Living A Balanced Life When Busy – Is Periodization an Option?  

Living a balanced life is essential for mental health. But, life doesn’t always allow for the type of balance we’d like to achieve. When work or parenting…

Welcome to the Parent in Training Blog. This is What You’ll Find Here. 

I’m Peter Galligan, and I’m a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. My wife is a child therapist and therapy group practice owner. We have a daughter who…

When Trying to Be a Better Parent, What Are We Actually Doing Here? 

My daughter recently had an embarrassing episode in summer music camp. Her tears and negative self-talk at seven were heartbreaking to watch.  How do you handle these…

For Long-Term Progression, Finding Our Why Eventually Must Give Way to Finding Our How

There’s no secret as to why I began powerlifting. My daughter was born with spina bifida and needed more assistance ambulating than kids without disabilities. I wanted…

I Want To Be a Good Parent, but it’s the Playoffs.

We are enjoying a fresh Western Conference Championship for the Colorado Avalanche. I should say that my wife and I are enjoying it. My daughter, on the…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Isn’t Always the Answer

It’s hard to dislike good ol’ CBT, arguably the most well-known and well-studied mental health intervention. Studies have repeatedly validated CBT as an effective treatment for many…

Tolerating Anxiety and Thought Storms

Recognizing distorted or exaggerated thoughts is a paramount skill when tolerating anxiety. However, identifying and labeling when we are compulsively ruminating on a problem doesn’t always mean…

Anxiety: Getting Help When You’re Anxious About Help

As a young adult, I suffered from social anxiety and struggled to complete routine tasks, like calling a plumber or taking my car in for an oil…