Depression

Our kids should not go back to normal

Why life Shouldn’t go Back to “Normal” When it Comes to our Kids’ Mental Health

Posted on by stephen

Most of America is coming out of over a year of lock down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The majority of schools are offering at least some in-person learning. Recreational sports are beginning to resume. Several states have started to drop mask mandates for vaccinated individuals. Large scale sporting events and even concerts are back on Spring and Summer schedules for many venues.

Things are finally getting back to normal.

We are hearing this phrase in many different settings. At the grocery store check-out line. At school drop off. At the end of work zoom calls. We smile as we say it – no doubt dreaming of the summer BBQ’s and beach vacations that may finally be within reach.

But when it comes to the mental health of our kids and teens, what if “getting back to normal” isn’t the best metric to meet?

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Cutting back on drinking

How and Why to Cut Back on Alcohol Intake

Posted on by stephen

Many people report an increase in alcohol intake when they are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. According to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guideline, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.  You can find out more about what defines a standard drink here. Health providers recommend that if you find yourself consuming more than this guideline, you should consider reevaluating. Because alcohol consumption can become a habit that is sometimes hard to break, we provide a few recommendations here on how and why to cut back.

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Mental Health with Exercise

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Posted on by stephen

Exercise is defined as any body movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to use calories. There are a variety of different types of physical exercise including running, walking, swimming, lifting weights, dancing and many others. You are likely aware of the physical health benefits that come with regular exercise such as weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased energy. But did you also know that there are important mental health benefits from exercise? Regardless of age or fitness level, research shows that making time for exercise provides some serious mental health benefits.

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Parenting Consultation Blog

Parent Consultation as a Standalone Treatment for Children and Adolescents

Posted on by Kelly Foran-Tuller

Many therapy treatment models for children involve a combination of the identified patient and family. Clinical psychologists and social workers routinely consult, teach, and support the parents of the children/adolescents they are treating. However, parenting consultation, which can sometimes be referred to as parent training, is also a highly successful standalone treatment. Clinical evidence shows that parent training decreases problematic behaviors in children and adolescents while simultaneously increasing parental confidence. Further, clinical data suggests that parents self-report an improvement in the relationship with their child.

As a parent, you’re likely thinking that this makes a lot of sense. Who better to help a child with their sleep problems than the parent who is getting up in the middle of the night? Who better to help a child with social anxiety than the caregiver who braces themselves for an anxious meltdown before a birthday party?  In the parent consultation treatment model, therapists teach the teachers who spend the most time in the parenting classroom – moms, dads, or caregivers.

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