Mentally ready and in season

Seasons can be interesting when we look at mental health and wellness. Some people are inspired by holiday tunes signaling a future snowfall and some get quite sad when the fluffy white stuff obstructs their walkway. Here are some good ideas to think about to take care of your wellness in and out of season. Start the day with something that makes you smile! Do you have a joke book? Devotional? journal? something that can set up a healthy morning routine? If not try it out. Even a joyful affirmation on you bathroom mirror might remind you that snow or blaring sunshine is only temporary but you are you forever and that is a good thing. A bunch of roses in a vase or a cute photo of a treasured niece or nephew on your desk might remind you of being light-hearted and of creativity. Whatever it is that can make you smile save it for days when the weather is not in your favor. Write a list and keep it close so that you can implement these tips into days when the thunder is crashing or the wind is knocking your power out. BE WELL!

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.

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!

Transition and change

How do you do with change? Has transition caused a drain on your perspective? The old adage says the only thing contact is change. Do you have any go-to strategies for dealing with unexpected change? The best way to start is to begin before the change hits. Anticipate what gears will shift and plan for them. You may find that great opportunity will come with preparation. Grab a note pad and jot down the things that may take a turn and just how you anticipate handling them. If you need more assistance-seek help from a trusted friend or a mental health professional to aid you in your time of change.

Environmental Awareness

I find that when I am surrounded by productivity and positivity I can't help but to resemble my surroundings. I also fid that when I am in a negative environment that rubs off too. You are susceptible to what you expose yourself to. If yoga re able to it can be worth it to choose spaces and places that make you happy. Talk to people that share smiles and share some yourself as well. We can have a brighter day and future by being in the right place at the right time. If you are not able to determine your surroundings bring a little but of sunshine with you. A mug for your coffee that makes you happy. A book for your lunch break that you enjoy. Take a walk or pop in some earbuds for a motivational podcast and/or great tunes. Do you want to work on being more positive? Or setting up a routine that allows you to overcome negativity? Let me know-Michener Associates offers counseling on a variety of topics and we would be happy to offer a consultation to get you on track to meet your goals.

Fresh Air can bring fresh thoughts

In my state we have had our fair share of snow. Every season can bring forth great progress but I am glad that today it is sunny and the white stuff is melting. The forecast is warning us that it is not over. I decided that if that is true-I will enjoy today. I will bask in the fact that I can walk in today's puddles that might become tomorrow's ice. So I did. I took a break from paperwork, research and client files and I put on my sneakers. I put off the pending manuscript and I tied my laces. I said to myself that the filing and organizing could wait and I stuck earbuds in my ears. I loved every bit of it. I took a two hour walk. I smiled, I had a chance to catch my breath and I let my thoughts flow. I appreciated the time to myself and with nature. We can't always have sunny days in March but when we do-we have to take advantage of them if we can. Can you take a walk today or just step outside and breath in the fresh air? It might make a difference.

Unload and Unleash

Sometimes it is necessary to get rid of baggage. Clutter comes in all forms. You might have things around your home that you don't use anymore that is crowding out your peace of mind. You may have baggage inside of your heart or your mind that is doing the same. Take some time to go through unwanted items in your home once a week. Even if it is just 30 minutes it could make a big difference. You could donate your items to a number of local non-profits that could use your unwanted treasures for the good of those in need. For the space in your head and/or in your heart. Get a journal. A easel or your preferred method of creative outlet and blurt out your feelings on paper. Release your fears, dreams and anxieties in your own special way. This also could help if it is a weekly occurrence. If you need to talk to someone find a therapist that you trust to share your load with. YOu are not alone and don't have to carry your own burdens.

Take my breath away...

How often do you get overwhelmed? Anxious? Stressed? Do you ever feel out of control? Try taking a deep breath. Calmly close your eyes. Think of something that makes you happy or at peace and focus on that mental picture. Exhale in. Exhale out. Repeat this until you feel better. It is not a miracle cure but it might make you feel like you are more in control and allow you the clarity to deal with the emotions that you are experiencing at the present moment with a clear head. Remember that a therapist can always be of help if you need to get a handle on the hard stuff and that this blog is not intended to treat any medical or mental condition.

Self-care Saturdays

What is one thing that you can do to take care of yourself today? Just one. I don't want you to write a list because that will turn into a project. Projects are not bad-but they are not considered self-care. Did you think of one thing? Awesome. Do it! No matter what-make it happen. We have 24 hours in one day. It is okay if you use a fraction of it for you. When you give yourself time to take a walk, a nap or even a minute to indulge in a non-work related magazine you give yourself permission to be cared for. You deserve it! Feel free to share your self-care Saturday experience with us in the comments!

If you have only 1 minute we have thoughts

Welcome to my Mental Health blog! I'm Tara. I wear many hats in my career. I am an author, advocate, entrepreneur and contributing journalist for various publications. The hat that I am very proud of is my role as a private practice therapist. I am able to listen to amazing clients and help them through their personal journey to mental wellness and I consider this a blessing. This blog will be a place for my thoughts, ideas, resources and special events and offerings going on at my practice. It will also be a place for you to take a quick break during the day and get some fresh insight on a variety of topics in relation to mental health. Thanks for stopping by!