We talk about supporting teens through social struggles, clean up West Hollywood, and learn about coffin-lying.
A Letter From Our Founder
Dear reader,
I am writing to you from a hotel bed, while on a trip to visit family. These trips usually serve as a reset button for me. I really value opportunities to be more present with my kids, who it seems I hardly see when we are in the motions of everyday life. But this trip has been something different. My grandmother, truly my favorite person in the world, has reached an incredible 97 years old, and I can’t believe our luck for having her with us this long. And the years have taken a toll on her, which I hadn’t really understood, only seeing her every few years. We speak when we can, but now I understand that her memory is mostly gone, and it has been painful to witness. Between that, the relentless heat, and the relentless mosquitoes (I am quite literally covered in bites), for once, I am ready to go home.
One silver lining of our trip has been spending time with teen relatives. I have an 18-year-old cousin and a 16-year-old cousin, both of whom I love dearly and have been worried about for distinctly different reasons. One rebelled in ways that terrified her parents, and that I understood too well (they reflected my own rebellions), but that worried me too. And the other, always shy, had seemed far too reserved when I last saw her. I have been quietly wondering how they have been since seeing them two years ago, and having the chance to connect with them again has been uplifting. The one who was rebelling seems to have found her rhythm. She is still out late, but now it’s because of a part-time catering job. She can be out in the world without being as at risk, and she seems to have gained some perspective that is serving her well. And the other, still shy, has a few close friends she connects with daily. She makes art, makes music, reads, and laughs. It’s hard to have teens really open up, especially when you’re only in their lives for a few days, but I am hopeful that they are both in a better place than when I last saw them.
These two have been on my mind as I’ve been working on this month’s article. It’s about how to tell if your teen is struggling socially and when it might be time to get some support. I hope it’s useful whether you’re a parent quietly wondering, or someone who remembers being the teenager that adults were quietly wondering about.
As always, if you’re looking for support, we’re here. You can reach us at info@takeroottherapy.com or call or text (323) 388-5578.
With care,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
How to Tell If Your Teen Is Struggling Socially (Not Just Being a Teenager)
Most of us can remember struggling through adolescence, and those are definitely years that I am glad to have survived and left behind. When I was in high school, my parents were struggling financially, my father was in poor health, and my family was seemingly always in crisis. I was confused about my sexuality and my classes felt impossible. It all hit me, and hard, but I was meant to be the self-sufficient one, so I rebelled and self-medicated…
How to Help
West Hollywood Trash Pickup With Farm Cup!
Join us for a fun clean-up volunteer event. Let’s meet up to keep the streets of our beautiful city clean. All materials provided.
This in-person event is great way to give back and connect with fellow residents. No need to bring supplies—we provide gloves, trash bags and trash grabber tools.
Join the West Hollywood chapter of Volunteers Cleaning Communities to keep the streets of our beautiful city clean! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a positive impact.
Afterwards, every volunteer can receive a free beverage from Farm Cup to celebrate a job well done. See you there!
10:00 AM: Kickoff at Farm Cup Coffee (Grab your supplies & meet your team!)
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM: Neighborhood Cleanup (We’ll head out in small groups to collect trash.)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Coffee Social (Grab a drink, chat with the team, and share the most interesting or bizarre thing you discovered on the streets.)
WHEN:
Saturday, August 8th
10 AM – 12 PM
WHERE:
Farm Cup Coffee
7748 Santa Monica Blvd.
VFD – Volunteers Fighting Despair
Power to the people beyond good and evil.
For the third meeting of VFD, we will meditate upon the Abyss Nietzsche warned us not to eye too closely.
Perhaps there is more to you than you realize. So, what settles your racing heart when you catch yourself staring into Polyphemus’ cave?
August 23rd is marked by UNESCO as a day of rememberance for those who suffered through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. To honor them, we will explore the oldest neighborhood in Los Angeles: Olivera Street. This time, our Litter Walk will lead us to the Social Justice Museum. As we walk, we will discuss what the Void’s song must have sounded like to those poor souls trapped in slave ships. What emotional tools may we build that are rubust enough to carry with us into exile and propel us out of tragedy?
Look for the man in the pink shirt. Vinyl gloves, Fruit, and Disposable bags will be provided for all participants.
WHEN:
Saturday, August 23rd
10:30 AM- 12 PM
WHERE:
Los Angeles Plaza Park
125 Paseo de la Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Community Events
Sound bath on the Sand – Venice Beach: donation-based & open to all!
I’m hosting a series of sound baths on Venice Beach in July & August! Donation-based, open to all. Come enjoy the sun, sand, sound & ground!
Sun, Sand, Sound & Ground ☀️
The beach is calling! I’m so excited to be hosting a series of donation-based summer sound baths between July & August!
Sound baths are great for stress, grounding, and just getting out of your head for an hour. Outside by the ocean makes it even better.
✨ RSVP required
🙏🏼 Donation based — open to everyone.
$20 suggested but give what you’re able.
Botanical refreshments provided by @DrinkEverflora — sip something good for you while you soak in the sounds!
Stay after for even more good energy: join @itsbiggerthanus_ for their monthly beach community cleanup, running until 11 AM, followed by Second Saturday activities with the Venice Beach Pier Association. Sign up to volunteer: ibtu.la/events
What to bring:
An open mind. A yoga mat or towel. SPF & sun protection. Your suit — make it a full beach day!
Spread the word! Invite your friends — I hope you’ll join.
Have questions? Reach out to me at soundsbyci@gmail.com
WHEN:
Saturday, August 8th
9AM
Sunday, August 30th
6:30PM
WHERE:
Venice Beach Pier (left of the pier!)
Dog Adoption & Fundraiser with Maison Sure Foundation
Join us for a fun filled day of dogs and community in the Tansy garden!
🐶 Dog Adoption & Fundraiser with Maison Sûre Foundation 🐾
Join us for a heartwarming afternoon in the Tansy garden, where community, compassion, and adorable pups come together! We’re partnering with Maison Sûre Foundation for a special dog adoption event and fundraiser—and you’re invited.
✨ Stroll through our peaceful garden space, shop from local vendors, and meet adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. Whether you’re ready to welcome a new four-legged friend or simply want to support a meaningful cause, there’s something for everyone.
About Maison Sûre Foundation:Maison Sûre is a nonprofit dedicated to saving animals at risk of euthanasia, abandonment, or surrender. Their work goes beyond basic care—each animal receives:
-Life-saving medical treatment, including emergency surgeries and specialty care
-One-on-one behavioral support with trainers and behaviorists
-Safe, nurturing foster placements for healing and decompression
Their mission: to give every animal the care they need, the stability they deserve, and a true second chance—no matter how complex the case.
🐾 Open your heart and home—adopt, donate, or simply show up to support. Every act of kindness helps change a life.
RSVP today or just show up!
WHEN:
Saturday, August 8
12 – 2 PM
WHERE:
Tansy
2120 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506
Featured Publications
Real People Who Met Their BFFs As Adults Share The Secret To How They Did It
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
The Meditative Japanese Practice of Coffin-Lying Boosts Relaxation
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
Katie Miller Just Slammed Therapy In A Bizarre Roman Empire-Related Post
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie