Preparing your child for therapy tip #6

6) Hire a therapist that has a specialty in child and adolescent modalities.

It is important that your child enters this new journey with a therapist that is familiar with treating children. It is not enough for them to decide that they will take on your special case-be sure that they typically treat this population. What does this mean? It means that they understand current trends, pop-culture amongst this population and generally like children and teens. It is an added burden for a kid or teen to explain generational differences to their therapist. A good counselor for kids or teens needs to care about current events when it comes to young people.

Preparing your child for therapy tip #5

5) Find books and resources for children about therapy.

Information is power. If a child has resources at their disposal they are apt to feel more comfortable with the process. Resources can include podcasts, blogs, children’s books, magazines and more. Some therapists might offer workshops and lunch & learn opportunities for families. Be sure to ask if your clinician has any suggestions.

Preparing your child for therapy Tip #4

4) Listen to their concerns.

What makes this process scary for your kid? Are they nervous about meeting a stranger to talk to? Are they embarrassed? Ask them. Hear their fears and don’t worry about reassuring them right away. You need to know what they think about the idea of therapy and if they share specifics it is important to understand their concerns. When parents listen they become a great model and example of one of the biggest benefits of therapy.

Preparing your child for therapy Tip #3

3) Explain the therapy process.

Talk to your child about the specific therapy that they will be receiving. If it is play therapy for example, ask the potential counselor for a fact sheet about his/her practice before your child meets their new practitioner. Research the topic online and try to find Youtube clips or supportive apps that can provide a good explanation to your child about what therapy is. This is also a great time to empower your child to think about what they would want to talk about in their sessions. Many young people feel like they have to keep many thoughts and feelings bottled inside-help them to understand that this is a special time for them to feel free to express their hidden thoughts with someone who wants to listen and help.

How to prepare your child for therapy Tip #2

2) Be honest about your own limitations.

Make sure that your child knows that although you are 100% committed to helping them. It is important that they know that you are dedicated to being there for them. This is a great opportunity to let them know that we all need help sometimes and the best way that you can help them is to bring in a professional who can help the entire family.

How to prepare your child for therapy ( a tip a day)

Are you thinking about taking your child to a therapist? Are you wondering how to begin the process of getting them ready for this new regimen?

Talk to your child about their presenting problem. Is your child being bullied? Are they withdrawn? Another issue? Make an effort to be an open door and to let your child know that you want to be there for them and that you are committed to helping them. Do you know what feelings they are experiencing? Share your own thoughts and feelings with them about going to see someone to help them with their problem. This is the time to be as vulnerable as you can. It will be a great model for them as they are beginning their new regimen. More tips to come!

crack of dawn...or whenever you wake

Did you know that your morning routine sets the stage for your whole day and night? What is your regimen? Do you have one? What is most important to you as soon as you pull the covers back? Do you meditate? stretch? groom? Think about it. Evaluate how it sets your day up for victory or challenges?

No break from bullying prevention...

Many parents have asked me if it is okay to ignore bullying if it happens at summer camp, a soccer league or a monthly craft event. The answer is no. School is not the only place our children are susceptible to being bullied. We have to acknowledge and address bullying in the same way we do when school is in session. Summer gives us a vacation from the regular routine but bits and pieces can still find their ways into our lives. The best way to make sure that our kids are being kind is to show them examples year round. Education on these matters is always important.

Summer Goals

What do you want to work on this summer? Are you determined to change your daily routine? Would you like to see yourself embrace a healthy lifestyle? Are you confused about what to change? Some people want to work on their lives but have no idea where to start. This summer can be a great time to make some specific goals to put into practice. If you need help deciphering your needs I can be your listening ear and help you to find the right solution for yourself.

SAFE SPACE CAMP

Would your pre-teen benefit from having a positive space to talk about their problems? Would it be helpful for them to have a place to get involved in creative activities and discussion that nurtures their mental health? Sign up on the side bar. 5 sessions for $120.

Women's Support Group

This group is designed to include a integrative approach of counseling and coaching for women who are looking to build confidence, esteem and for those who may have relationship problems. Our therapeutic approach is designed to empower and heal. Our new group is beginning in June. Please reserve your spot today by signing up on our side bar panel. 5 WEEK PROGRAM IS $120.

NEW GROUP SIGN UP ( Summer Parenting Circle)

Summer Parenting Circle Therapy Group begins June 27th! This workshop/group is designed to help participants to embrace self-care and support. We focus on creative activities, self-help based discussion, mindfulness and overall mental health. This is your day of the week to relieve stress and to find solutions that can help you cope with parenting in a healthy and solution-focused environment. 5 sessions for $120. Sign up here on the side bar. Have questions? Email: info@taramichener.com or call 734-968-4458

A season to savor

Spring is in the air and summer is on the horizon. Have you decided how you will spend this season? Warm weather brings with it many health benefits. Soaking in the sunshine can be down on the beach, in a park or on a bike ride or walk. Taking time to simply sit outside can motivate careful reflection and an appreciation of the bright days that this time of the year can offer. In the midwest warm weather is not always a given. Have you thought of the best way to take advantage of the sunnier weather? Make a list. Write down all of the things that you can do during the Spring and Summer that can prove challenging during the Fall and winter. After your list is written-start figuring out how to add some of these to your schedule. Enjoy!

Your Mind Matters

Have you ever explored the concept of mindfulness? Simply writing down your thoughts, taking a breath and contemplating your emotions or taking some time to think clearly before proceeding with a decision is a very good start. When we take time to smell the proverbial roses-amazing things can happen. We are in a new season and if you have never considered the benefits of mindfulness before... now may be the time to begin your new season with a new found way to wellness. Something as simple as blowing bubbles can be therapeutic and help you to regulate and control your breathing. Let me know if I can help you on your mental health journey.

Why seeing a counselor makes you rock...

People have challenges. People have emotions. People are typically faced with dealing with other people. There will be times when challenges can motivate us to do better and to be stronger and there are times when challenges can make us feel stuck, alone and miserable. Seeing a counselor can help with goal clarification, emotion regulation and it is healthy to have someone to talk to and someone to listen actively to what needs to be said. A trained clinician is not the same as a friend or family member chat. Talk therapy is a great treatment plan because it is research based and it works. There is never a reason to deny yourself mental health benefits. Today if you feel that this is something that could help you-don't delay. There is no shame in giving it a try.

11 days in...

January 1st has come and gone. This is our first double-digit weekend in 2015. Are you still inspired? Are you working on your goals? Here is a tip if you have a list of goals consider breaking them down in chunks. If your main goal is to be healthy-great. Make sub-goals attached to that main idea of health. Drink eight glasses of water, join a gym, take a walk each day, see a therapist to process emotional baggage that may be stunting your objectives. For a goal like getting healthy-you can always add new approaches to reaching your dream. We are 11 days in. Your goals can be accomplished this year.