Originally published October 22, 2015 Self-Injury can be an overwhelming and confusing issue for those of us who work with children and adolescents who engage in this behavior. It is a scary behavior and one that is hard to wrap our minds around. Here are some tips on what to do, or not do, if/when… Continue reading Self-Injury: Productive Tips for a Destructive Behavior
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“Atypical”: A Discussion of the Disparagement
I’ve been watching the series Atypical over the last week, and I’ve also been reading many of the criticisms written. If you haven’t checked it out, it’s about Sam Gardner, who has Autism; likely level 1 (what used to be called Asperger’s). The show centers on Sam, who is 18 and wants to start dating,… Continue reading “Atypical”: A Discussion of the Disparagement
Inaccurate Impressions: Taking a Look at Unhelpful Thinking Styles
Throughout my career, I've almost exclusively worked with clients using a variety of techniques associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); specifically developing an awareness of cognitive distortions. At its core, CBT is rooted within the model that an individual's perception or thought about an event is what triggers a response or reaction rather than the… Continue reading Inaccurate Impressions: Taking a Look at Unhelpful Thinking Styles
5 Reasons Why: One Clinical Perspective on Why Viewing “13 Reasons Why” Should be Done with Caution
Working with children and adolescents has allowed me to keep my fingers on the pulse of what's trending for youth in pop culture. So when a few of my adolescent clients started referencing the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, at the end of March, I felt compelled to watch it, so I could #1) have an… Continue reading 5 Reasons Why: One Clinical Perspective on Why Viewing “13 Reasons Why” Should be Done with Caution
Resisting the Right Now: My Own 7 Day Journey of Paying Attention to the Present
"Have you ever tried Meditation?" is a question I get asked A LOT by colleagues, friends, and clients. My answer up until recently was always "no" followed by, "there's no time". I am operating my own practice seeing clients 3 days a week and every other Saturday. In addition to that, I work 2 days… Continue reading Resisting the Right Now: My Own 7 Day Journey of Paying Attention to the Present
Gratitude: Get Some
When a new year appears, the idea of implementing positive changes is generally not far behind. Changing our eating habits. Changing our exercise habits. Changing our spending or saving habits. You get the idea. When we are in the planning phase of deciding on changes to make, we often look at our poor choices made and negative… Continue reading Gratitude: Get Some
Hopeless Holidays: 5 Reasons We Might Be Void of Christmas Cheer
Christmas. It's a joyful, happy time for most, but it can also be an incredibly difficult time for many. Sometimes it's hard to wrap our minds around someone NOT sharing in the joy. Many experts will argue that depression seems heightened this time of year. So what is it about the holiday season that makes… Continue reading Hopeless Holidays: 5 Reasons We Might Be Void of Christmas Cheer
Getting Back in the Swing: School, Schedules, & Other Snafus.
A new school year is nipping at our heels, and it's become noticeable. Feeling the pressure rise as school days get closer can be incredibly overwhelming. For everyone. Summer, for many of us, is a time for late bedtimes, vacations, and other fun activities that hopefully don't involve too many math facts or spelling words.… Continue reading Getting Back in the Swing: School, Schedules, & Other Snafus.
Avoid or Address? What to Tell Children When a Caregiver Becomes Incarcerated
Recently, I was following up with a parent who was completely lost regarding an event that took place with her family. Since my last session with her daughter, the other caregiver in the home was placed in jail awaiting arraignment and probably wouldn't be returning home in the near future. "How do I talk to her… Continue reading Avoid or Address? What to Tell Children When a Caregiver Becomes Incarcerated
Self-Care: Perspectives & Confessions of a Self-Indulger
2016. Another new year, another new beginning. With the end of each year, much of our focus turns to the next's set of resolutions. Merrium-Webster defines resolution as the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict (2015). For some the problem is health. For others the problem might be money, a struggle… Continue reading Self-Care: Perspectives & Confessions of a Self-Indulger
Watson Center for Wellness 