comments

Anxiety often shows up in unexpected ways—like stomachaches. Learn practical steps to soothe your body and calm your mind when stress hits your gut.

Panic Attacks: How to Support Your Child Through Them

February 28, 2026 No Comments

When your child is in the middle of a panic attack, it can feel overwhelming—for both of you. Knowing how to respond with calm, confidence, and compassion makes a powerful difference. In this post, you’ll learn practical, supportive strategies to help your child regulate their body, feel safe in the moment, and build long-term resilience in the face of anxiety.

Child Intrusive Thoughts: Stay Calm and Respond Effectively

February 25, 2026 No Comments

When your child shares a scary or unwanted thought, your response can either calm the fear—or strengthen it. Learn how to stay steady, avoid reinforcing anxiety, and guide your child with confidence and care.

What Is Both/And Thinking: A DBT-Inspired Guide to Embracing Life’s Messy Middle

June 30, 2025 No Comments

Both/And thinking, inspired by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helps us move beyond black-and-white thinking by making space for life’s contradictions. It reminds us that two opposing truths can exist at once—you can be overwhelmed and grateful, healing and hurting, strong and still need support. This mindset allows for more emotional flexibility, less inner conflict, and a deeper acceptance of life’s messy middle.