Mission Connection is proud to share that Ashley Peña was featured in the article, Do People Form Attachment Bonds With AI Chatbots? Ashley Peña on Loneliness, Bias, and Safeguards. The piece explores the growing relationship between artificial intelligence and mental health, examining why some people develop emotional connections with AI chatbots. Ashley discusses how loneliness, […]

Mission Connection national executive director Ashley Peña is featured in Real Simple’s look at how laughter affects the mind and body. The article explores why laughter can ease emotional tension, support social connection, and create physical changes that help people feel more balanced. Peña explains that laughter can help shift the nervous system away from

Mission Connection national executive director Ashley Peña is featured in Real Simple’s coverage of simple sensory pleasures, which examines how small, intentional moments can support calm and make an ordinary day feel more meaningful. The article highlights accessible experiences such as comforting touch, appealing scents, and time in nature. Peña explains that noticing these moments

We’re pleased to share that Mission Connection and Ashley Peña were featured in the article “OCD and Autism: Understanding the Differences, Overlaps, and Support Options” on Prosper Health’s blog.  In the article, Ashley discusses how Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can share traits—such as repetitive routines—but stem from different underlying causes. She

Ashley Peña of Mission Connection was recently featured in POPSUGAR’s thoughtful piece titled Is It Ever OK to Share a Therapist With a Family Member? In the article, Ashley explores the emotional and ethical complexities of shared therapy relationships, offering insight into when it might be appropriate—and when it could be problematic. She emphasizes the

We are excited to share that Mission Connection and our Executive Director, Ashley Peña, LCSW, were featured in a recent Verywell Mind article titled, How to Tap Into a Growth Mindset and Crush Your Goals. In this insightful piece, Ashley discusses the importance of adopting a growth mindset—a belief that abilities and intelligence can be

We are pleased to share that our Executive Director, Ashley Peña, LCSW, was featured in a recent Men’s Health article titled, Can Dry January Actually Improve Your Health? Experts Explain. In this piece, Ashley offers valuable insights into the benefits of participating in ‘Dry January’—a month-long initiative where individuals abstain from alcohol to reassess their

Mission Connection and Ashley Peña were recently featured in a Forbes Health article titled, “Imposter Syndrome: What It Is, Causes, and How to Overcome It.” The piece explores the psychological effects of imposter syndrome, its root causes, and expert-backed strategies to build confidence and combat self-doubt. At Mission Connection, we recognize the challenges of imposter

Mission Connection and Ashley Peña were recently featured in a Healthline article titled, “Bed Rotting: How TikTok’s New ‘Self-Care’ Trend Can Trigger Depression.” The piece explores the popular trend of spending excessive time in bed for relaxation and self-care, discussing its potential mental health risks, including links to increased depression and social withdrawal. At Mission

Mission Connection and Ashley Peña were recently featured in a WSET segment marking the first anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The discussion explored the hotline’s role in providing immediate mental health support, the challenges it still faces, and how it continues to evolve to meet growing demands. At Mission Connection, we are