Inner Harmony Counseling
Welcome to my practice!
Since the COVID pandemic there has been growing concern regarding the mental health of our youth. Data suggests our kids are now at higher risk (girls significantly higher) than ever for anxiety and depression. Research posits that the current generation is experiencing more stress regarding competitive performance in both team sports and academics than ever before.
As a therapist and mother I feel a personal call to action for supporting my community's youth.
Therefore, I invite you to explore my groups and classes for empowerment, building self esteem and ways to help foster resiliency in young people to face today's challenges. Navigating social media, competition and "mean girl dynamics" is not easy for kids today.
Stress typically is more concerning and taxing when we lack the resources to address the stressor. My groups will teach the skills and provide the resources needed for empowerment in a small group setting.
I welcome you with an open heart and an open mind as I provide a safe, nurturing group experience to grow, learn, and have some fun off screens!!!
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-Amy Marchesano, LMHC , founder of Inner Harmony Counseling
Athletes
Figure skaters/Goalies
As a life long competitive figure skater and goalie mom, I am familiar with the competitive nature and culture of both figure skating and hockey in the Northeast. Both of these highly competitive winter sports can bring pressure and mental health concerns related to extremely high expectations from others, performance anxiety, pressure, perfectionism and isolation. Commonalities include the fact that figure skating is a very solo sport, while goalies are also singular in nature due to their specific role, despite being on a team.
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Although highly rewarding and fulfilling, we know that elite youth sports can bring external pressures that if not managed well, may lead to more concerning mental health concerns. Eating disorders and peer conflict (A.K.A. mean girls) are also concerns many face when participating in a competitive sport as a female. Also, experiencing any injury or time out of the season can be devastating, requiring additional support.
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My approach to counseling these individuals involves parent cooperation and supports the whole child and their additional interests, not just the "athlete". I can also be a resource to educate coaches, parents and teachers.
