Counseling Reflections

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Parenting: Embracing the Unpredictable

Holistic Parenting
Conscious parenting is the mindful approach I recommend for parenting throughout a lifetime. There is less emphasis on the present moment and more on looking at the family system as it grows holistically. Before I became a parent, I worked with children as a therapist. Still, I was unaware of my personal commitment to parenting despite helping to raise children within my extended family system. Despite the many years of training, internships, and volunteer activities, I was so lost.  We went through childhood, right? How hard can it be?
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Anger Management; The Price and Pain of Anger

Anger Management
Anger management is needed to manage this universal emotion that serves as a powerful signal. It can be an expression of frustration, injustice, or a need to protect oneself or others. When harnessed appropriately, anger can motivate positive change and problem-solving. However, uncontrolled or chronic anger can lead to detrimental consequences.
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Autism Hope: Autism Linked to Immune System Problems

Autism and Immune Support
Autism, viewed through the lens of immune disorder research, offers both challenges and opportunities. It calls for resilience from families and individuals, a commitment from researchers, and an empathetic response from society. By embracing an informed, hopeful approach to autism, we can empower those on the spectrum to lead fulfilling lives. As we continue to seek understanding and solutions, let us do so with the knowledge that while the path may be complex, it is traversed together, with hope as our guide.
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Child Counseling; Abuse and Family Dynamics

Child counseling and abuse prevention
Child counseling and addressing abuse allegations demand sensitivity, expertise, and a community-oriented approach. As we navigate these challenges, let us remember the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of therapy. Together, we can shield the innocence of childhood and pave the way for a future where every child is safe, valued, and nurtured.
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Embracing Change: The Transformative Power of MicroActions in Mental Health

Microactions and positive psychology
At the heart of positive psychology lies the pursuit of human strength, happiness, and well-being. This field encourages us to embrace proactive measures to enhance our mental health and lead more fulfilling lives. Microactions, with their emphasis on cultivating positive habits, align seamlessly with the principles of positive psychology, offering a practical pathway to nurturing our well-being. It helps us to avoid feeling overwhelmed by making life feel more manageable.
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Counseling, Anger And Healing With Archetypes

Counseling, Anger and Archetypes
Joseph Campbell's seminal work, "The Hero of a Thousand Faces," intersects psychology, mythology, religion, and wellness, emphasizing the vital role of storytelling and myth in our psychological makeup. Campbell reminds us, "Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." Stories give us frameworks to process and prepare for life's complexities. Our earliest memories are coated in the goodness of a story, our story.
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How we Embrace Life’s Roadblocks: A Path to Renewal and Growth

Roadblocks and Blockages
On the issues of roadblocks and blockages, Buddha said it best "Pain in life is inevitable but suffering is not. Pain is what the world does to you. Suffering is what you do to yourself." At various junctures in our lives, we encounter formidable obstacles that seem to halt our progress, leaving us feeling stuck, vulnerable, and isolated. These moments, shrouded in fear and uncertainty, might appear as our lowest points. However, it's in these very instances of apparent standstill that the seeds of renewal and self-discovery are sown. Roadblocks, bot
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Cory Booker and the Mindful Path to Leadership

Cory Booker and Mindful Leadership
We can't go back, but we can move forward to be more mindful in the future and do our best to convey our best self daily. As a therapist, I can tell you that repair attempts are part of what we teach; how someone cleans up conflict is a tell-tale sign of their integrity. Hopefully, we will be judged on the sum of our actions and what we do for our community rather than on one speech.
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Memorial Day Reflections: Navigating Adolescent Substance Use

Memorial Day, Substance use, Holiday triggers, Coping strategies, Celebrating responsibly, Support for addiction, Honoring fallen heroes, Memorial Day events, Substance use prevention, Addiction recovery, Healthy holiday choices, Memorial Day History, Resilience during celebrations, Substance use triggers, Alcohol alternatives, Community support, Paying tribute, Veteran remembrance, Mindful celebration, Addiction treatment resources
Memorial Day: Family plays a pivotal role in shaping an adolescent's approach to substance use. A home should ideally be a sanctuary of security and renewal. However, when family dynamics become toxic or dysfunctional, it can exacerbate the challenges faced by adolescents. Creating a supportive and open environment is key to helping them navigate these issues.
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The 3 Ways to Emotion Dysregulation Affects Adolescents with ADHD

The 3 Ways to Emotion Dysregulation Affects Adolescents with ADHD
Emotion Dysregulation: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that's often discussed in the context of attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, there's a growing body of research indicating that emotion dysregulation (ED) - the inability to manage and respond to emotional experiences appropriately - is also a significant challenge for those with ADHD, particularly during the tumultuous period of adolescence. Let us look at a recent study aimed at shedding light on how ED manifests in young adolescents with ADHD, its relationship with different ADHD subtypes and comorbid conditions like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and its impact on aggression, rule-breaking behavior, and social impairment.
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How to Understand the Link Between ADHD and Sleep

ADHD and Sleep
ADHD and Sleep: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions worldwide, manifesting in various symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. However, an often overlooked aspect of ADHD is its strong correlation with sleep disorders, particularly the Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD). DSPD is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder that significantly affects the sleep patterns of 73-78% of individuals with ADHD. This connection between ADHD and sleep disorders opens up a new realm of understanding and managing ADHD.
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How To Understand Sleep’s Impact on Children with ADHD

How To Understand Sleep's Impact on Children with ADD
The study engaged parents of children aged 6-13 with ADHD in semi-structured interviews to gather their experiences and observations. These discussions revealed that good rest was integral to their children's ability to manage emotional responses and navigate daily life more effectively. Parents noted improvements in their children's vitality, self-esteem, and general well-being after a restful night's sleep, highlighting rest's critical role in their children's health and development.
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The Digital Dilemma: How to Navigate Internet Use with ADHD

The Digital Dilemma: How to Navigate Internet Use with ADHD
One of the study's primary findings is the mediating role of psychological distress in the dynamic between Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) and quality of life (QoL). It appears that while specific digital activities have direct impacts on facets of QoL — such as physical well-being and social connections — it's the overarching psychological distress that significantly shapes overall life satisfaction. This insight sheds light on a critical aspect of digital well-being for those with ADHD: it's not just the amount of time spent online but how this engagement affects mental health that matters.
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The Hidden Gems of ADHD: The Science Behind ADHD Strengths

The Hidden Gems of ADHD: The Science Behind ADHD Strengths
In the realm of psychological research, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been associated with challenges in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, a burgeoning body of research is beginning to illuminate the unique strengths inherent in individuals with ADHD. Let us explore the current scientific understanding of ADHD strengths, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative studies to shed light on these positive traits.
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