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A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

The new year often brings a sense of renewal and motivation to grow and change. I feel this energy myself, noticing a more consistent effort toward my New Year’s intentions. At the same time, meaningful change requires more than accountability and discipline alone; it also calls for softness, self-compassion, and flexibility.

Holding both structure and compassion at once can be challenging. Yet there is a middle ground. One that honors consistency without harshness, and accountability without shame. This balance is essential not only for ourselves, but also for the clients we support.

As you create systems of accountability and goal-setting in your own life, consider asking yourself:

Where do I need to hold myself with greater rigidity, and where can I allow more flexibility and permission?

Make a list separating these two categories. For areas that require rigidity, create a clear system or schedule that supports consistency, along with a simple way to track your progress; whether through calendar reminders, notes to yourself, or check-ins.

For the more flexible areas, prepare statements of compassion you can say aloud if you don’t follow through as planned. Remember, accountability is not just about discipline. It’s also an opportunity to practice loving yourself unconditionally.

— Andrew Tepper
Founder, BODA Therapy

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TOOL OF THE TRADE: ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY

Accountability is becoming an increasingly important part of the work we do with our clients. Tracking metrics like sleep and exercise can be powerful tools as we build supportive habits and begin to let go of unhelpful ones. Nourishing our bodies, getting enough rest, and moving regularly are all foundational to mental well-being. Yet following through on these commitments can be difficult. At times, it is hard to be fully honest with ourselves.

We often set New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions, but sustaining them can be challenging. Over time, responsibilities return, motivation fades, and reasons or excuses begin to take over. A goal like going to the gym twice a week can slowly become once a week, then once every few weeks.

One way to strengthen accountability to ourselves is by choosing an accountability buddy. This might be a friend who shares a similar goal or schedule and can help you stay consistent. Accountability can also make self-care feel more connected and enjoyable. A daily walk can become a standing phone call with a friend. A gym routine can turn into a shared commitment with someone who helps you show up and push yourself.

At BODA, we go beyond conversation. We focus on offering practical tools you can use when things feel difficult. Building better habits takes effort, and having support along the way can make a meaningful difference.

✨ This week, take a few minutes to reflect on where an accountability buddy might support your self-care goals.

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AT’S FINDS

🫂 In this article from Psychology Today, the author discusses the three pivotal connections needed to flourish in life; connection with yourself, others, and nature.

🌀 Joseph Nguyen, NYT bestselling author, joins Rick Rubin for a discussion about his book “Don’t Believe Everything You Think”.

📵 In this New York Magazine article, a New York public school phone ban led to happier, more connected students; lunchrooms buzzed with conversation, kids picked up games and hobbies, and school felt more social once the phones were put away.

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NEW THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT: MAGGIE REAGAN, LMSW

Maggie Reagan is a licensed therapist (LMSW) at BODA Therapy who works with teens, emerging adults, and adults. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe space where clients can explore life transitions, relationships, anxiety, and depression without fear of judgment. Maggie brings together clinical training and lived experience to help clients build resilience and develop practical tools for lasting change.

Maggie earned her Master of Social Work from Binghamton University, where her studies focused on family dynamics, disordered eating, addiction, and the impact of social media on mental health. She is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief support, and psychodynamic therapy, and thoughtfully integrates these modalities to meet each client’s unique needs.

Her areas of focus include navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, and addressing relationship challenges. Maggie is deeply committed to meeting clients where they are and tailoring her work to support each individual’s goals.

Outside of sessions, Maggie enjoys crafting, running, and spending time in Upstate New York with her dog and four chickens.

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CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: ANXIETY TO INDEPENDENCE

We’re highlighting one of our clients whose journey reminds us why meaningful structure and support matter.

Her struggles with anxiety began in high school and intensified in college, despite years of traditional therapy. Short-term relief never turned into lasting change—until she joined BODA’s Accountability Program.

Through a combination of individual therapy, accountability tools, family sessions, and retreat experiences, she found the structure and consistency she needed to build confidence and independence.

Joint sessions with her parents created breakthroughs in communication, teaching the family how to listen, respond, and connect more effectively with each other. Family therapy taught her and her parents how to communicate openly, find common ground, and set healthy boundaries; replacing tension with mutual understanding. Healing extended beyond the individual. Improved communication reshaped her entire household.

“I don’t think I’d be the person I am today without BODA. It really changed my life.”

Read her full story here →

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RESEARCH REPORT FROM BODA THERAPY

BODA Therapy’s new national research report, Disconnected: Teens, Tech & Mental Health,
finds that heavy tech use is contributing to rising anxiety, sadness, and isolation among teens.

According to the survey, 78% of parents say their teen would — or might — benefit from mental-health support, and two-thirds have noticed rising anxiety or sadness over the past year. Parents overwhelmingly point to technology as a key factor, with 68% reporting that screen time has negatively affected their teen’s social or emotional well-being.

81% of parents report their teens very often or sometimes prefer being alone rather than with their peers. And 64% of parents say their teen avoids social situations at least occasionally. The picture this data paints is vivid, isolation is becoming more common and mood symptoms are mainstream for teens.

“Parents aren’t asking for theories — they’re asking for tools,” said Andrew Tepper, founder of BODA Therapy. “This research shows a clear mandate for practical routines that protect sleep, elevate movement, and prioritize real-world connection — ideally in nature.”

The report offers concrete steps families can take to rebalance tech use and rebuild offline confidence, including:

• Flag compulsive use of technology: families and schools should watch for interference with sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. Address triggers and patterns, not just raw minutes of tech use
  

📘 Access the full 8-page report — including data, insights, and actionable recommendations for parents, schools, and youth-serving organizations — here:
https://bodatherapy.com/research-report-2025

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WHAT WE DO

BODA Therapy offers a new approach for preteens, adolescents, young adults, and families. Rooted in accessibility, engagement, and accountability, we facilitate experiential therapy and coaching through familiar, enjoyable activities that extend beyond traditional hour-long office sessions. We provide a structured accountability program to prevent backsliding and reinforce progress. We also design customized 3-to-5-night retreats in the Catskills, blending immersive outdoor experiences with therapy that is dynamic, meaningful, and often enjoyable.

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BODA RETREATS

At BODA, we go beyond the traditional weekly therapy session by creating immersive, nature-based experiences designed to support lasting change.

Our retreats bring participants outside — hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and engaging in meaningful therapeutic work. Why? Because time in nature is more than refreshing—it’s clinically proven to:
✨ Boost mood and focus
✨ Improve short-term memory
✨ Lower stress and PTSD symptoms

These experiences help our participants engage more deeply and build a sustainable blueprint for well-being. BODA retreats are also designed to complement ongoing therapy—not replace it. We work closely with referring clinicians to ensure continuity of care, offering an added layer of support when participants need a reset, more intensive skill-building, or help navigating a challenging period.

Upcoming Retreat Dates 2026:

• February 17 — 20
  
• March 18 — 22
  
• March 30 — April 4
  
• April 21 — 24
  
• May 5 — 8
  
• May 29 — 31
  
• June 5 — 11
  
• June 25 — 28
  
• July 9 — 15
  
• July 20 — 23
  
• August 17 — 23
  

If you know someone who could benefit from a BODA retreat this fall or winter, email us at info@bodatherapy.com or schedule a phone call with our founder, Andrew Tepper via Calendly:
https://calendly.com/atepper-bodatherapy/new-meeting

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IN THE NEWS

🌿 BODA Therapy and Andrew Tepper featured on Parents.com! Another day, another new social media trend that is going viral. But it’s important parents don’t simply write off what’s being called the “flip the phone challenge”.

🌿 BODA Therapy featured in CNBC! Andrew Tepper shared his perspective on Character.AI’s decision to ban users under 18 from open-ended chatbot conversations, highlighting the risks of AI companions replacing real human connection for teens.

🌿 BODA Therapy was featured in The New York Times! The article highlights founder Andrew Tepper’s unique use of outdoor activities—like hiking, skiing, and campfire cooking—to help young participants connect more openly in therapy by making it feel natural, active, and personal.

🌿 BODA Therapy featured on NBC News Now! The segment showcases founder Andrew Tepper guiding NBC's Dr. Syal through an outdoor session—hiking, skiing, and sitting around a campfire—as a live example of how ditching the office makes therapy feel more natural, active, and resonant for participants.