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.

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 Are they withdrawn?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?

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.

SENSORY SENSATIONS

Self-care is one of the first things that gets taken off of the list when people tend to be stressed. My suggestion? Do something easy and quick to spark your senses. A couple of ideas? SENSORY To calm your mind, focus on the sensations around you—sights, smells, sounds, tastes, touch… The present moment can give you a much needed vacation from your worries. A textured blanket can be great to snuggle under while getting computer tasks accomplished. Even the noise from a running faucet or the sound of rain can be true music to our ears. The season is ripe for fireplaces and if you do not have one-go to a nearby coffee shop and watch there fireplace while you feed your taste buds coffee, cider, tea or a beverage of choice. However you decide to treat yourself give your senses full rein and allow them to take part in the process. Would you benefit from a self-care regimen? Email our office at info@taramichener.com Scheduling an appointment to gain insight, techniques and tools can allow you to live a life with self-care strategies that work for you.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH…OF FRESH AIR

Sometimes it is hard to create a perfect self care routine. Many challenges face us all each day and obligations are priority. It happens to be the perfect season to step outside if you only have a quick moment to breath in the air. Sometimes a breath of fresh air can bring fresh perspective. Our practice is offering a P.O.W. series for the Fall & Winter months. Pursuit Of Wellness groups can help attendees to find the best self-care regimen for a healthy mindset. Need more info? Email Michener Associates Counseling Center at: info@taramichener.com

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.