Erin Watson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in rural west-central Illinois. She has been asked to write about her own experience and challenges faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and what it's like being a therapist during this unprecedented time. According to Pew researchers, approximately 90% of American adults have indicated that their lives have… Continue reading The Cumulative Changes of COVID-19: A Therapist’s Perspective on a Dual Reality
Author: Erin Watson
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in children and adolescent issues.
Sometimes Sensitivity Sucks
Recently, I've been studying the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and the traits associated. Dr. Elaine Aron, one of the pioneers and leading researchers of high sensitivity has labeled this Sensory Processing Sensitivity, and this is not to be confused with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Shyness, Depression, or any other clinical disorder. What… Continue reading Sometimes Sensitivity Sucks
Rational Responses for Retaining Emotional Regulation
As we welcome in another new year, the talk of resolutions is rampant. Self care seems to be a focus for many as we begin to discover the toll stress can really take. Much of our collective stress can be attributed to how we communicate today. We're living in an era in which we can… Continue reading Rational Responses for Retaining Emotional Regulation
Living Complaint Free
A couple of years ago or so, I stumbled across an article that highlighted Will Bowen’s quest for a complaint free world. This also happens to be the title of his book. I was so intrigued, I bought the book and read it in one morning. Will Bowen, who was a minister in Kansas City,… Continue reading Living Complaint Free
Process & Progress: The Role of Parents in Therapy
Seeking therapy for a child can be a difficult step for parents. While some try to reach out to establish a therapist for their child in a proactive manner (i.e. impending divorce, family member with a terminal illness, etc), some parents reach out in a reactionary manner (i.e. behavior at home or school is adversely… Continue reading Process & Progress: The Role of Parents in Therapy
Momo: Fact or Fiction and Does it Matter?
Recently, we became aware of the Momo Challenge. The story goes that Momo, a creepy and distorted looking being, contacts young children and prompts them via YouTube or the What’sApp Messenger platform to text an unknown number. Once engaged, they are given instructions to complete very strange tasks with the end result, the child hurting… Continue reading Momo: Fact or Fiction and Does it Matter?
You Asked, I Answered
Over the past several years I've been asked the same (or similar) questions about my work as well as questions about therapy and private practice in general. I love fielding these questions because it sends me the message that a client (or potential client) is doing his/her due diligence in seeking therapy, which often means… Continue reading You Asked, I Answered
Reconstructing Resiliency: 5 Steps to Supporting Stressed Out Children
Stressful situations, to an extent, are generally unavoidable and dependent upon what the situation is, can be considered traumatic. We're learning more and more about the effects of trauma; how it directs neurological input, shapes behavior, and how all aspects impact physical and mental health. When stressful and traumatic issues arise, we feel incredibly helpless… Continue reading Reconstructing Resiliency: 5 Steps to Supporting Stressed Out Children
My Open Letter to the Health Underwriting Department of State Farm Insurance
When I transitioned to being 100% self employed, I very much wanted to replace the disability insurance policy I had with my previous employer. I’m known as someone who plans and prepares for things not likely (or never) to happen, but it makes me feel secure. So seeking a policy such as this fit that… Continue reading My Open Letter to the Health Underwriting Department of State Farm Insurance
The Art of Apologizing
For many, apologizing can be a difficult behavior in which to engage, but we all have been there. Showing up late to a meeting, misplacing an item belonging to someone else, or not returning a phone call are pretty typical situations when we might hear an apology expressed. What is the intended purpose of an… Continue reading The Art of Apologizing
Watson Center for Wellness 