On paper, both exposure therapy and relaxation techniques are considered evidence‑based interventions. In practice, however, they serve fundamentally different therapeutic functions. Confusing those functions can stall treatment and inadvertently reinforce the very mechanisms maintaining anxiety. This article is a roadmap for clinical discernment: how to know when to use what intervention.

In recent years, more parents and caregivers have begun asking about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Some families feel the term finally explains their child’s intense reactions to everyday expectations, while others encounter confusion due to conflicting information and strong opinions surrounding the label.

The start of a new year often brings a renewed sense of motivation—and, for many therapists, a familiar tension between aspiration and burnout. We encourage our clients to set meaningful goals, yet we often struggle to create realistic, sustainable goals for ourselves. Between packed caseloads, documentation demands, emotional labor, and personal responsibilities, “do more” goals can quickly become overwhelming.

The 2x10 Relationship Building intervention is a simple, intentional strategy for strengthening relationships between an adult (teacher, counselor, clinician, or other staff) and a student. The core practice: pick a student and commit to having a 2-minute conversation with them every school day for 10 consecutive days.