On self-care, breathing and living life

Everyday we encounter challenges. Many have traumatic experiences that make them feel numb, useless and inadequate. She of us just are trying to make it through the day without a panic attack. When I tell my clients to embrace self-care what exactly am I envisioning? Well...let's talk about it. Self-care means what you want it to. Sound too simple? I bet. Self-care means taking care of you. Since we are all different that proper definition might just come have to come from the recipient. Some people love bubble baths...I prefer a very hot shower with music in the background and all kinds of spa like masques near by. You see my point? Self-care is up to you. The list can go on and on...the most important list when it comes to self-care is to schedule it in. Yes. make it happen. Do it. Today. What can you do today? Play basketball? Knit? read? Watch a movie? It does not matter...but make it work for you today. Take a breath, do a self-care activity and live because although the next challenge may be around the corner the next self-care activity can help you get through it.

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 #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.

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.