Have you ever found yourself wondering why you responded to a situation the way you did? Yes? Me too. I would even argue that I do it weekly but to various extents. Some incidents require more cognitive processing to understand why I might have said something I didn’t mean to say, or why I felt like I was being misunderstood.

Consider the following scenarios. You are trying to get out the door in the morning, already running ten minutes late, and your preschooler refuses to put on his shoes. Bedtime is fast-approaching and your second grader refuses to take a shower and brush her teeth. It’s time to leave for an appointment and your middle schooler won’t turn off the TV. 

I saw the lava on the floor, bubbling and hurling its molting hot liquid from the couch to the coffee table. I could not let it touch me. I pedaled as quickly as my legs let me before taking my hands off the handles to feel the wind rush past me. I needed to fly. I climbed as high as I could on the tree to see how far my enemy’s ship was. I grabbed the broken branch, pointed in no direction, and yelled, “Arrrrrgh!!” I defended my crew.

Whether or not you have children or work as a teacher, without a doubt you are privy to the current struggles and challenges related to the rapidly approaching school year. As the mother of four young children, my husband and I have spent a lot of time lately considering our options, attempting to arrive at […]

For most of us, it has been more than six weeks of practicing social distancing.  Six weeks of learning a new normal, of experiencing the missed events and connections, and of coping with drastic, unexpected changes in our lives.   As we have learned to navigate our current reality as adults, we also have the […]

In simple terms, mindfulness is being focused on the present moment and yes, kids can learn how to implement mindfulness into their daily lives.  Mindfulness is a learned skill that can be taught.  Parents can educate children on what mindfulness is and what it looks like by speaking about it as well as modeling mindfulness […]

Attention all parents!  Feeling stressed during this difficult time?  The struggle is real!  You are not alone.  Here are 5 things to consider that will keep you on the path to a healthier, happier experience as you journey through this time filled with the stressors of COVID-19.   Don’t Forget About You When we think […]

Sand tray therapy is a treatment modality that is used concurrently with most kinds of therapies. It is most beneficial when working with children, couples, and individuals that have experienced trauma. The elements of the sand tray process are therapeutic because they promote communication, play, and  relationship. The Elements of Sand Tray There are seven […]

The practice of play therapy dates back to the early 1900’s.  Almost every theoretical orientation such as Adlerian, Jungian, Gestalt, Behavioral, and Cognitive has a play therapy component.  Child centered play therapy is the most popular form of play therapy. This provides a safe and non-judgmental space for a child to express themselves with creative […]