by Melissa J. Johnson, Ph.D. “Don’t trust your fears. They don’t know how strong you really are.” ~ Dr. Kate Truitt Turning to face my fear, I meet the warrior who lives within…. Today is Clinical Hypnosis Day! I have incorporated Clinical Hypnosis into my work with adults, children, and teens for over 10 years. Clinical
By Paige Howard, MS, AMFT, APCC and Sushi Frausto, LMFT When in Doubt, Let Them Play It Out! Play is a safe and familiar way kids communicate what they’re thinking and how they’re feeling. While we as adults can say “I’m feeling scared, sad or disappointed,” kids express those feelings through what is most natural
by Melissa J. Johnson, Ph.D. Willing to experience aloneness, I discover connection everywhere….– Jennifer Paine Welwood As I reflect on what Mental Health Awareness Month means in this COVID-19 year, these words have special meaning. “Willing to experience aloneness” – wow, really?!? That’s a tough thing to do in such a lonely and isolating time.
by Melissa J. Johnson, Ph.D. “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher I’ve been seeing a lot of courage these days! I’m guessing you have too. The courage of our health care and other front line
By Sushi Frausto, LMFT Boredom is a natural, common, and unavoidable feeling. Throughout life, we will all be faced with moments of complete and utter boredom. Children may experience boredom as both an emotional and physical sensation that can feel overwhelming. They often turn to screens, devices, or other distractions to alleviate this feeling. These distractions do
By our Family Therapy and Parent Coaching Team “If only there was a universal rule book I could follow!” So often we hear this wish from parents. Expecting the Unexpected Parenting is such hard work – no matter how carefully one prepares. Books or articles have been read and thoughtfully incorporated with sage advice from those
By Brittany Fella, MALicensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 92791) We love working with teens – in both individual and family online therapy. But how do you decide if individual or family therapy would be most helpful for your teen? Consider these factors: When Individual Therapy is Best If your teen’s primary concerns are academic challenges, self-esteem, or friendship
by Melissa J. Johnson, Ph.D. “There are no promises. Look deeply at joy and sorrow, at laughing and crying, at hoping and fearing, at all that lives and dies. What truly heals is gratitude and tenderness.” ~Pema Chodron In daily conversations with my cherished Institute team, my friends and family members, I’m constantly struck by
By Tatiana Pinkley, M.A. For kids and teens who have birthdays falling in the next several weeks, the parties they hoped for will have to change. And it’s very normal to experience some grief and disappointment with things not going according to plan. While it‘s not physically possible to have a birthday party, there are some creative
By Sushi Frausto, LMF Your kids are at home for the next few weeks, and they need social connection. That much we know. We also know kids are comfortable with technology, connecting online, and navigating screens. Hence, virtual playdates! Our social connections support our physical health and psychological well-being – whether we’re in person or joining one another