Here’s something I know from experience, and you probably know it as well, growth and healing require discomfort, sometimes even pain. Whether it’s a new tooth, pointing out how someone has hurt you, or going to therapy, the process is uncomfortable at times. I also know that we often avoid discomfort, and children are no […]
As we approach Valentine’s Day, I want to encourage intentionality with respect to how we teach and model masculinity to the younger generation of men. Masculinity continues to be associated with traits like toughness, independence, stoicism, and control. Unfortunately, these traits are also defined in a way that leads to disconnection from others, coercive power, […]
We have lots of relationships, mostly with people. But we also have relationships with things, habits, thoughts, and emotions. Like all relationships, they can have varying levels of health. I like to believe I have a healthier relationship with my self-esteem than I did in high school. I am better at not basing my self-esteem […]
My daughter recently informed me that you have to deal with itchy feet before you fly. Granted, we were about to go on Soarin’, a Disney World ride, and she didn’t want to drop her shoe while itching her feet 20-feet off the ground, but I think she was on to something bigger. You see, […]
I work with children; therefore I also work with parents. Often, because of the realities of work schedules and managing multiple responsibilities in a family, only one parent comes to a session at a time. And that’s ok, but for those parents not in the room, I want you to understand the many ways in […]
When children repeatedly refuse to go to school there can be a variety of causes and ripple effects for the individual and family. Resolving school refusal is not as simple as “just get them in the building,” and interventions should involve multiple groups of people working together. School refusal can stem from anxiety about separating […]
Group therapy provides a unique opportunity for participants to connect with other people who are experiencing something similar. This affords participants the chance to develop empathy, to receive and give support, and to feel less alone in areas of struggle. Yet, group therapy can also be anxiety provoking. The risk of being known more fully […]
Being a psychologist who works with kids, people assume that I am an expert at parenting. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. I have my own weaknesses, and parenting is really hard sometimes. One of the biggest lessons I have tried to apply to my parenting is something that use regularly when working to improve emotion […]
Children and adults often struggle with whether to inform other people about their mental health. Many people want to keep their mental health struggles a secret from other family members, even when those family members are being affected by these difficulties and may suspect a problem. They fear stigma, disconnection, and shame. Yet, many people […]
When talking about transitions and school, we often think about getting back into the school routine. However, transitioning out of school for the summer can also be an important process to do with intentionality. Since the end of August 2017, your daughter or son has been regularly connected to a defined group of people, including […]