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Tips to Help Bond with Your Teen

September 8, 2024 by Leave a Comment

When our children are young, they come to us, it seems, innumerable times throughout the day wanting to share something with us. An idea they had, a discovery, questions about life. At times these visits aren’t so helpful or desired, like when we’re on an important conference call or having… private time with our spouse.

But we should savor each and every interaction we have with our kids, because eventually they grow up to be teenagers and want nothing to do with us!

Okay, not exactly. But kind of. Which is why it’s important we work hard to keep the bond and channels of communication open with our teens.

If you feel you’ve lost the connection with your teen, here are some ways to form a bond:

Listen

When your teen does speak with you, really pay attention. Teens are notorious for communicating things that don’t match up with the words they are using. Read between the lines and pay close attention to body language.

Create Rituals

Right now it’s about quality not quantity. You won’t be able to get all of their time and attention you want. So figure out little rituals and ways to connect. That may mean hitting the golf range on the weekend or going out for pizza night, just you and your kid, or having a spa day at home.

Support Their Hobbies

The teen years are when you child begins to recognize their own unique gifts and interests. So it’s important that you take an interest in what they love to do. Make time in your schedule to go to their game or band concert. If they like mountain biking, go biking with them. Support their hobbies as much as possible.

Ask Them to Teach You Something

Nothing will give your teen more pride and confidence than illustrating they know something that you don’t. It could be something as simple as showing you how to set up a Tik Tok account or how to order something off of Alexa, or something more complex like how to play the guitar or build a robot.

Your kids will be out of the house before you know it. Take the time and make the effort to bond with your teen now.

SOURCES:

https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/tips-bond-close-teen

https://www.parents.com/kids/teens/questions-for-teens-to-help-you-bond/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/surprising-tricks-to-help_n_6278070

Filed Under: Parenting, teens

5 Ways to Stop Panic Attacks

September 7, 2024 by Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know firsthand the name is apropos. Within seconds you can go from feeling quite well and “ordinary” to experiencing absolute dread and fear. And often with no obvious trigger. It’s a horrible way to live.

But you don’t have to live feeling like a helpless victim of these attacks. Here are some powerful ways you can stop panic attacks in their tracks:

1. Recognize What’s Happening

If, in the moment, you can recognize that you are having a panic attack and not a heart attack, you can begin to instantly calm yourself at the realization this is temporary. It will pass and you will be okay. And once you gain a little bit of calm, you can employ further techniques.

2. Deep Breathing

Hyperventilating is a common symptoms of a panic attack. Breathing in an erratic pattern tends to make the attack intensify.

Conversely, deep breathing can reduce the symptoms of a panic attack and bring you back to a state of calm. Breathing slowly and deeply signals to the rest of your body that the “threat” is gone and you can get out of “fight or flight” mode.

3. Close Your Eyes

Some people can become triggered by things in their environment. If this happens to you and you find yourself in a fast-paced environment with too much stimuli becoming overwhelmed, close your eyes while taking some deep, slow, full breaths.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Panic attacks tend to cause a feeling of detachment or separation from reality. Mindfulness meditation is powerful because it can help you stay fully present in the here and now. In addition, the practice of meditation has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety.

5. Get Help

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mental health treatments have been shown to help people suffering with panic attacks. CBT sessions can happen in private, in groups, and even online.

If you are interested in exploring treatment options, please get in touch with me. I’m here to help and answer any questions you may have.

SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321510

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack-5202930

Filed Under: panic attacks

Exploring Parenting Challenges by Age

September 6, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Whether your child is an infant, a preteen, or a full-fledged adult, you may be overwhelmed and in need of parenting tips. Here are just a few examples of challenges that parents commonly face as their children grow up:

  • Infants (0 to 1) – Infancy is typically the most physically demanding stage for parents. It can be difficult to keep up with regularly feeding, burping, and bathing a baby on such little sleep, especially if the child is fussy.
  • Toddlers (1 to 3) – Once children enter the toddler stage, they usually begin exhibiting more behavior issues, such as refusing certain foods and throwing tantrums.
  • Preschool- and school-aged children (3 to 9) – Many children at this age lack the focus and organizational skills needed to keep up with homework assignments and chores on their own.
  • Preteens (9 to 13) – As children enter the “tween” stage, they often begin craving independence, choosing to hang out with their friends rather than their families. They also start to care more about what others think of them, which can lead to issues with self-confidence. Many children also begin puberty around this age.
  • Teenagers (13 to 18) – Children often start becoming interested in romantic relationships around this age, which may lead to conflicts if they don’t agree with their parents about dating partners, clothing, makeup, curfews, and driving privileges. Teenagers may also start learning more about alcohol and drugs.
  • College-aged children (18 to 22) – For children who opt to move out of the house and go away to school, this will likely be the first time that they’ve spent a significant amount of time away from their parents. Children may be homesick, while parents might be worried about their child’s well-being.
  • Adults (22+) – As children enter the workforce, get married, and move away, parents may disagree with their decisions or start questioning how they fit into their child’s new life.

Get Some Helpful Parenting Tips

If you’re having a difficult time managing your child’s behavior, you could benefit from speaking to a therapist who specializes in effective parenting. Contact us today to request an appointment.

Filed Under: Parenting

The Link Between ADHD & Creativity

September 4, 2024 by Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (more commonly referred to as “ADHD”). This very common mental disorder often causes difficulty focusing, excessive movement, and poor impulse control. But did you know that ADHD may also increase creativity?

Researchers are still working to determine whether there’s a definitive link between ADHD and creativity, but many studies suggest that individuals with ADHD tend to be more creative. There are a few possible explanations for the connection between ADHD and creativity:

  • Because people with ADHD often have trouble focusing, they may notice more about their surroundings, which can in turn lead to more original ideas.
  • Individuals with ADHD tend to be more impulsive and less likely to hold back their words and actions, so they’re also more likely to voice their ideas.
  • People with ADHD are often more likely to take risks, which is usually important when pursuing a career in a creative industry.

Fostering Creativity in Children With ADHD

If you have a child with ADHD, you may be wondering what you can do to encourage their creativity. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Provide your child with opportunities to be creative. Try enrolling your child in an extracurricular activity that might interest them, such as music lessons or an art class.
  • Acknowledge your child’s creativity in a positive light. People with ADHD are often taught to control their impulses, so chances are good that your child might be intentionally stifling their creativity in an attempt to avoid getting in trouble. So, when you see them doing something creative, praise them for it.
  • Give them examples of creative individuals with ADHD. ADHD is often spoken about in a negative light, so it’s important to remind your child that many people with this disorder have been successful. For example, Emma Watson and Jim Carrey have both been open about their ADHD diagnoses.

For More Information

If you think you or your child might have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, contact us today. We specialize in treating patients with ADHD, and we’ll be happy to schedule a therapy session at the date and time of your choosing.

Filed Under: adhd, creativity

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

September 3, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can cause a child to frequently exhibit anger, irritability, and defiance against their parents and other authority figures. Children with this disorder often argue and act spitefully or vindictively, making it difficult to maintain relationships and causing issues at home, at school, and in other areas of life.

ODD Causes & Risk Factors

Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes oppositional defiant disorder, but studies suggest that it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A child may have a higher risk of developing ODD if their parents are mentally unstable, neglectful, or abusive, or if the discipline they receive at home or school is inconsistent.

ODD Treatment Options

After diagnosing a child with oppositional defiant disorder, a medical provider will recommend a customized course of treatment. This often involves individual- and family-based therapy. A therapist can help the child manage their anger, express their feelings in a healthier way, solve problems, and improve their social skills, and they can also teach parenting skills. Although medication isn’t generally used to treat ODD on its own, it may be recommended if the child has a related condition (for example, ADHD, anxiety, or depression).

Get Help With ODD

If your child has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, we may be able to help. We have extensive experience working with children who have ODD, and we offer both individual and family therapy sessions to help treat this disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

Filed Under: Children, odd

30 Common Signs of Stress

September 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Stress is a reaction that occurs when someone feels pressured or threatened, and while some amount of stress can energize you and motivate you to complete tasks, too much of it can negatively your mental and physical health. Even if you regularly experience stress, you may be unaware of the numerous ways in which it can manifest itself. Here are 30 of the most common signs of stress:

  1. Headaches
  2. Blurred vision
  3. Eye soreness
  4. Tearfulness
  5. Jaw clenching
  6. Teeth grinding
  7. Chest pain
  8. Increased blood pressure
  9. Heartburn
  10. Difficulty breathing
  11. Indigestion
  12. Diarrhea
  13. Constipation
  14. Muscle aches
  15. Skin rashes
  16. Itchiness
  17. Sweating
  18. Nail biting
  19. Dizziness
  20. Fainting
  21. Insomnia
  22. Fatigue
  23. Sudden weight changes
  24. Menstrual cycle changes
  25. Racing thoughts
  26. Panic attacks
  27. Depression
  28. Feeling overwhelmed, restless, nervous, anxious, fearful, impatient, irritable, or angry
  29. Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
  30. Worsening of other mental health problems

Offering Help With Stress Management

Stress can take a serious toll on the mind and body—impacting your overall health and well-being—so if you’re experiencing any of the signs described above, it’s important to seek assistance. Luckily, you can turn to the skilled therapists at our practice for help with stress management. We’ll start by asking you about what causes you to feel stressed and how that stress affects your life. Then, once we’ve learned about your unique circumstances, we’ll provide you with personalized tools to help lower your stress levels. Contact us today to get started.

Filed Under: stress

What Is the 333 Rule for Anxiety?

September 1, 2024 by Leave a Comment

If you regularly experience anxiety, you may have researched ways to relieve your symptoms and come across a coping mechanism known as the “333 rule.” But how does it work? The next time you’re feeling anxious, try:

  1. Naming three things you see
  2. Naming three sounds you hear
  3. Moving three body parts

How Does the 333 Rule Reduce Anxiety?

Although the 333 rule doesn’t work in every situation, many therapists recommend it to patients living with anxiety because it helps to ground them. By concentrating on sights, sounds, and movements, patients can stop fixating on their worries and instead focus on the present moment. One of the benefits of the 333 rule is that it doesn’t require someone to be in a certain place or have access to a certain object—instead, they can use it virtually anytime and from almost anywhere. Patients can even practice the 333 rule when they’re not feeling anxious to start establishing it as a habit.

For More Information

If you’d like to know more about how the 333 rule can help combat anxiety, contact us today. Our therapists have experience using the 333 rule and various other techniques to treat anxiety, and we can develop a care approach that’s customized to your specific needs. When you reach out, we’ll tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and arrange a time for you to attend an initial therapy session. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward an anxiety-free life.

Filed Under: Anxiety

Is Happiness Really a Choice?

August 31, 2024 by Leave a Comment

You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.

How to Find Happiness in Your Life

If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:

  • Focus on positives rather than on negatives.
  • Think about all the people and things that you’re grateful for.
  • Smile more often (studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can release hormones that increase happiness and reduce stress).
  • Implement a morning routine that incorporates stretching, meditating, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.
  • Increase your activity level (be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen).
  • Sleep more (most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night).
  • Connect with friends and family members, either in person or over the phone.
  • Spend more time in nature.
  • Volunteer at an organization that’s meaningful to you.

Start Living a Happier Life

If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but we’ll supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

Filed Under: happiness

3 Tips for Starting a Self-Care Routine

August 30, 2024 by Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall quality of life. Here are three tips to consider when starting a self-care routine:

1. Think About Your Goals

The thought of tackling all areas of your life at once can feel overwhelming, so decide what you’d like to focus on first. Once you’ve identified your goals, consider what activities will help you achieve them and where you can turn for support.

2. Block Off Time

You probably don’t hesitate to set aside time for school, work, and family obligations, but self-care is just as important. Block off a set amount of time—whether it be an hour or a full day—and commit to following through with your plans.

3. Start Attending Therapy

Many people think of self-care as something they do on their own, but speaking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health. Luckily, you won’t need to look far to find a qualified therapist near you. Our caring team is highly experienced and can provide you with personalized recommendations that are tailored to your specific goals. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Filed Under: self care

3 Types of Boundaries

August 29, 2024 by Leave a Comment

You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead of resentful. But did you know that there are numerous types of boundaries? Here are three of the most common:

  1. Physical boundaries – You communicate how you want to be touched and how much personal space you need. For example, you can let a colleague know that you’d rather shake hands instead of hugging or kissing. This doesn’t just apply to your body, either—you can also let your in-laws know that you don’t feel comfortable having them enter your bedroom while they’re babysitting.
  2. Material boundaries – You communicate when you’re willing to lend out money and possessions and how you want them to be treated. For instance, you can let a friend know that you can’t afford to lend them more than $100. Or, you can tell your son that he can only borrow your car if he returns it with a full tank of gas.
  3. Time boundaries – You communicate how you want to use your time. For example, you can tell your boss that you can’t stay past the end of your scheduled workday. Or, you can ask your spouse to refrain from calling and texting while you’re having dinner with friends except in case of an emergency.

Start Setting Boundaries in Your Life

If you need help implementing any of the boundaries described above, contact us today and ask to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We understand the many benefits that healthy boundaries can offer, and we’ll work with you to identify the steps you’ll need to take to set them in your life.

Filed Under: boundaries