By Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT   To me, both as a parent and a therapist, I see AI as a bit of a tidal wave, and from the mental health perspective, we’re IN the tsunami. It’s here, there’s no stopping it, and we need to know what to do to make sure our kids stay safe. Unlike a tsunami, I acknowledge- we need to approach AI as a tool and a resource - not unbridled fear - with respect for the concerns we have for our kids’ mental health and well-being.   AI is showing

By Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, eRYT It feels even more appropriate as we highlight International Play Therapy Week, February 1-7, 2026, to highlight Heather Orenstein. Heather came to us with vast experience working with children. Heather loves working across the lifespan, and is finding a particular niche in her love of play therapy . At River Grove Therapy, we're so grateful to have Heather Orenstein on our team. She's experienced, kind, compassionate, and extremely knowl

By Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT As a therapist, one of my strengths and passions is supporting parents of high-performing (often late-diagnosed) autistic kids, particularly those who have demand avoidant behaviors.  To the untrained eye or unknowing parent, these behaviors can come across as difficult to understand and navigate, and sometimes, confounding and just downright maddening!  As parents, we may feel judged by other parents, teachers, and really, by society in

By Rob Krupicka, MSW It is common for parents I work with to worry about how much time their children spend on screens. I get it, I worry about this as well. But a growing body of research suggests the more important question for all of us may be: How much time am I (the parent) spending on screens, especially around my children?  A 2025 study by Selak and colleagues offers a distressing picture of what happens when children see their parents distracted by smartphones. The re

By Rob Krupicka, MSW In nearly every stage of life, people come to therapy searching for meaning. Whether the presenting issues are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, or something else, my experience is that meaning plays an important role in treatment. Some want to know why they feel restless or empty despite having what looks like a good life. Others wonder how to find direction after loss, retirement, situational change, or disappointment. Adolescents may not even

An interview with Amanda Kaliner, LPC, by Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT200 At River Grove Therapy, we're absolutely loving having...

By Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT200 Honoring Life: Suicide Prevention as a Veteran and Therapist As both a veteran and an...

By Rob Krupicka, MSW When Mental Illness Shapes Family Life: Finding Healing Together When mental illness touches a family, it rarely...

River Grove Therapy is thrilled to welcome Amanda Kaliner, LPC to the team. Her unique perspective, skills, and energy are a true asset...

By Leah Young, LMSW A child-centered playroom is a unique and thoughtfully designed space where children can explore, express, and grow...

By Leah Young, LMSW Parenting is never easy, but in uncertain times, it can feel like an uphill battle. When the world around us is...

By Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, EMDRIA Certified Clinician and Consultant in Training (CIT) What Is EMDR? EMDR, Eye Movement...

"Enter into children's play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet." - Virginia Axline International Play...

Siblings of trans kids may have their own, parallel process to explore regarding their sibling's journey, family focus, and may benefit...

By Leah Young, LMSW Shame is a powerful and complex emotion that can deeply affect children’s development, relationships, and sense of...

By Rob Krupicka, MSW Leading with Empathy Research and my personal experience confirm that leading with empathy is one of the most...

By Rob Krupicka, MSW Have you ever wondered why everybody tells you to take a breath to calm down? Breathing techniques have been used...

By Melanie Froemke, LCSW & Rob Krupicka, MSW Melanie: Rob- you've had such an accomplished career in local politics, government, and...

By Leah Young, MSW At River Grove Therapy, we are always striving to provide the best possible support to our clients, particularly when...

By Rob Krupicka, MSW Loneliness among older adults is an increasingly common, worldwide issue that warrants discussion. It comes with...