How to Get Your Teen to Commit to Therapy

Approaching the idea of therapy with your teen can be a difficult. It may bring up the question, "what is wrong with me? or the notion that you are disappointed or that your child isn't measuring up.

Here are four quick tips for getting your child to commit to the process....

Adolescence, Action steps, Benefits of Therapy, Helpful tips, Teenagers, TherapistsTessa Vining, LCSW, LCADCJuly 11, 2017family, family health, teenagers, teen help, therapy

Four Life Skills Every Emerging Young Adult Needs to Know Now

Transitions can be difficult for adolescents and parents, so the transition to adulthood is definitely no exception! It’s important for your child to feel comfortable talking to you about some of his or her stressors, anxiety, fears and worries about the transition. Autonomy can be simultaneously liberating, scary and challenging.

Here are 4 Life Skills for your emerging young adult to practice and master in order to help make the transition smoother:

Action steps, Adolescence, Family, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvementMarline Francois, LCSWJune 12, 2017young adult, family health, family, work/life balance, healthy lifestyle, Mental health

Five Steps toward Grieving a Loss

Grieving a loss is a process that we will all experience at some point in our lives. The most obvious form of grieving is for a dying or deceased loved one, including a pet. However, loss can occur in areas other than in death such as when receiving a health diagnosis, during the end of a union, or even when an experience doesn't measure up to your expectations. Here are five steps toward grieving any loss....

Action steps, Depression, Family relationships, Self-improvementTessa Vining, LCSW, LCADCJune 4, 2017Loss, family health, friendships

How to Communicate Effectively with Your Teen

As a parent, you may have experienced some challenges with communicating with your teen(s). Maybe you argue about social media usage, academic performance in school or the lack of quality time he or she spends with you.

Avoid discord and disconnection with your child by using one or all of these tips....

Action steps, Boundary Setting, Family, Family relationships, Helpful tipsMarline Francois, LCSWMay 21, 2017fa, family time, family health, teen relationships, teenagers, parenting

Four No-Cost Ways for Busy Moms to De-Stress

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do during the day, it still isn't enough? Life can be stressful, especially when you have kids. Whether you are a mom to a colicky newborn, or a mom of three, it's easy to let stress build up and feel like you have little time to yourself.

Here are 4 easy ways for busy moms to de-stress - and it won't cost a thing!:

Action steps, Family, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvement, Tips for Your MindBrittany Ruane, LCSWMay 14, 2017family health, well-being, moms, self care, Mental health

4 Easy Responses for When your Child says, "I'm Bored!"

Any parent that has a child who can speak has heard the familiar phrase, "i'm bored!" The first thing a parent might think is "I wish I had time to be bored!" and an easy response could be, "go play." Then you might get a dreaded retort such as, "there's nothing to play" or "I played everything already." This scenario is frustrating for sure. What is a parent to do when faced with these words?

Read on to learn four easy responses...

Action steps, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvement, TeenagersDanna Markson, LCSWMay 7, 2017solutions, family time, family health, teens, parenting

Helping Your Teen Through Depression

With the demands and expectation of getting good grades in school and maintaining a social life, teens may start to feel overwhelmed. Depression can result from untreated and chronic feelings of overwhelm, confusion and/or hopelessness. it is crucial to understand a teen’s depression and to have a set of concrete action steps. Here are 3 Tips for Helping your Teen through Depression…..

Action steps, Family, Helpful tips, Improving your Mood, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychologyMarline Francois, LCSWFebruary 26, 2017helpful tips, Help for troubled teens, Depression, Treating depression, family health

Dos and Don'ts for Quality Family Time

These days, having interactive family time may feel impossible due to the demands of busy schedules, however studies show that even a little bit of quality time can having a meaningful impact. It’s best for family time to be “light” and fun, and not a time for the more serious discussions.

Here are a few suggestions for quality family time:....

Family relationshipsTessa Vining, LCSW, LCADCApril 3, 2016mental health, family, family health

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