Support School Counselors During National School Counseling Week
Minnesota’s school counselor to student ratio was one of the worst in the nation at 1 counselor per 734 students.
Adulting is Hard: The “Sunday Scaries”
Friday is here and the work or school week is wrapping up. TGIF. Many people, especially those who have a typical 9-5 schedule look forward to having two days off. It can bring an immediate sense of relief, and opportunity to “be off” and relax from feelings of pressure and responsibility.. Saturday is over before you know it, Sunday is here. As they day progresses, you notice feelings of anxiety that become more intense throughout the day accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread. “I don’t want to go back to work or school already!” It can be described like an anticipatory anxiety, focused on the negative which can send the body into a fight-or-flight-response. The thought along of returning to work or school can feel terrifying.
First Time in Therapy
If you are considering therapy for the first time, good for you! I am excited that you are contemplating therapy as your next step for the New Year. Seeking therapy for the first time is an important decision and there are some important things to take into consideration. Consider what you are seeking from a mental health provider. When it comes to mental health, you do not need to go through difficult times alone. Therapists comes from a variety of educational backgrounds, range in clinical experience and licensure, vary in theoretical orientations, approaches, and specialty.
How to Talk to your Kids About School Violence
Social media rumors, including “challenges” that encourage acts of defiance or violence, and the fear of school shootings recently had children, parents, and law enforcement supports on high-alert in response to a tiktok-school-threat warning. This warning was dismissed as not credible; however, many still feeling emotionally unsettled. Depression, anxiety, and responses such as fear impact can result from school violence and impact mental health. In 2021 alone, it was estimated that there were 149 incidents of gunfire-on-school-grounds, 32 deaths, and 94 injuries nationwide.
Who needs a little extra tender loving care during the holiday season?
Can you think of something who is a bit “pricky”? Maybe their attitude is not very attractive. Perhaps they have been hurting, holding on to bitterness and in turn, pushing away family and friends. Try showing unconditional-positive-regard to demonstrate love and acceptance while also holding onto your own boundaries.
Communication in Therapy
How have your observations of others’ behavior shaped your current ways of interacting? When one observes behavior and then imitates the behavior, they are modeling the behavior. Albert Bandura, a well-known social cognitive psychologist suggests that observation and modeling are primary aspects of social learning.
Emotions are Contagious
You cannot “catch” mental illness like you can catch the flu, but emotions and the flu have one thing in common. They are both contagious! As I think about significant relationships that have been part of my life, I am drawn to those who bring out the best in me. It feels good to be around others who are happy and positive.
First Time & Therapy
When it is your first time doing something, there are a lot of unknowns. The unknowns can create discomfort and anxiety. Once someone becomes familiar, it can start to feel more comfortable. New relationships can bring up many different emotions and meeting with a therapist is no exception. If you are considering therapy, keep reading…
Childhood Mental Health
Childhood mental health concerns have been on the rise over the last 10 years but significantly increased since 2020. Stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequality have only exacerbated underlying mental health concerns in our youngest patients.
What is Your Apology Language?
Dr. Gray Chapman, author of the 5 Love Languages now has a tool to help you discover your Apology Language.
Just like we have a preferred way of giving and receiving love, it makes sense that that we also have a preferred way of repairing ruptures in relationships through apology.
