The first day of school is a joyous occasion for many children, but it can be a bittersweet time for parents. After all, it means saying goodbye to their little ones for several hours each day. For some parents, the separation can be difficult to cope with. They may feel sad, lonely, or even anxious.
If you’re a parent who is struggling with separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to cope. First, it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. Everyone feels a little bit sad when their child goes back to school. The important thing is to not let these feelings overwhelm you.
Here are a few tips for coping with separation anxiety:
Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or anxious about your child’s return to school. These are normal emotions. Don’t try to bottle them up or pretend that you’re not feeling anything.
Talk to your child about your feelings. Let your child know that you’re going to miss them, but that you’re also excited for them to start school. Talk about what they’re looking forward to about the new school year.
Make a special goodbye routine. This could involve giving them a hug, reading them a story, or making them breakfast.
Make a plan for staying connected. Set up a regular time each day or week to talk to your child on the phone or video chat. You can also send them texts, emails or letters.
Reach out to other parents who are also feeling separation anxiety. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be helpful.
Get involved in your child’s school. Volunteering at your child’s school is a great way to stay connected and support their education. You can also attend parent-teacher conferences and school events.
Take some time for yourself each day. This could involve reading, going for a walk or spending time with friends.
If you’re still struggling to cope with separation anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many parents go through the same thing when their child starts school. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to cope with separation anxiety and enjoy this new chapter in your child’s life.
Twenty-two years ago today, the world changed forever. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and carried out a series of coordinated attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more.
The attacks were a horrific act of violence, but they also brought out the best in humanity. In the days and weeks that followed, people from all over the world came together to show their support for the victims and their families.
We saw acts of courage and compassion from firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens. We saw people donate blood, volunteer their time, and open their hearts to those in need.
The courage, strength, and resilience of the human spirit was on full display in the aftermath of 9/11. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Here are some specific examples of the courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of 9/11:
Firefighters and police officers risked their lives to save others.
Ordinary citizens volunteered their time and money to help the victims and their families.
People from all over the world donated blood and other supplies.
Businesses and organizations offered free or discounted services to help those in need.
Children wrote letters of support to the victims and their families.
Survivors of the attacks found the strength to rebuild their lives.
The attacks of 9/11 were a terrible tragedy, but they also showed us the best of humanity. We saw people come together to help each other in a time of need. We saw the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
How Can We Celebrate the Courage, Strength, and Resilience of the People?
Honor the past. Learn about the history of your community or country and the challenges that people have faced. This can help you to appreciate the courage and strength of those who came before you.
Recognize the present. Be aware of the challenges that people are facing today, both locally and globally. This could include things like poverty, war, or natural disasters. Find ways to support those who are struggling.
Celebrate the good. There are many stories of courage, strength, and resilience happening all around us. Take the time to read about or watch these stories to be inspired.
Get involved. There are many ways to get involved in your community and make a difference. You could volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or start your own project.
Be kind. One of the simplest ways to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of others is to be kind to them. This could mean something as small as holding the door open for someone or as big as donating blood or volunteering at a soup kitchen.
We can also celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of the people by living our lives to the fullest. Let us never take our freedom for granted and let us always be willing to help others in need.
Conclusion
September 11, 2001 was a dark day in our history, but it also showed us the best of humanity. The courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of the attacks is an inspiration to us all.
Let us never forget the victims and their families, and let us always strive to live our lives to the fullest. We can honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11 by being courageous, strong, and resilient in the face of adversity.
Here are some resources for those who are struggling with grief or trauma:
National Center for PTSD: This website provides information and resources on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including coping strategies, treatment options, and support groups. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.
American Psychological Association: This website provides information on grief and loss, trauma, and coping strategies, as well as a directory of psychologists who specialize in these areas. https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/.
The Dougy Center: The Dougy Center is a national organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and their families. You can find their website here: https://www.dougy.org/.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: This website provides information and resources on childhood traumatic stress, including treatment options and support groups. https://www.nctsn.org/.
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.
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!
Trauma informed care has become a highly coveted model for treating people who have experienced traumatic experiences or events. Read more to learn about trauma and this form of treatment.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is defined as an emotional or psychological response to an event that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can refer to things that are upsetting, such as being involved in an accident, loosing a close loved one, or going through a divorce. It can also refer to the extreme end of the spectrum as well. This would be things that are severely damaging such as assault or kidnapping.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma informed care is not about specific techniques. It is an overall approach to providing care. Trauma informed care should include the following six principles.
A safe therapeutic environment is essential to aid in recovery.
Trauma related symptoms and behaviors originate from adapting to traumatic experiences.
Recovery from trauma is a goal in treatment.
Resiliency and trauma resistant skills training are part of treatment.
It focuses on client strengths.
Trauma recovery is a collaborative effort.
What to Look for in a Trauma Informed Therapist
First and foremost, a trauma therapist should realize the impact that trauma has on a person. They should also have an understanding of potential paths for recovery. They should also be able to detect the signs of trauma in clients. Along with being able to detect the signs they should be able to respond to these signs. They should use their full knowledge of trauma practices and procedures to assist their client. Lastly, a trauma informed therapist should actively resist re-traumatizing clients.
The Importance of Trauma Informed Care
Everyone has different reactions to traumatic events. Some people may be able to cope with and move past their trauma rather quickly, whereas others may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The way people react to and retell the traumatic event that they experienced can determine whether the people around them will believe what happened. Those who react with strong emotion are often seen as more credible than those who remain stoic and are able to look past the emotion.
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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