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.
Oh Halloween, a time normally characterized by people of all ages dressing up as princesses, superheroes, or sexy nurses. In 2020, your plans for Halloween may be different. Maybe you are having a zoom party, or having a small gathering with friends, or maybe you have found a way to keep your traditions alive in your own, unique way. Whether or not you are dressing up in a costume this year for Halloween, I want to ask you this question:
There is a strong correlation between self-esteem and having the ability to communicate your needs and opinions. When your self-esteem is low, you avoid speaking up for yourself because the possibility of judgment from others is much scarier than coping with the situation on your own. You are constantly looking for validation from your peers and avoid opportunities for rejection at all costs. Unhealthy self-esteem is also linked with distorted thinking that makes you feel like your needs are less important than others’ needs, so it is common to convince yourself not to set boundaries. If you are unsure where your self-esteem falls on the spectrum, try reading the statements below to determine which category resonates with you the most.
This confusion is a fairly common start to a conversation about EMDR. The acronym is a bit lengthy and the full name is a mouthful! EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Whew! Try saying that five times fast!
Is how much time my teen plays video games a problem? Should I limit how long my kids have access to their XBOX? Do I need to buy them a top gaming PC? Is my son addicted to video games? Why are kids these days so obsessed with gaming?
Children face many obstacles as they grow such as school challenges, social issues, bullying, life transitions, etc. Each of these can rock one’s world that can lead to heightened anxiety or depression. All too often our child’s wellbeing is only associated with physical health while mental health and anxiety are overlooked. If your child was physically injured or sick, you would bring them to the doctor. If your child was failing a class, you would get them tutoring.
As parents, we are often looking for ways to provide our children with resources, support, and care. Perhaps, you’ve noticed your teen would benefit from speaking with a therapist and you’re unsure of how to approach the conversation with them. In all my years in the mental health field, I have seen parents take one of two approaches, forgoing the conversation and bringing the teen to therapy without their knowledge, or preparing the teen for the first counseling appointment. I
Our current reality is undoubtedly challenging in one way or another. Thank you, 2020 for pushing our limits... and our buttons. It can be mentally and emotionally exhausting to read or listen to the news on a regular basis, and more so if you tend to obsess. With so many news outlets at our fingertips, it’s easy to spend hours on end in the rabbit hole. That’s why we talk about limiting your news intake – to help protect your mental and emotional health. Find out what you need to know, but don’t bury yourself in it.
he Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is a metaphor describing the end of times in the New Testament. Relationship experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, use this metaphor to describe communication styles that often predict the end of a relationship. Through four decades of research, working with more than 3,000 couples, the Gottmans have also created a series of antidotes to battle the four horsemen.
I have given 2020 many names, but my latest is “a year of reflection.” We have found ways to navigate what originally seemed like impossible circumstances. We have dealt with overwhelming emotions and goals that were not forecasted in our New Year’s resolutions. While it is important to grieve the loss of so many experiences that were unable to continue, it is also helpful to use this time as an opportunity to reflect and grow.
When you look back on your teenage years, do you have memories of confidence, fun, happiness, and connection? Yes? Well lucky you! For most, the teenage years are a pretty rough time riddled with conflict and shame. There is always conflict with parents who are trying to do their best, with friends who are doing whatever it takes to survive, and within our inner selves as we begin the journey of figuring out who we are and what this life is really all about.
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.
