Explore our blog posts and educational resources.
Learn more about research, disorders, treatments, and the Bio Behavioral Institute approach
Featured Blog Posts
February 27, 2026
The Friendship Rollercoaster: Why 4th-5th Grade Is So Hard
Friendships in fourth and fifth grade feel like a rollercoaster for both kids and parents. Learn why cliques form, when to worry, and how to support your child through friendship challenges.
February 25, 2026
How to Handle Setbacks Without Losing Hope: A Guide to Relapse Prevention in OCD and Anxiety Recovery
Recovery isn't a straight line. Learn how to respond to setbacks in OCD and anxiety treatment with practical strategies for relapse prevention and getting back on track.
February 23, 2026
What Are DBT Skills? The Four Core Skill Sets That Help You Manage Intense Emotions
Learn about the four core DBT skills — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness — and how dialectical behavior therapy can help you manage intense emotions.
Recent Blog Posts
February 21, 2026
When Anxiety and OCD Cause School Refusal: What Parents Need to Know
For most children who refuse school, anxiety or unrecognized OCD is the root cause. Learn how separation anxiety, social anxiety, contamination OCD, and other conditions drive school avoidance—and what evidence-based treatment looks like.
February 19, 2026
What Is School Refusal? A Parent's Guide to Understanding School Avoidance
School refusal affects 2-5% of children and is driven by anxiety, not defiance. Learn to recognize the signs, understand the four functions behind school avoidance, and know when to seek professional help.
February 17, 2026
Understanding Magical Thinking OCD
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “If I think something bad, does that make it more likely to happen?”, you’re not alone. Many people experience little superstitions—knocking on wood, avoiding certain numbers, feeling uneasy if something isn’t perfectly arranged.
February 14, 2026
Will You Be Your Valentine? Practice Self-Love Through Self-Compassion
Valentine's Day can bring up complex emotions beyond romance. Learn how self-compassion—through self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness—can help you navigate difficult feelings and strengthen the most important relationship: the one with yourself.
February 11, 2026
Sensorimotor OCD: When You Can’t Stop Noticing Your Own Body
You’re lying in bed, and suddenly you notice your breathing. Not because anything is wrong—but because your brain has decided, for no clear reason, that breathing is something you need to monitor.
February 9, 2026
Just Right OCD: Understanding “Not Just Right” Experiences and Finding Relief
If you’ve ever spent an hour rereading the same paragraph because it didn’t feel “complete,” or walked through a doorway multiple times until the sensation was “right,” you know how exhausting and isolating this experience can be. You’re not alone—and what you’re experiencing has a name.
February 5, 2026
New Year, New Me: How to Make Your Resolutions Stick
A month into the new year, many people naturally start checking in with themselves: How are my goals going? New Year’s resolutions often begin with a burst of motivation, in part because New Year’s Day feels like a fresh start.
January 31, 2026
Clarifying Your Values After Starting Recovery
When symptoms begin to ease and daily life starts to feel a little more manageable, many people in recovery find themselves asking a big question: “Now what?”
January 30, 2026
Creating Calm Intentionally: The DBT IMPROVE the Moment Skill
IMPROVE the Moment is a DBT distress tolerance skill with 7 strategies — from imagery to self-encouragement — for getting through a crisis without making things worse.
February 27, 2026
The Friendship Rollercoaster: Why 4th-5th Grade Is So Hard
Friendships in fourth and fifth grade feel like a rollercoaster for both kids and parents. Learn why cliques form, when to worry, and how to support your child through friendship challenges.
February 25, 2026
How to Handle Setbacks Without Losing Hope: A Guide to Relapse Prevention in OCD and Anxiety Recovery
Recovery isn't a straight line. Learn how to respond to setbacks in OCD and anxiety treatment with practical strategies for relapse prevention and getting back on track.
February 23, 2026
What Are DBT Skills? The Four Core Skill Sets That Help You Manage Intense Emotions
Learn about the four core DBT skills — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness — and how dialectical behavior therapy can help you manage intense emotions.
February 21, 2026
When Anxiety and OCD Cause School Refusal: What Parents Need to Know
For most children who refuse school, anxiety or unrecognized OCD is the root cause. Learn how separation anxiety, social anxiety, contamination OCD, and other conditions drive school avoidance—and what evidence-based treatment looks like.
February 19, 2026
What Is School Refusal? A Parent's Guide to Understanding School Avoidance
School refusal affects 2-5% of children and is driven by anxiety, not defiance. Learn to recognize the signs, understand the four functions behind school avoidance, and know when to seek professional help.
February 17, 2026
Understanding Magical Thinking OCD
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “If I think something bad, does that make it more likely to happen?”, you’re not alone. Many people experience little superstitions—knocking on wood, avoiding certain numbers, feeling uneasy if something isn’t perfectly arranged.
February 14, 2026
Will You Be Your Valentine? Practice Self-Love Through Self-Compassion
Valentine's Day can bring up complex emotions beyond romance. Learn how self-compassion—through self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness—can help you navigate difficult feelings and strengthen the most important relationship: the one with yourself.
February 11, 2026
Sensorimotor OCD: When You Can’t Stop Noticing Your Own Body
You’re lying in bed, and suddenly you notice your breathing. Not because anything is wrong—but because your brain has decided, for no clear reason, that breathing is something you need to monitor.
February 9, 2026
Just Right OCD: Understanding “Not Just Right” Experiences and Finding Relief
If you’ve ever spent an hour rereading the same paragraph because it didn’t feel “complete,” or walked through a doorway multiple times until the sensation was “right,” you know how exhausting and isolating this experience can be. You’re not alone—and what you’re experiencing has a name.
February 5, 2026
New Year, New Me: How to Make Your Resolutions Stick
A month into the new year, many people naturally start checking in with themselves: How are my goals going? New Year’s resolutions often begin with a burst of motivation, in part because New Year’s Day feels like a fresh start.
January 31, 2026
Clarifying Your Values After Starting Recovery
When symptoms begin to ease and daily life starts to feel a little more manageable, many people in recovery find themselves asking a big question: “Now what?”
January 30, 2026
Creating Calm Intentionally: The DBT IMPROVE the Moment Skill
IMPROVE the Moment is a DBT distress tolerance skill with 7 strategies — from imagery to self-encouragement — for getting through a crisis without making things worse.
December 12, 2025
Finding Comfort in the Moment: The DBT Self-Soothe Skill
When emotions feel overwhelming, the DBT Self-Soothe skill uses sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to calm your nervous system and get through the moment.
November 19, 2025
Disordered Eating and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a celebration of gratitude, with individuals having a chance to connect and celebrate with their families or friends. However, it can also represent one of the most challenging times of the year for individuals struggling with disordered eating symptoms. The cultural emphasis on food, portion sizes, and social eating can intensify anxiety, guilt, and body image distress that are associated with eating disorders (EDs).
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October 4, 2025
What is IOP Therapy?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured mental health treatment where individuals live at home while receiving intensive care. IOPs are effective for those needing structure and are shown to reduce symptoms quickly.
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September 9, 2025
OCD and School Refusal
School refusal is an anxiety-driven avoidance symptom of OCD in students, often mistaken for defiance. Combatting it requires understanding the cause, home and school collaboration, and seeking specialized OCD treatment.
August 30, 2025
The Long Goodbye: A Parent’s Guide to Separation Anxiety
Going back to school can cause separation anxiety in both children and parents. To help, prepare the child by visiting the school and practicing separation, then keep goodbyes brief and stay consistent during drop-off.
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August 9, 2025
Mental Health Activities for College Students
College can be stressful, so students must prioritize mental health. Students can improve well-being by socializing, using the Pomodoro Technique for tasks, exercising, journaling, and using campus counseling services.
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June 28, 2025
Panic Attacks: How Can I Recognize One?
A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of anxiety with physical and psychological symptoms, peaking within minutes. To manage one, use breathing exercises and grounding techniques; afterwards, seek support or clinical help.
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September 11, 2024
Suicide Warning Signs & Prevention
Suicide rates are rising, making it vital to recognize warning signs like hopelessness and withdrawal in at-risk groups, including older men and young adults. In a crisis, individuals should call 988 or 911 and create a safety plan to manage distress and secure their environment.
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July 11, 2024
Helping Children Cope with Bullying: A Therapist's Approach
Therapists help children affected by bullying, whether they are victims or perpetrators. They assist victims by building self-esteem and teaching coping skills. They work with perpetrators by developing empathy and teaching better communication. Early intervention is vital for positive long-term change.
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June 7, 2024
Understanding and Addressing Bullying
Know the warning signs of bullying — mood changes, physical complaints, social withdrawal — and the steps parents can take to protect their child and work with the school.
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May 18, 2024
Did You Know These 5 Behavioral Therapies for OCD Actually Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the most effective treatment for OCD. Other options include SSRIs (medication), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies. Professional help and support are essential for managing symptoms.
May 7, 2024
The Myth of The "Carefree Childhood"
Children, especially adolescents, experience distress that appears as mood changes, sleep issues, and withdrawal. Parents can help by normalizing the stress conversation, modeling coping skills, using mindfulness techniques, and providing support and routine.
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April 23, 2024
OCD Clinical Trial at Bio-Behavioral Institute
OCD is an anxiety disorder with obsessions and compulsions. The Bio-Behavioral Institute is conducting a clinical trial in New York for a new OCD medication. Participants must be 18–65 and currently taking SSRIs. They will receive no-cost medication, professional care, and compensation.
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April 3, 2024
Autism: A Tik Tok Trend or a Missed Diagnosis?
Many adults question a missed ASD diagnosis due to difficulties with social cues, humor, and routine rigidity. Seeking a professional diagnosis offers better self-understanding and access to support services to improve social and personal functioning.
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February 28, 2024
Benefits of Altruism: Helping Others Is a Way to Help Yourself
Altruism benefits both the giver and receiver by increasing happiness and reducing stress. This "Contributing Skill" in DBT should be balanced and planned using the SMART strategy (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure sustainability.
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January 30, 2024
Differences Between Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Eating Disorders (ED) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) both involve distress over appearance, but BDD focuses on specific perceived flaws, while ED is focused on weight and size. Both are treatable with CBT and SSRIs, though ED often requires nutritional support.
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January 8, 2024
Tips on New Year's Resolutions
To make New Year's Resolutions easier to keep, set specific, measurable goals connected to your personal values. Also, find supportive accountability, focus on progress over perfection, and maintain a positive mindset to manage setbacks.
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November 29, 2023
Being Okay With Yourself and Your Body During The Holiday Season
The holidays are difficult for those with body image or eating issues. To cope, set boundaries against comments on appearance, view food neutrally as an open experience, limit social media comparisons, choose engagement over isolation, and actively seek joy.
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June 13, 2023
Sitting With the End of Our World
The core fear of OCD is dread, which is addressed by Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves exposing the individual to anxiety triggers while preventing the compulsion, which slowly "retrains" the brain and reduces anxiety.
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January 10, 2023
Saying Goodbye to Just Right Feeling
The continuous search for the "just right feeling" is futile because life is inherently imperfect. Confidence comes from accepting this, letting go of the need for perfection, and having the courage to live effectively in an imperfect world.
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August 11, 2022
The “Positive” of “Negative” Feelings
Negative emotions are normal and serve to motivate and communicate. They are only unhelpful when their intensity leads to maladaptive coping or blocks problem-solving.
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January 4, 2022
Ain't No World But This World
Regret involves fantasizing about a better life in a possible world, but the actual world is the only reality. Use these thoughts only to identify what is missing now, motivating you to accept what you can't change and take action in your current life.
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March 10, 2021
How Little We Know
We can't control the future, as much of life is unknown. True confidence comes from engaging effectively with the present moment and prioritizing action over speculating about outcomes.
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May 23, 2020
OCD DURING COVID-19: CAUTION VS. COMPULSION
Many people with OCD are not experiencing increased symptoms from the pandemic. However, look for OCD-related signs like excessive reassurance seeking, extra precautions beyond guidelines, persistent doubt, and a sense of panic.
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May 15, 2020
The Final Word
To cope with major challenges, adopt heroic defiance: find value in the experience and growth, which takes back power and stops the hardship from defining your life.
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May 1, 2020
Dr. Neziroglu interviewed by Overachiever Magazine
Depersonalization (detachment from self) and derealization (disconnection from environment) are common. Persistent detachment, characterized by numbness and unreality, may indicate Depersonalization Disorder.
April 24, 2020
Enjoying the Flowers
Use Cognitive Therapy to manage crisis emotions by focusing on facts. Use a thought record to identify and question distorted thoughts. If feelings conflict with facts, use Opposite Action.
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April 15, 2020
Radical Acceptance
Radical Acceptance means embracing an undesirable reality without judgment or approval. The key is choosing acceptance to prevent inevitable pain from escalating into self-created suffering.
April 13, 2020
Keeping The Coronavirus in Mind
Manage anxiety by using mindfulness to distinguish facts from catastrophic thoughts. Only respond to concerns with real evidence to achieve a measured response.
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April 13, 2020
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania causes repeated urges to pull out your own hair. Learn what triggers pulling, why it's so hard to stop, and strategies that actually help.
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March 7, 2020
The Path to Self Acceptance
REBT promotes Unconditional Self-Acceptance (USA): choose to live happily regardless of your flaws or others' judgment. Instead of rating your worth, only rate your actions based on how they align with your goals.
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January 2, 2020
Positive Clinical Psychology - Part III
P.T. Wong defines four paths to happiness: Hedonic (pleasure), Prudential (engagement), Eudaimonic (meaning), and Chaironic (awe). This helps people find joy even during suffering.
December 26, 2019
Positive Clinical Psychology - Part II
Happiness is defined as Subjective Well-Being, which combines affect balance (more pleasant moments) and life satisfaction (overall positive beliefs). This is subjective, so happiness can exist despite difficult circumstances.
December 16, 2019
Positive Clinical Psychology - Part I
Psychology's original goal was to foster happy, meaningful lives, but post-WWII, it shifted to focusing heavily on treating disorders. The field is now rediscovering its mission to help people thrive, not just survive.
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December 12, 2019
Misophonia: The Hatred of Sound
Do certain sounds — chewing, scraping, breathing — make you furious? You may have misophonia. Learn what causes it, why it gets worse, and how treatment can help.
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November 6, 2019
Participating in Life
Mindfulness has three parts: observe (creates space for choice), describe (labeling thoughts/feelings as what they are), and participate (fully engaging with reality to cope and live).
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September 16, 2019
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness means simply paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice shifts you off autopilot and gives you the choice to respond to reality, not impulses.
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August 20, 2019
Why Should I Get Treatment? ~ Fugen Neziroglu, PhD
For BDD, the issue is psychological, not physical; surgery fails. CBT and medication help by changing negative thoughts and feelings about your appearance to achieve your life goals.
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August 13, 2019
Anxiety, Avoidance, and Self-Sabotage Oh My!
Procrastination, avoidance, and perfectionism often trace back to anxiety. Learn why your brain keeps sabotaging your goals — and how CBT breaks the cycle.
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August 6, 2019
Motivating People with BDD to Participate in Treatment
Treating BDD requires compassion and flexibility. Focus on how the preoccupation negatively impacts life goals, not disputing the perceived flaw.
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July 30, 2019
Motivating Family Members and Friends to Participate in Treatment
Since those with BDD often see the problem as physical, encourage them to seek help by focusing on treating associated depression or anxiety. Be patient, empathetic, and supportive.
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July 23, 2019
Sleep Troubles or Sleep Disorder
Insomnia is difficulty sleeping, often caused by stress and poor habits. The best treatment is CBT-I, which uses techniques like Stimulus Control and Sleep Restriction to develop healthy sleep patterns.
July 9, 2019
Tackling Your OCD ~ Fugen Neziroglu, PH.D
OCD has two parts: obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors). The primary treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which involves gradually confronting fears and preventing compulsions.
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July 6, 2019
What Am I Going To Do with all This Stuff ~ Fugen Neziroglu, Ph.D
Hoarding disorder is the excessive saving of items with distress at parting, cluttering living spaces. It's treated with CBT, which focuses on improving insight and challenging the patient's emotional attachment and beliefs about their possessions.
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July 2, 2019
Do We Really Know What We Look Like? ~ Fugen Neziroglu Ph.D.
BDD is a serious psychological preoccupation with a minor flaw. Since surgery fails, therapy must convince the client to change their thoughts instead of their body. ERP is used to align behavior with client values, leading to reduced anxiety and recovery.
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June 30, 2019
Do You Suspect that a Loved One is Suffering from BDD?
For BDD, watch for excessive checking or avoidance of mirrors, social withdrawal, and intense distress over a perceived flaw. Seek a professional immediately.
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September 23, 2016
How Can I Practice Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is practiced formally (exercises) or informally (daily tasks). A check-in uses senses to focus on the surroundings and internal state, labeling emotions and thoughts without judgment.
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THE HEALING POWER OF VALIDATION
You can experience life again. Let’s take steps together.
At Bio Behavioral Institute, we’re here to be your team and get you back to the life you deserve. Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more meaningful life.
Call our office at 516-487-7116 or complete the form to schedule your consultation.