Let's do some quick math.  Your child comes to therapy for one hour.  There are 168 hours in a week.   That means therapy is less than 1% of your child's week.  Less than 1%. Now don't panic. This isn't me saying therapy doesn't work. (I'm literally a therapist. That would be an awkward blog post.)  Therapy absolutely helps.  But here's the truth that sometimes gets overlooked... Most of the growth doesn't happen in my office.It happens on a random Tuesday night when your child melts down...

We've all been there. Someone cuts us off in traffic.A driver is texting when the light turns green.Someone merges without looking.Traffic comes to a complete stop when you're already running late.Feeling frustrated while driving is normal. Driving requires us to make hundreds of decisions in a short amount of time, and our brain is constantly watching for potential danger. But sometimes, driving brings out a level of anger that feels much bigger than the situation itself. If you find yourself...

This weekend began the way so many youth sports weekends do.  Children & Families were celebrating a winning soccer season. Teams from across the metro area had just won their divisions. What was supposed to happen was medals were being placed around proud young athletes' necks, parents were taking photos, cheering from the sidelines, and making memories watching the game. Then, in an instant, everything changed.A shooting near the entrance of the St. Louis CITY2 match turned what should...

If you've been a foster parent for any length of time, you've probably discovered something important: Traditional parenting advice doesn't always work. Many children in foster care have experienced trauma, grief, loss, neglect, abuse, disrupted attachments, multiple caregivers, or major life transitions. These experiences shape how children view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. Sometimes foster parents find themselves wondering:  "Why is this so hard?" The answer is often...

If your house feels louder than usual, emotions are all over the place, and someone just informed you at 9:30 PM that tomorrow is “Dress Like Your Favorite Historical Figure While Wearing Neon” day… welcome to the final stretch of the school year. The last week of school can feel emotionally chaotic for families. Parents are mentally exhausted. Kids are worn thin. Teachers are hanging on by coffee, dry erase markers, and pure determination.Even positive transitions can stress the nervous...

There I was on a Wednesday night, 8pm sitting in my folding chair at the soccer park with an energy drink in my hand, trying to soak in one of those fleeting parenting moments I know won’t last forever. I only have a few more years left. The sun was starting to dip. The wind was picking up.The lights were warming up over the field.My daughter's homework and my own day's paperwork still waited at home.Our team parents are all showing up, happy to share what's going well so far this...

Self-esteem in adolescence is not about confidence in the way we usually think of it. It is not about being outgoing, high-achieving, or popular. It is quieter than that, and messier. It is the story your child carries around about who they are and whether they belong in this world. And sometimes, parents have no idea the story has turned dark.Between ages 9 and 17, the brain is undergoing one of the most dramatic reorganizations of a person's life. The prefrontal cortex (the part that says...

If you’ve ever sat in your car after a hard day and thought… “Nothing is working anymore.” “We’ve tried therapy… why isn’t this helping?” “We can’t keep living like this.” You are not alone. And more importantly… this is a signal.    Not of failure, but of needing a different level of support.Most families don’t arrive here overnight.  It builds slowly, then suddenly feels constant. You might notice: Mornings feel rushed and tense before the day even begins After school turns into conflict,...

There was a time when “staying home alone” meant: A landline phone A snack from the pantry Maybe a reminder to “don’t open the door for anyone” And somehow… that was the whole plan. Fast forward to today, and things feel very different. Parents are now thinking: “What if they panic and don’t know what to do?” “What if they make a risky decision out of boredom?” “What if something small turns into something bigger?” And let’s be honest… Most of us were left home alone earlier than we probably...

A therapist’s reflections after watching the Eras Tour docuseries Over the past few weeks I watched the six-episode docuseries “Taylor Swift: The End of an Era.” The series gives a behind-the-scenes look at the work, preparation, and emotional demands of the Eras Tour.   As I watched the series, I found myself noticing something interesting. Many of the themes that show up in the documentary are the same themes we talk about in therapy every day. Things like resilience, emotional expression,...

Saying GoodbyeRecently, I said goodbye to my roommate of 13 years.She was my little shadow, my constant companion, my food thief, and the one who could lookdown her nose at me at any given moment. She never let me go to the bathroom alone, and itfelt like she knew my routines better than I did. She knew when I was sad, when I was sick,when I needed quiet, and when I needed comfort - even if that comfort came in the form ofsimply being nearby. The BondMany people don’t understand the bond...

(And Why Parents Keep Saying “I Wish We’d Done This Sooner”) If you’ve ever found yourself thinking,  “Why does something so small feel so big to my child?”   you’re in good company. Preschoolers live in a world where emotions arrive fast and loud. Their brains are growing quickly, but their ability to manage frustration, disappointment, waiting, sharing, and transitions is still under construction. That doesn’t mean something is wrong.  It means they are learning. Preschool play therapy...

Faith, Mental Health, and the Courage to Stay Connected Across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, faith has long been a source of meaning, structure, community, and hope. Prayer, ritual, scripture, and shared belief systems help regulate stress, strengthen identity, and anchor people during uncertainty. Research consistently shows that spiritual connection can be a protective factor for mental health, especially during grief, trauma, and chronic stress. At the same time, many people of faith...

For many families, the holidays are not just about traditions, food, and connection. They are also a time when old conflicts resurface, boundaries are tested, and stress levels rise. Family conflict during the holidays is common, predictable, and deeply tied to how the nervous system responds to pressure and history. Understanding why holiday conflict happens helps families respond more intentionally instead of repeating the same painful cycles year after year.Why Family Conflict Increases...

The holiday season often brings expectations of joy, connection, and celebration. For many people, it also brings grief that feels sharper, heavier, or harder to manage. This experience is common and it is not a personal failure. Holidays disrupt routines, activate memories, and increase emotional demands on the nervous system.Grief Is Not Only About DeathGrief is commonly associated with the death of a loved one, but it shows up in many forms. During the holidays, these losses can feel...

The Holiday Stretch: Helping Kids (and Parents) Stay Grounded When Routines Fall Apart The holiday season is often painted as joyful, magical, and full of togetherness, and sometimes ittruly is. There are lights, traditions, school breaks, special meals, and moments that becomecherished memories. But for many families, the holidays also bring something else: disrupted routines, emotionaloverload, financial stress, social exhaustion, and big feelings that show up in unexpected ways,especially...

Our Stepping Stones program is made up of graduate-level counseling students who are completing the clinical portion of their master’s programs. They receive close supervision, weekly mentorship, and advanced training in child and adolescent therapy. Families benefit from their fresh skills, focused attention, and the strong support system behind every session. When families first hear the word “intern,” or "student," they often imagine someone inexperienced or unprepared. In counseling, the...

When we think of childhood memories, many of us picture grandparents at the center, sharing stories at the dinner table, offering a hug after a hard day, or teaching a skill that feels timeless. Grandparents anchor children to both family history and the larger circle of life. But in today’s world, the role of “grandparent” has grown beyond biology. Many children are nurtured by neighbors, family friends, or community members who step into that role, showing that love and guidance don’t...

Hello community — September isn’t just pumpkin spice latte season (though we’ll happily grab one with you). It’s also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And while this might sound like a heavy topic, it’s actually about something powerful: hope.    Too often, suicide gets shoved into the shadows, whispered about, or avoided altogether. But here’s the thing,  talking about suicide doesn’t put the idea in someone’s head. What it does do is shine a light into dark corners where shame and fear...

The Hidden Link Between Rising Temps & Mental Health Step outside and it hits you like a wall.The air is thick, unmoving.Your skin sticks to everything.The sun feels less like warmth and more like pressure...a steady, relentless weight pressing down.Your patience? Thin.Your thoughts? Fuzzy.And your emotions? Tense, unpredictable, maybe even explosive.You're not just “hot and bothered.”  You're fried both emotionally and mentally.And it’s not just in your head.   Heat Changes More Than...

Jennie here. I have six kids, and at the moment—yes, almost all of them are involved in youth sports. From soccer fields to gymnastics gyms I’ve spent my fair share of weekends with a hot apple cider or waterbottle in one hand, a folding chair in the other and juggling snacks. Gotta have the snacks. There are so many reasons I love youth sports for kids. They learn how to be on a team, build confidence, move their bodies, handle disappointment, and celebrate effort. Sports can be a safe and...

So you found out someone you care about is dealing with infertility. First of all, thanks for being here! If you’re reading this you must care a lot about supporting this person and they are so lucky to have you on their side. If you’ve been struggling to come up with the words to help them, let me assure you that is so completely normal. None of us are born with the knowledge of how to deal with every heartbreaking scenario that might come our way. Good news! You don’t have to have the...

If you’re reading this, you might be one of the 17.5% of people walking the hard road of infertility. And if you are, you already know—this path can feel lonely, confusing, and relentless. It’s completely normal to feel fear, anger, sadness, and dread at any point in your infertility journey.   You might feel like your emotions are all over the place. One moment you’re cautiously hopeful. The next, you’re blindsided by a wave of sadness or rage you didn’t see coming. That’s not weakness....

If you’re reading this right now you are likely a member of the club. The infertility club. You didn’t sign up, but you’ve certainly paid dues. You hate it here and you desperately wish you could get out. You also might wish the people closest to you really understood what it feels like to be here. Tests, timing, wishing, waiting. It’s too much. If you’re in the club here are some things I want you to know. It’s ok… To cry into your coffee To politely decline an invitation to a baby shower To...

From Chaos to Connection: A 12-Week Roadmap for Families in Crisis When your family is in crisis, every day can feel like an uphill battle. You might be dealing with emotional outbursts, sleepless nights, or constant tension that leaves everyone on edge. It’s exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. You know something needs to change, but where do you even start? That’s where our Families in Crisis 12-Week Online curriculum comes in. This program was designed specifically for families like...

Navigating Election Season: Self-Care Tips for Managing Stress and Staying Grounded At Step By Step Counseling, we understand that election seasons can be uniquely stressful, often bringing up feelings of anxiety, tension, and uncertainty. With nonstop news cycles and constant social media updates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As part of our mission to support our clients and community, we’ve gathered practical self-care strategies to help you stay centered during this time. These tips are...

Life is full of storms—unexpected challenges, overwhelming obstacles, and difficult periods that test our resolve. When it comes to handling life’s inevitable storms, our approach can make all the difference. How we handle these storms can significantly impact our well-being and our ability to overcome adversity. To understand how our approach can shape our experiences, let's delve into the metaphor of two animals facing a storm: the buffalo and the cattle.    Imagine two different...

Our office spent 2023 building our SPARK program.  We are excited about our program, because through a structured, short-term program that offers a higher frequency of attendance than traditional counseling formats the SPARK program is designed to provide additional support to families who have a child that requires more than one 45-50 minute counseling session per week.  The intensive nature allows for a more rapid and focused approach.  This program was born out the current...

"We've tried so many things, and nothing seems to work. What are we missing?" "It's so hard to see my child so overwhelmed with emotions. How can I help them cope with their feelings?"  "We need more help, but resources are scarce. What options are available to us, and how can we access the support we need?" "How can we manage these behaviors and create a more positive environment at home? "Is there a more specialized and intensive approach that could be more effective for our...

Embarking on the journey to feel better in our minds involves making choices that really matter. One big choice is about alcohol—something not everyone talks about but is super important for our mental health. As someone who works with kids and teens, and who knows a lot about how our brains work, I want to chat about this. I want to talk about why choosing not to drink can be powerful and how crucial it is to respect others' choices about alcohol. The Culture of Drinking In many...

Greetings, SBSC readers! Jennie here. Lately, I've been observing something remarkable – a prevalence of perfectionism among my clients, their caregivers, and even within our very office. This observation has stirred something within me, prompting me to share my thoughts and insights through this blog post. Let's delve into the captivating world of perfectionism and discover ways to navigate its enchanting allure together.So hello, my fellow seekers of perfection! Buckle up, for...

In today's ever-evolving world, ensuring the well-being of our children is of utmost importance. Mental health challenges can impact their overall quality of life and hinder their ability to reach their full potential. That's why we're thrilled to introduce you to the transformative SPARK Program—a unique and empowering approach to helping children aged 5-10 overcome mental health struggles and ignite their journey to healing and growth.Does your child need more than 1x a week...

As a licensed therapist, I understand the importance of recognizing signs of distress in our loved ones and offering support. In this blog post we will explore common signs of mental health issues and provide advice on how to approach the situation with empathy and understanding.Remember, early intervention and support can make a significant difference in someone's well-being and recovery.Understanding Common Signs: It's crucial to be familiar with the signs that may indicate a...

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and parents and caregivers may experience it more often due to their responsibilities and challenges in raising children. However, there are several ways that parents and caregivers can combat stress, and manage their stress in day to day life: Practice self-care: Taking care of oneself is critical for combating stress. Parents and caregivers should prioritize activities that bring them joy and help them relax, such as exercise, meditation, reading, or...

As the author of this blog post (Nancy) I’ve been a caregiver now for three years straight!  This is a job that I never thought I’d be doing.  I’ve always seemed to take care of others, but not to this extent.  I take care of my boyfriend who needs 24/7 care after having a stroke.  If not careful, caring for someone else doesn’t leave me much time to take care of myself...but that took me a while to realize!  Being a caregiver has so many responsibilities for the other person such as...

Many families wrestle back and forth between group therapy and individual therapy.  Group therapy can be a valuable form of treatment for many individuals, and there are several reasons why you may want to consider it over individual therapy. Group therapy can provide a sense of accountability and motivation. In a group setting, group members are accountable to others and can motivate each other to make progress. Group therapy requires active participation and accountability, which in return...

Diversity is important in a playroom because it helps to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children. It allows children to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the materials and activities provided, and to learn about and appreciate the experiences of others. We recommend diversity in your home environment but also wanted to highlight that we provide diversity in our playrooms as well. As play therapists, there are several ways to create diversity in our playrooms...

Wintertime gets a bad rap!  Wintertime can sometimes seem like it goes on forever!  We get stuck inside and stuck in ruts of comfort that are not always good for us.  Winter can be a tough time for many of us. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunshine can make it hard to stay motivated and positive. However, there are ways to pamper yourself and make the most of the winter months. Even though this is a time when there doesn’t seem to be much going on, when you are in your...

Co-dependency is a term that is often used to describe a type of relationship in which one person is emotionally and mentally dependent on another person. This type of relationship is often characterized by codependent individuals who are unable to function normally without the other person.  A dysfunctional relationship pattern in which an individual is psychologically dependent on (or controlled by) a person who has a pathological addiction, e.g., alcohol, gambling)-codependent....

Here are some tips for getting the most out of the Safe and Sound Protocol: Follow the protocol as prescribed: SSP is a structured protocol that involves listening to specially selected music for a certain amount of time each day. SSP is typically administered by a trained practitioner who will guide you through the process. It is important to follow the recommended protocol to ensure that you are getting the full benefit of the therapy. This can help ensure that you are receiving the protocol...

Foster care group therapy can be beneficial for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and may be struggling with emotional and behavioral issues as a result. Group therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for these youth to process their experiences, share their thoughts and feelings, and learn coping strategies to manage their emotions and behaviors. Foster care group therapy can provide a number of benefits for children and adolescents who have...

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a form of treatment developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that is designed to address issues regulation of the nervous system as well as help individuals with trauma and stress-related disorders. It is a form of auditory intervention that uses music to help regulate the nervous system and improve social engagement, communication, and well-being. Some of the potential benefits of SSP may include:Improved social engagement and communicationSSP may help...

Building Mindfulness Through Games Children begin to explore the world and problem solving through play. Caregivers and adults can use play in a purposeful way to help children learn and practice skills that will help them throughout life. First, let’s consider the game I Spy. This game helps to build observational awareness and as adults, we use observational awareness every day: driving our cars, in the grocery store, or walking on an icy sidewalk. We are always looking around aware of what...

Picture this, the morning of the first day of school! It's a very exciting but also scary day for children and guardians alike. You bring your child to their bus stop or drive them to school and everything seems fine until you start to say goodbye, then tears come. You may experience an array of different feelings as well. Frustration that you may be late to work, sadness that you have to experience your child being scared, or anger that your routine is now thrown off. Feeling these emotions...

Do you know that feeling of calm and relaxation you get while on vacation, and how focused you feel when you return to work after a week off with no cares in the world? Do you wonder how can I feel like that more often? The answer is taking breaks, developing a self-care routine, and using those days off when you need them. A topic I talk about with client’s week after week is the idea of self-care, down time, and taking a break. It seems society has programmed most of us to measure our...

Take a Deep Breath! What’s the Deal with that?Chances are someone has told you to “take a breath,” during a time of stress. To be honest, that phrase used to annoy me. I would think - I am breathing. I’m here, aren’t I? Do you have any other advice for me because breathing doesn’t help.What I’ve come to learn is that there is breathing and then there is breathing. There are shallow breaths, where you take air into your lungs without expanding them. Then there are belly breaths that...

Is it time to talk about the “Birds and the Bees”?Is your child starting to pay more attention to the differences in human bodies?Is your child asking more questions about sexuality and sex?Is your child showing an interest in exploring their body?Then it may be time to have a conversation! First, you should know that the conversation won’t be about the birds and the bees. Why we continue to use that as a euphemism to discuss sex with children and young adults still eludes...

Self-care occurs on every level of our being. When we think of self-care, we often think about a spa day or something else that is equally “luxurious.” But self-care doesn’t' have to be expensive, nor does it need to be time-consuming. The dimensions of self-care as it relates to everyone are physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and emotional. In the big picture, no one dimension is more important than the other, but at any given time in our lives, we may need to focus on one or two...

Opening up a Dialogue Through Reading Has your child experienced grief, trauma, or is struggling with big emotions? For example, have they recently lost a loved one and are struggling with adjusting to the loss? Have they suffered from abuse and are not able to cope with the intense emotions it may have brought on such as anger or fear? Or maybe they have witnessed plenty of parental arguments, and are struggling with adjusting to a recent divorce.  Are you as a parent struggling with helping...

It’s not an age-old secret that anxiety impacts the lives of children especially when it comes to school. In fact, symptoms of anxiety are extremely common in childhood and adolescence, which can negatively interfere with general well-being, social life, academic performance, and development of social skills (Mazzone et al., 2007). Today I’d like to focus on the academic piece of adolescent anxiety. When we look at adolescent anxiety closely, we see issues with memory and cognitive functioning...

Sleep is something that helps us to function both physically and mentally and when we are not getting enough sleep we can often feel dysregulated. Many adults, adolescents, and children have trouble getting a proper night’s sleep. This can be due to reasons such as anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, or other sleep related issues. What most individuals do at the end of the day is simply put on their pajamas, get in bed, and try to sleep. This is not always enough for some, who may end up tossing...

You did it… you brought a beautiful baby into this world. For 9 months, you suffered aches and pains. You heard endless badgering on what to do and what not do regarding your baby. You became vulnerable and hypervigilant to yourself and the world around you. Take a moment and be proud of yourself – relish in the knowledge that you took pregnancy day by day, fighting the challenges it brings, and you made it here. I think as new mothers we tend to get lost in the thoughts of others and their...

Cleaning is something all of us must do in our daily lives whether it is just after yourself or others as well. When you are dealing with ADHD it can seem even more difficult at times, this could be due to restlessness, attention issues, problems staying organized, or the task requires too much mental effort. All of these things can make it more difficult for someone with ADHD to keep things clean. While people with ADHD often do have trouble with cleaning, they are not the only ones who can...

The Coronavirus pandemic has made words such as social distancing, quarantine, and masks part of our everyday language.  This new normal of doing many things virtually can be daunting for members of the older population.  Many independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes have restricted visitor access too.  This has led to many elderly individuals being isolated from friends and loved ones.  In addition, it has also led to the restriction of many activities they would regularly...

Have you ever felt like a square peg trying to fit onto a round hole? You know, you don't "look right" or "talk right" or "think like everyone else"? Well, you're not alone. Looking at our present and recent past, there are many people who've made a difference in our world, and they didn't fit the mold of "normalcy" that is often touted by the majority. Look, for...

The Coronavirus pandemic has compelled us to change the way we conduct our daily lives.  The term “social distancing” describes a way to protect ourselves from contracting the virus.  Social distancing is a great way to keep us safe and healthy, but how does it affect our mental health?  The elderly community is a population that is at risk for the virus and safety is vital.  However, with restricted activities and less socialization than they are used to, the effect can be a feeling of...

Applying to college or getting your first job is a right of passage for most youth and young adults. LGBTQIA youth and young adults (and their families) have extra things to consider when making these big decisions. Below are some considerations, while this is not an exhaustive list, I hope you will find some helpful resources. College Bound Youth Considering what colleges to apply to and  ultimately where you attend is a big decision, but factoring in which college is LGBTQIA inclusive, and...

2020 was a hectic year for all of us. It was full of uncertainty, canceled plans, new challenges, and a toilet paper shortage. One important element that is severely impacted due to restrictions placed by COVID-19 is our social interactions and how we connect with other people. As humans, we strive for social connectedness by way of going out to dinner, attending concerts, watching sports, and being around those that desire the same connections that we do. When we eliminate these fun parts of...

Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson is a friendly, structured tool I recommend for couples looking to enhance their relationship. The book includes seven conversations designed to enhance your understanding of how you show up in your relationship, and how you "dance" with your partner. It covers the three common ways people fight, why some interactions feel so hurtful, how to really work toward forgiveness, and keeping your relationship alive over the long haul. Who should read it? Any couple who...

Managing Stress from Social Media and News Outlets In our world today it seems as though our attention is always being pulled towards a screen. Whether it is a news station telling us the latest updates or social media telling you all the tips and tricks to stay healthy, the constant flow of information can be daunting. Many people who are working from home or trying to follow stay at home guidelines are constantly watching the news to know the latest updates for themselves and their family....

Does this sound familiar? “I really need to talk to someone.”  Or this one: “is it worth it to see a therapist?” How about: “why can’t I just talk with my best friend? What will the therapist offer me that my friends won’t?” Well, there are some differences between therapist and friends. A therapist: is trained (usually has a master’s degree) to listen without judgement or interruption. They’re trained to recognize shifts in emotions that need to be addressed, and to do so in a way that does...

It's that time of year again! The new year has begun and everyone is asking about your resolutions. Personally, I love the idea behind resolutions. I enjoy fresh starts and think a new year is a great way to find renewed energy toward being your best self. However, it can be daunting to commit to a big change and some people fear what they see as the inevitable guilt halfway through the year when they realize their resolutions remain unfulfilled. So let's take some of the pressure off the...

The holidays are fast approaching, which, for many, means an already overloaded schedule is about to take on even more complexity. For those living with ADHD, the extra stress can have a cascading effect. Even more things to do often leads to even more things left undone. It becomes an ever increasing feedback loop.   What are some things a person with ADHD can do to help alleviate these circumstances? First, write things down, or make an electronic note of some sort. Those with ADHD lack...

Whenever you turn on the news these days chances are it is not covering a very happy story. It’s likely about something involving violence, hatred, anger, tragedy, or disaster. For whatever reason people tend to latch onto what makes somebody different, with the impression that different equals less. That can make it feel like the world we live in is a pretty sad, desolate place. There just doesn’t seem to be enough positivity or happiness to outweigh all of the nastiness and disgust....

Happy May! May Is National Foster Care Month. This month is designed to highlight to the community that we each play a part in effecting the lives of children & teens in foster care. If we, as a community don't...who will?  What are YOU doing to support or lift these vulnerable youth up?  As many know, our office provides mental health support to foster families, foster children and biological families. We want these children to know that they are important, they are valued, they are...

Word has gotten around in recent years about how effective EMDR therapy can be.  If you are unfamiliar with the term, EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; you can read more about it here.  As you may already know, EMDR was developed as a therapy to help those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  This brings us to a question I have heard from some of my clients considering EMDR: What constitutes trauma?   To answer this question I could quote from the...

The desire to protect our children, youngsters and young adults, can be a strong emotion for parents.  Protecting a child's privacy is essential, however there are circumstances where it could be helpful for the adults involved in a child's life to have insight into some of the more seemingly private aspects of their lives.  Whether that means talking with a child's teachers about a change happening at home, or speaking with their pediatrician about a child starting therapy; all of these...

Going along with the theme of Zones of regulation, in the past few blog posts, as a parent or caregiver, you can track your child’s zone across the week. Some parents can use this option, to reward good behaviors that they might see. Tracking can be as simple as having a sheet of paper with all 7 days written on it with a blank next to each day or it can be set-up in more table like manner with the 7 days across the top of the table and the four zones on the side of the table. Each day you and...

Piggy backing onto the last blogpost about the Zones of Regulation, one thing that you can do as a parent or caregiver is a Zones check-in. This helps a child be able to verbalize how they are feeling. It is a simple activity that you can hang on the fridge or somewhere out in the open. This activity is to help the child recognize what zone they are currently in. On a sheet of paper or dry erase board write “I feel ______, I’m in the ______ zone.” As a parent/caregiver, you can make color...

Are you looking for a way to help the children in your life, identify their moods and control their emotions?   The Zones of Regulation were created to help children learn self-regulation and emotional control. Self-regulation also known as self-control or impulse control is the ability to control one’s emotions, needs and impulses in order to meet the demands of the environment in a socially acceptable way. The Zones of Regulation is a way to teach children how to develop and progress...

Here are a few things to do when you or a loved one can start feeling angry: Sing along (yes, outloud!) to your favorite song Go to the batting cages (or golfing range) Draw or paint what your anger looks like (or feels like) Seek out someone (or a pet) to give you a hug Count to 10 Go for a run Call a friend who you can talk to (vent) Throw ice up against a brick wall (or down at the grown on your driveway or sidewalk) Garden (pull weeds, plant things, rake leaves up) Journal Take your dog...

I came across a facebook status that said, If you FAIL never give up because F.A.I.L. means "First Attempt in Learning"   I love this message and smile when I see it because such a small word has such a huge meaning.  So many times when someone make mistakes or fails at something the first reaction is to immediately give up. Why give up?   Some give up because maybe they have no encouragement from others.   Others don't attempt their tasks or goals again because maybe it's too hard or it took...

Congratulations to our very own Jennie Wilson for being honored with the Katherine Boone Outstanding Play Therapist award, the biggest honor that someone can be given from the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In order to obtain this honor she had to have been nominated by her fellow colleagues or peers in the field.  Additionally, to obtain this honor she had to be responsible for "...innovations in play therapy, for providing leadership in the further development of play therapy, or for...

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation” Plato – 427–347 BC Happy National Play Therapy Week to all the play therapists out there, and clients who are receiving play therapy services!!  What a great opportunity to celebrate how powerful play therapy is.  Anyone who has met me knows how passionate I am about this field. What is Play Therapy?   For me, as a Registered Play Therapist, play therapy is the way that I’m able to help children,...

Some children struggle with school anxiety, below are a few tips that I recommend for families to practice while students are entering the "back to school season":     Create a mini-family photo album that they can look at during school if needed. Social story:  a short story talking about going to school and what to expect when going to school Read stories at home:  http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/07/31-books-to-read-about-school.html Attend meet your teacher night Transition object: ...

  Often times I am asked why is counseling important? Or why do you have to meet each week? These are important questions and something that should be discussed with anyone who enters or is seeking counseling. Allow me to give you my perspective. Let’s say you have a pain running down your arm. It has lasted for days. It doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. What would you do? Some would say go to a doctor. In fact, this is the most popular answer. So then why do we avoid going to see...