Reframing Negative Self-Talk

Did you know your brain has a negativity bias? That’s right. Your brain is actually wired to see negative context first and you have to work extra hard to think positively. In some ways, this is a strength because it allows us to best protect ourselves against danger. Although, it can also contribute to a lot of the pain, anger, and burnout we experience in our jobs, our relationships, and other parts of our lives. The good news is that we can change the neurochemistry of our brains by consistently practicing new ways of thinking.

Helping Children Cope With Grief

It was 20 years ago this month that my grandfather passed away. This was my first experience with death and the dying process. I was 12 years old, and I still remember the feelings I felt to the news that he passed away… extreme sadness, shock, anger, worry, confusion, etc. Those are a lot of feelings for any child to experience all at once.

Play Therapy and Child Mental Health

Has your child ever sat down on the couch to discuss their feelings and concerns with you? Most likely, the answer is no. Many children do not have the verbal capability to do so, however, children can communicate their concerns and feelings through play. Play is a child’s language. Children can learn and develop through play, but children can express themselves and relieve anxiety and stress as well.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection. Two words that can seem intriguing, complex, and daunting when put together. Self-reflection is the act of “meditating or thinking about one’s character, actions, and motives”(Webster Dictionary). Reflection allows for growth.

Bibliotherapy-Family Changes

Bibliotherapy is a creative art therapeutic approach that uses literature to aid in the therapy process. Children’s books can be an excellent clinical tool to support children’s exploration and understanding of their world and life experiences. This is a great tool I often give to parents in order to continue the therapeutic work outside of the office.

Self-Regulation Activities for Kids

During these tough times, it can be hard for anyone to self-regulate, but especially children. You may have a child who has a ton of energy, so it’s been difficult for your child to burn it all off with staying at home. You may have a child who has been struggling to focus on school work with having to learn online. You may also have a child who struggles with regulating their feelings. How is a child supposed to learn how to regulate?

Parenting During a Pandemic

Now being in almost week seven of quarantine, who wishes there was a book on parenting during a pandemic?? This is all not normal, but it is our new normal for now. I know limiting screen time has gone out the window in many households, so parents can have a break or work from home.

How To Talk With Your Children About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Chances are your children have heard about the coronavirus somehow, whether they overheard it on the news, they heard about it from other children, or they overheard adults talking about it. When adults present anxiety about the coronavirus, children will definitely pick up on the anxiety.

Why Are Social Skills Important For Children?

Did you know that children start learning social skills from the time they are born? They learn to interact with their caregivers with eye contact or facial expressions. Children will continue to learn age appropriate social skills as they grow and develop, however; if a child is diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, or autism for example, this can be more challenging to develop on their own.

Understanding Attachments

You may have heard of attachment theory before and if you’ve ever had a general psychology class, you may be aware of the infamous Bowlby and Ainsworth experiments. For those of us that are newer to the theory, no worries. This blog will give a basic understanding of attachment styles and how they impact our relationships.

Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

You start working with a new therapist and she says that she will be utilizing TBRI with your child. What exactly does she mean? TBRI or Trust Based Relational Intervention was developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. It is a holistic, evidence based, and developmentally respectful practice that meets the needs of the whole child (Atchley, 2019).

Co- regulation: what does it mean?

Self- regulation is foundational in fostering wellbeing across the lifespan and it begins with childhood. Have you ever witnessed an adult who “blows up” or becomes mute when adverse situations occur? Me too. Adults who exhibit these behaviors were once children who were never taught emotion regulation skills. So, one may be asking, “how do I teach my children self-regulation”? It begins with co-regulation.

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