Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is a day to commemorate the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. Labor Day, A Celebration of Hard Work.
Today, Labor Day is a day for people to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that we have made as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for a better future for all workers.
The Importance of Hard Work
Hard work is essential to the success of any society. It is through hard work that we create the goods and services that we need to live and thrive. It is also through hard work that we build strong communities and a better future for ourselves and our children.
Hard work is not always easy. It can be physically and mentally demanding. It can also be frustrating and discouraging. But when we persevere through hard times and continue to work hard, we are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction.
We should all be proud of the hard work that we do. Whether we are working in a traditional job, running our own business, or raising a family, we are all making a contribution to society. We should never take our hard work for granted.
Celebrating the Hard Work That You Do
This Labor Day, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the hard work that you do. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Be proud of your accomplishments and the contributions that you make to your community. And remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people who work hard every day, just like you.
And don’t forget to celebrate the hard work of others. Thank the people who make your life possible, from the farmers who grow our food to the teachers who educate our children.
Thank you for your hard work and have a happy and safe Labor Day!
Not all of us are morning and getting yourself and your kids ready and out the door can be down right stressful. Here are a few helpful tips to make mornings go smoothly.
1. Pack lunches the night before
Instead of rushing around in the morning to pack lunches for yourself and your kids do it the night before. You can even include your kids in this and have them help pack their own lunch.
2. Gets backpacks and outfits laid out
Having everything packed the night before eliminates the morning stress have rushing around to find library books that are due or show and tell items that are needed for that day.
3. Create a visual schedule for the morning routine
Visual reminders will help kids remember what is included in their morning routine. It will also help to keep them on task.
4. No screen time until everyone is completely ready
Not having screen time until everyone is ready can help with motivating everyone to stick to the routine so that
5. Give everyone a responsibility
Give everyone a job to help get ready in the morning. Whether it is putting out the dishes for breakfast, helping put away today, or helping a younger sibling get ready. Everyone will play a part in getting ready.
6. Be consistent
Being consistent will help your morning routine become habit for your family.
7. Make sure everyone gets enough sleep
Both you and your kids need sleep. Mornings will go better when everyone wakes up feeling well rested.
8. Don’t leave breakfast until last
Everyone has a hard time concentrating and getting things done when they are hungry. Have breakfast earlier in the morning to avoid cranky kids and cranky adults.
9. Remember to check the calendar
Set notifications if there is something special going on that day. No one wants to forget a fun dress up day for the kids or forget to get a treat ready for the class.
10. Stay calm
The more you can organize the easier it will be to get things ready in the morning without getting frustrated or flustered.
How your morning goes can really set the tone for your entire day. Use these tips to help form a morning routine and have less stressful mornings.
The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for both kids and parents. After a long summer of freedom, it can be tough to get back into the swing of things. But with a little planning and preparation, you can help your child get back into a school routine with ease.
Here are some tips:
Start establishing a routine a few weeks before school starts. This will give your child time to adjust to the new schedule and make it less of a shock when the first day of school arrives. Start by gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-up times earlier. You can also start incorporating some school-like activities into your child’s day, such as reading, writing, and doing math problems.
Create a visual schedule. A visual schedule can be a helpful tool for children who are visual learners. It can help them see what activities they need to do each day and in what order. You can create a simple schedule on a piece of paper or use a more elaborate planner.
Be consistent. Once you’ve established a routine, it’s important to be consistent with it. This means sticking to the same bedtimes, wake-up times, and activities each day. If you’re inconsistent, your child will be more likely to get confused and frustrated.
Be patient. It may take some time for your child to adjust to a new routine. Be patient with them and don’t get discouraged if they have setbacks. Just keep providing them with support and encouragement, and they’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Make it fun. Try to make the school routine as fun and enjoyable as possible for your child. This could mean incorporating some of their favorite activities into the schedule, such as listening to music, playing games, or reading books.
Celebrate successes. When your child does a good job of following the routine, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them stay motivated and on track.
Here are some additional tips for helping your child get back into a school routine:
Talk to your child about their fears and concerns. Many children are apprehensive about the start of a new school year. They may be worried about making new friends, doing well in their classes, or being bullied. Talk to your child about their fears and concerns and help them develop strategies for coping with them.
Help your child get organized. Make sure your child has a place for everything they need for school, such as their backpack, books, and school supplies. You can also help them create a homework space that is quiet and free from distractions.
Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can help your child make new friends, learn new skills, and stay active. They can also provide a welcome break from the stress of school.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental health. It also helps them stay alert and focused in school.
Eat healthy meals and snacks. Eating healthy foods gives children the energy they need to learn and grow. It also helps them stay focused and alert in school.
Limit screen time. Too much screen time can interfere with sleep, school performance, and overall health. Limit your child’s screen time to two hours or less per day.
Following these tips can help your child get back into a school routine with ease. With a little planning and preparation, you can help them have a successful and enjoyable school year.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that can cause difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These disorders can impact many areas of life, including school, work, relationships, and overall well-being.
While there is no cure for ADHD or ADD, there are many effective treatments available. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. With the right treatment, people with ADHD or ADD can live full and productive lives.
Here are some tips for navigating through life with ADHD or ADD:
Get diagnosed and treated. The first step to managing ADHD or ADD is to get diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Take medication, if needed. Medication can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of ADHD or ADD. If you are taking medication, it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor.
Get therapy. Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD or ADD symptoms and develop coping skills. There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for people with ADHD or ADD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
Make lifestyle changes. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help you manage your ADHD or ADD symptoms. These changes may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Find a support system. Having a support system of friends, family, and other people with ADHD or ADD can be invaluable. Talking to others who understand what you are going through can help you feel less alone and more empowered to manage your condition.
Navigating through life with ADHD or ADD can be challenging, but it is possible to live a full and productive life. By getting diagnosed and treated, getting therapy, making lifestyle changes, and finding a support system, you can manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful for people with ADHD or ADD:
Set realistic goals. When you have ADHD or ADD, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by tasks. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Reward yourself for your accomplishments. When you reach a goal, take some time to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, therapist, or other professional.
Learn to forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. When you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it. Learn from your mistake and move on.
Living with ADHD or ADD can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow. By following these tips, you can manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common but serious mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women will experience PPD, and it can occur up to one year after giving birth.
PPD is not the same as the “baby blues,” which are mild mood swings and emotional ups and downs that many women experience in the first few days or weeks after giving birth. The “baby blues” usually go away on their own within a few weeks.
PPD, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can cause significant distress and interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby.
Symptoms of PPD can include:
Depressed mood: Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or overeating
Changes in sleep patterns: Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of interest in activities: No longer enjoying things you used to do
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Feeling like you’re a bad mother or that you can’t do anything right
Irritability or anger: Feeling easily frustrated or angry
Trouble concentrating: Having trouble paying attention or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby: Having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby is a serious sign of PPD and requires immediate medical attention
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PPD, it is important to seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional. PPD is a treatable condition, and with the right help, you can recover and start enjoying your new role as a mother.
Here are some tips for getting help for PPD:
Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can screen you for PPD and recommend treatment options.
Talk to your partner: Your partner can be a great source of support during this time. They can help you with childcare, household chores, and emotional support.
Join a support group: There are many support groups available for women with PPD. These groups can provide you with a safe place to talk about your experiences and connect with other women who understand what you’re going through.
Get professional help: If your symptoms are severe, you may need to seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist. They can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing your symptoms.
Remember, you are not alone. PPD is a common and treatable condition. With the right help, you can recover and start enjoying your new role as a mother.
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
The National Institute of Mental Health: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a website with information about PPD and other mental health conditions.
The Postpartum Support International: The Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to women with PPD.
The Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Mental health issues are a common occurrence in the United States, affecting one in five adults each year. While mental health issues can affect anyone, they are more common in certain populations, such as young adults, women, and people of color.
If you have a family member who is struggling with a mental health issue, it is important to know that you are not alone. Listed below there are many resources available to help you and your family member get the support they need.
Here are some ideas on how to help your family member with a mental health issue:
First, Educate yourself about mental health issues. The more you know about mental health, the better equipped you will be to help your family member. There are many resources available to help you learn more about mental health, including books, websites, and support groups.
Secondly, Talk to your family member about their mental health. Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help. Furthermore Encourage them to talk to you about how they are feeling and what they are going through.
Thirdly, Support your family member in seeking professional help. If your family member is struggling with a mental health issue, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide your family member with the support and treatment they need to get better.
Lastly, Be patient and understanding. It is important to be patient and understanding with your family member as they work through their mental health issue. Recovery takes time, so be there for them every step of the way.
Resources for Mental Health in Wisconsin and Minnesota
There are many resources available to help people with mental health issues in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Here are a few of the resources available in these states:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides a variety of resources for people with mental health issues, including information on mental health disorders, treatment options, and support groups.
Minnesota Department of Human Services: The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides similar resources to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a national organization that provides support and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families. NAMI has chapters in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
MentalHealth.gov: MentalHealth.gov is a website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides information on mental health disorders, treatment options, and support groups.
If you are struggling with a mental health issue or know someone who is, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get the support you need.
Pride Month: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and History
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its history. The month is marked by parades, festivals, and other events that bring people together to celebrate their identity and advocate for equality.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual observance that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. The riots were a turning point in the gay liberation movement, and they helped to spark the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and around the world.
The first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970, and it was a small event with about 1,000 people in attendance. However, the march quickly grew in popularity, and today Pride events are held all over the world.
How to Celebrate Pride Month
There are many ways to celebrate Pride Month. Some people participate in parades, marches, and other public demonstrations. Others attend festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. Still others simply wear rainbow flags or other symbols of pride.
Here are some additional ideas for celebrating Pride Month:
Attend a Pride parade or march.
Go to a Pride festival or concert.
Visit a local LGBTQ+ community center.
Volunteer for an LGBTQ+ organization.
Support LGBTQ+ businesses.
Be an ally to LGBTQ+ people in your community.
Talk to your friends and family about LGBTQ+ issues.
Support Resources
There are many resources available to help you learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate Pride Month. Here are a few:
Pride Month is important because it is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements. It is also a time to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for equality.
Pride Month is a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way, but there is still work to be done. We must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and history, but it is also a time to reflect on the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community still faces. In conclusion we must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, furthermore we must never forget the sacrifices that have been made to get us where we are today.
Father’s Day is a special day to celebrate all the fathers in our lives. It is a time to show our appreciation for their love, support, and guidance. Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children, and their influence can be felt for a lifetime. The importance of fathers cannot be overstated.
Here are some of the reasons why fathers are so important:
They provide love and support. Fathers are a source of love and support for their children. They are there to comfort them when they are sad, to cheer them on when they are happy, and to help them through tough times.
They teach their children important life skills. Fathers teach their children important life skills, such as how to be responsible, how to work hard, and how to be kind and compassionate. They also help their children develop their talents and interests.
They serve as role models. Fathers serve as role models for their children. They teach their children what it means to be a man, a husband, and a father. They also show their children how to be responsible, how to work hard, and how to be kind and compassionate.
Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children, and their influence can be felt for a lifetime. On this Father’s Day, let us all take a moment to thank our fathers for all that they do.
Here are some specific ways that fathers can positively impact their children’s lives:
Be present. The most important thing that a father can do for his children is to be present in their lives. This means spending time with them, listening to them, and being involved in their activities.
Be a role model. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If a father wants his children to be kind, compassionate, and responsible, he needs to model those qualities himself.
Set high expectations. Fathers should set high expectations for their children. This doesn’t mean that they need to be perfect, but they should expect their children to work hard, do their best, and be respectful of others.
Be supportive. Fathers should be supportive of their children’s dreams and goals. They should encourage them to follow their passions and to never give up on their dreams.
Be patient. Parenting is a journey, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and your children. There will be ups and downs, but if you’re patient and loving, you’ll get through them together.
Fathers play a vital role in the lives of their children. By being present, being a role model, setting high expectations, being supportive, and being patient, fathers can help their children grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults.
How to Celebrate Father’s Day There are many ways to celebrate.
Here are a few ideas:
Spend time together. The best way to celebrate Father’s Day is to spend time with your father. Go on a hike, play catch, or just sit and talk.
Give him a gift. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive. A homemade card, a framed photo, or a gift certificate to his favorite store will show him how much you care.
Make him a meal. Cooking dinner for your father is a great way to show him how much you appreciate him. He’ll love a home-cooked meal, especially if it’s his favorite dish.
Write him a letter. A letter is a personal way to express your love and appreciation for your father. Tell him how much he means to you and why you’re so grateful to have him in your life.
Take him out to his favorite place. If your father has a favorite restaurant or activity, take him out to enjoy it. He’ll love spending time with you and doing something he enjoys.
Overall no matter how you choose to celebrate Father’s Day, make sure to let your father know how much you love and appreciate him. He deserves it!
The Valentine’s Day season is around the corner, and so is the pressure to celebrate it. During this time of year, there is no shortage of candy brands reminding us that the best way to express love is through treats. The fact of the matter is that love is a daily choice that requires much more than chocolate.
Oftentimes we can get caught up in the overwhelming stress of life’s commitments. Therapy is a tool that helps us process our feelings and open our minds to giving and receiving love, thereby strengthening our relationship with others.
Therapy teaches us to love ourselves with…
Compassion
Maybe you’re familiar with the phrase “You are your own worst critic”.
Unfortunately, this phrase holds more truth than we want to believe. Psychology Today’s article discusses the negative impact that self-criticism can have on our mental health. Therapy creates a safe space where we can process the internal disapproval that we allow ourselves to be burdened with. By reducing some of these burdens, we can free our minds to make room for more positive mindfulness and self-love.
Recognition
When we’ve learned to exercise compassion, there will then be space for recognition. The thought of having to be mindful and vulnerable is scary, but breaking down our internal barriers empowers us to see our strengths. All too often, we do not give ourselves enough credit for the good qualities that we have. We have a tendency to break ourselves down, instead of building ourselves up. By doing the opposite, and recognizing our strengths, we can master the art of loving who we are.
Development
One way we can learn to love ourselves is by taking steps to help us meet our potential. Therapy creates a safe space where we can discover what we need to grow. This can be hard to do, as sometimes we are forced to acknowledge parts of ourselves that we hope not to. But, by managing bad habits or negative mindsets, we can develop into the thriving person we hope to be.
Therapy teaches us to love others with…
Communication
Communication is an important part of every relationship. If you google synonyms for “communication” you might find words like “give” or “deliver”. Very rarely do we equivocate communication with “receiving”. It’s important to remember that communication between two people goes both ways. While this practice requires speaking with calm tones and kind words, it also requires active listening. Therapy not only teaches us the techniques to be heard, but also the ability to hear others. This can be hard to put into practice, but, when done correctly, allows us to build a greater connection.
If you’re looking for active ways that you can practice better communication with your partner, check out our blog on 10 Communication Tips for Couples
Recognition
When we interact with others, we tend to get caught up in the moment. It’s easy to forget that the other person has a different perspective from our own. Therapy teaches us to take a step back and recognize the kinds of burdens that others might be carrying. Check out Psychology Today’s article on the 5 Ways Empathy is Good for Your Health. By practicing empathy, we will find that we can build stronger connections with others.
Compassion
Just like we should work to be less critical of ourselves, therapy helps us to be less critical of each other. It can be hard to let go of the things that hurt us, but the practice of compassion can help us move forward. Therapy creates a safe environment where we can learn this skill, together, and strengthen our connections.
This article shares about types of licensure so you can understand the difference in types of therapists. There are several ways that one can pursue education in order to become a therapist. Understanding the differences in each licensure will help you understand how your therapist, or potential therapist is trained.
Here we will outline some of the most common licensures that our therapists have here at Collaborative Counseling.
Masters Degree
Above all else, a masters degree is required before obtaining licensure. Therapists can received a masters degree in many areas of study. These include psychology, social work, counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and many more.
It typically takes two years to complete a masters program. And requires completion of a four year degree.
Once a masters degree is obtained and before one can take the state or professional exam, several steps of provisional licensure and supervised counseling take place. When an applicate completes and passes this exam, they are a licensed therapist.
In the U.S., requirements for becoming a therapist are determined by state. As a result, the requirements vary depending where you live.
Types of Licensure
Here are general descriptions and requirements of different licensure.
Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, or EdD)
Generally, you will need a doctoral degree to practice as a licensed psychologist. Doctorate programs are often the highest level of education in most fields. They take around four years to complete, after completing a bachelors degree. These psychologists have the ability to do psychological testing. In general, other licensed professionals cannot.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselors are masters level mental health providers. They require:
A minimum of 700 hours of supervised field experience in graduate school
Depending upon degree, 2,000-3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical supervision hours
Passing the credentialing exam
These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including communities and private practice. LPC’s work with individuals, families, couples and groups.
In Minnesota, LPC is not a common licensure, but Wisconsin uses these requirements for LPC’s.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are also masters level professionals that have a masters degree in counseling or another related field. Some requirements for these counselors include:
an additional 2,000 post graduate supervision hours for licensure compared to LPC’s, for a total of 4,000 hours.
passing the credentialing exam
This is a more common licensure in Minnesota because this is the license insurance companies will reimburse.
LPCC providers can work in a variety of settings including private practice, residential facilities, community based agencies, schools and more! This licensure level is trained to offer therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is within the field of Social Work. These training programs focus on therapy from a perspective of the community that surrounds oneself.
To become a LICSW:
First, one must get their masters in social work (MSW)
After that you work towards licensure via clinical experience in and after graduate school.
After schooling comes a post graduate school experience. During this time social workers are supervised by a fully licensed person before receiving their own independent licensure.
Then they must take the state licensing exam.
Also, another variation of LICSW’s is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This includes minor changes in requirements from state to state. For example, LCSW’s practice in Wisconsin, while LICSW’s practice in Minnesota.
A big benefit of this type of license is the type of insurance that LICSW’s and LCSW’s can accept. For example, they are able to accept Medicare if they choose to, while other licensed professionals do not have the option to accept this due to Medicare guidelines.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Marriage and Family therapists are another sub-sect of mental health providers that offer services to couples, families, and individuals. While LMFT’s do tend to work more in family and relationship settings, this is not the only population LMFT’s can work with.
Marriage and family graduate programs focus more on the family systems and relationships surrounding one’s life. This training informs and impacts the way LMFT’s approach therapy.
These therapists require:
4,000 hours of post graduate supervised experience
Passing the national MFT exam.
LMFT’s can also work in private practice, community settings or residential facilities.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors are master level professionals. They require:
Completion of 880 hours of supervised experience during the alcohol and drug graduate program
Candidates must pass the licensing exam
Having a variety of training programs for counseling helps keep our field diverse. It also helps provide a variety of specialties in our field. The vast array of services that are offered come from the differences in licensure. Providers with different licensure often focus their practice in certain specialties based on their degree and license.
However, a provider’s specific area of expertise could vary. It is best to schedule an appointment or meet a therapist personally to see if they are the best fit for you. We hope it helped to learn about the types of licensure of our providers.
For more information, call our office today to see who is available and may be a good fit for you! To learn more about our providers visit our website at https://www.collaborativemn.com/meet-our-team.
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