Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Nurturing Healthy Child Development Understanding different parenting styles is crucial for cultivating healthy parent-child relationships. Various parenting styles have different characteristics and have various effects on children. Let’s delve into the world of parenting styles and discover the importance of finding a […]
By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Understanding different parenting styles is crucial for cultivating healthy parent-child relationships. Various parenting styles have different characteristics and have various effects on children. Let’s delve into the world of parenting styles and discover the importance of finding a balanced approach.
Parenting styles encompass the attitudes, behaviors, and approaches that parents use to raise their children. Specifically, researchers have identified several distinct parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. Each style is defined by specific patterns of parental warmth, discipline, expectations, and involvement in a child’s life.
The authoritative parenting style is widely recognized as one of the most effective and beneficial approaches. These parents are nurturing and supportive while also setting clear expectations and boundaries. Additionally, they provide guidance and explanations for rules and encourage open communication. This style fosters healthy parent-child relationships, self-esteem, and emotional well-being in children.
In contrast, permissive parenting lacks structure, rules, and consistent discipline. These parents tend to be indulgent, prioritizing their child’s desires over establishing limits. While initially appearing lenient, permissive parenting can lead to negative consequences. Moreover, children raised in permissive households may struggle with self-control, authority, and boundary-setting.
Authoritarian parenting differs significantly from authoritative parenting. These parents are demanding and controlling, expecting strict obedience without much warmth or explanation. Furthermore, this style emphasizes rules and discipline over autonomy and open communication. Although it may result in immediate compliance, authoritarian parenting can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, independence, and social skills.
A balanced parenting approach combines elements of authority and nurturing. Specifically, it involves setting clear expectations, boundaries, and consequences while maintaining warmth, empathy, and open communication. Balanced parenting recognizes the importance of guidance and structure while fostering independence, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. This kind of parenting ensures that the parent responds to a child’s emotional needs while teaching values, responsibility, and resilience.
How you choose to parent your child has a profound influence on their development and well-being. Striving for a balanced approach that combines authority and warmth is crucial for nurturing healthy parent-child relationships and supporting optimal child development. The authoritative parenting style, with its nurturing and supportive qualities, tends to yield positive outcomes. By providing clear expectations, boundaries, and open communication, parents can create an environment that fosters independence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. In conclusion, aim for a balanced parenting style to provide a nurturing and empowering upbringing that sets children on a path toward success and fulfillment.
If you would like additional help developing your parenting style, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Simrah Wasim, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S How to Know if a Child in Your Classroom Needs Therapy Has a child in your class ever continued to throw a fit even though nothing seems wrong? Has a student ever skipped lunch multiple days in a row? Do they sometimes stop […]
By: Simrah Wasim, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Has a child in your class ever continued to throw a fit even though nothing seems wrong? Has a student ever skipped lunch multiple days in a row? Do they sometimes stop participating in class or aren’t doing well in things that they usually do? Children express themselves in many ways that sometimes don’t make sense to us or them. School-aged children go through many different transitions and developmental stages. Whilst they are figuring out their feelings and how to navigate them, as a teacher there are signs that you can see to see if a student needs further help. Many of these issues might stem from underlying factors. These could be due to problems at home, at school with peers, or even genetics.
If a student continues to remove themselves from others not only in activities but throughout the day for longer periods then there might be something on their mind. If this is not a child’s norm then this is something to be addressed.
For example, if a child is consistently complaining about a headache or stomachache and there is no reasoning behind it. This could be created by some sort of unidentified anxiety.
If a child’s feelings fluctuate back and forth multiple times, this could be a significant sign of emotional struggles. If there is no emotional regulation, then seeking additional help is needed. These also include crying spells for no apparent reason, yelling, throwing fits, etc.
Students sometimes have a lack of concentration due to either other thoughts in their mind or again for emotional dysregulation. If they cannot complete tasks or assignments or are unable to learn new things, then further help is required.
Students sometimes don’t get enough sleep, and that can throw off their whole day. If you notice that this isn’t a “once in a while” occasion, then other services might need to be offered. Children sleeping in class or even having insomnia can imply that a child might be in duress. The same goes for eating habits. If a pattern begins to occur and they are skipping meals or eating more, then they should be referred to someone beyond the classroom.
As the educator in the classroom, it is important to be aware that every child is special and has different needs. A symptom for one child might not necessarily apply to another. Remember, the symptoms that usually occur affect daily functioning and sometimes create unhealthy habits. Be mindful of who the students are based on the relationships that have already been built with them. If any of these signs are of concern, reach out to the school counselor and see all your options!
If you are ready to begin therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Infidelity Infidelity can be a deeply painful experience for a family. It can shatter the trust and stability that has been built between the members of the family. The immediate aftermath of an infidelity is often tumultuous. Something that many people may not […]
By Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Infidelity can be a deeply painful experience for a family. It can shatter the trust and stability that has been built between the members of the family. The immediate aftermath of an infidelity is often tumultuous. Something that many people may not realize is that the effects can linger long after an affair has ended. When this happens, it is a phenomenon that is known as Post-Infidelity Syndrome (PIS). These repercussions can be profound and impact not only the couple involved but also the entire family unit.
Post-infidelity syndrome refers to a set of emotional, psychological, and behavioral symptoms experienced by individuals who have been betrayed by one of the family’s choices to pursue infidelity. It can manifest in various ways, including feelings of intense anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, and a profound loss of self-esteem. The individuals may struggle with trust issues, obsessive thoughts about the affair, and difficulty in forming intimate relationships in the future.
The effects of Post-Infidelity Syndrome extend beyond the betrayed partner to impact the entire family dynamic. Here are some ways in which PIS can affect different family members:
1. Betrayed Partner: The betrayed partner often experiences a profound sense of betrayal and loss. They may struggle with feelings of inadequacy, self-blame, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Trust, once broken, can be challenging to rebuild. Leading to ongoing issues between the couple.
2. Children: Children are not immune to the effects of infidelity within the family. Witnessing their parents’ emotional turmoil can leave lasting scars on children, leading to feelings of insecurity, confusion, and anxiety. The issues between the parents can disrupt the stability and sense of security that children rely on for healthy development.
3. Extended Family: Infidelity can also strain relationships with extended family members, who may feel torn between supporting the betrayed partner and maintaining a relationship with the unfaithful spouse. Family gatherings and traditions may become awkward or tense, further exacerbating the emotional fallout of the affair.
4. Social Network: Friends and acquaintances may also be impacted by the fallout from infidelity, often feeling caught in the middle or unsure of how to support the betrayed partner. This can lead to strained social interactions and a sense of isolation for both parties involved.
Recovery from Post-Infidelity Syndrome is a challenging and often lengthy process that requires patience, understanding, and professional support. Here are some strategies for coping with PIS and rebuilding trust within the family:
1. Seek Therapy: Individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy can provide a safe space to process emotions, improve communication, and rebuild trust. A trained therapist can offer guidance and support tailored to the unique needs of each family member.
2. Practice Self-Care: It’s essential for individuals affected by infidelity to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies that promote emotional well-being. Taking care of oneself is crucial for navigating the challenges of recovery.
3. Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries and expectations within the relationship can help rebuild trust and prevent future infidelity. Both partners must be willing to communicate openly and respect each other’s boundaries.
4. Focus on Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a crucial component of healing from infidelity, but it’s essential to recognize that forgiveness does not mean condoning or forgetting betrayal. It involves letting go of resentment and bitterness to move forward in a healthier way.
PISD may not just affect the betrayed partner but also the children, the extended family members, and the social networks. When we understand the impact of infidelity on people then we can implement strategies that help families to recover. Only then families can begin to heal and rebuild trust, and ultimately strengthen their bonds and move forward together.
If you are ready to start working on your relationship, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Parents, do you feel like you’re at a constant impasse with your teens? I bet it feels like everything you do is an issue! Frankly…it could be you are lacking a healthy relationship with your teen. Teenage years are one of the hardest […]
By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Parents, do you feel like you’re at a constant impasse with your teens? I bet it feels like everything you do is an issue! Frankly…it could be you are lacking a healthy relationship with your teen. Teenage years are one of the hardest to parent, and the changes in their lives doesn’t make building those relationships any easier.
Many times, as they get older, it feels like building a healthy relationship with your teen is something of the unknown. But the reality is this: it’s never too late to start making the changes necessary to form a strong foundation between you and your teenagers.
We’ve all been teenagers before; we know what it’s like to want to talk to our parents and feel like they don’t care to listen to us and hear us out. Don’t be that parent! Let your teens come to you and make them feel comfortable enough to approach you when they need an adult in their lives. Don’t discredit what they say; let them express their thoughts and emotions before jumping in; they’ll feel as if they were at least given the opportunity to share with you their concerns.
At the end of the day, you are the parent. Be firm with your boundaries; let them know what’s okay and what’s not. They may not necessarily like it at first, but with time, boundaries are understood and respected. This results in less conflict between you and your teen as expectations are set in place.
Do things you don’t always get to do together! Have fun, go out, and enjoy quality time with one another. They’re only teens once; enjoy them while you can before they’re off to college in the blink of an eye. Change is normal, and it’s healthy too, every day won’t look the same, so incorporate changes in your routine to increase the bond between you both.
Say sorry; as adults, it can be hard to accept what we’ve done wrong. The truth is, we aren’t perfect; it’s okay to acknowledge our shortcomings and work towards fixing them. If you apologize, you allow your teen to recognize they can be just as vulnerable back. Let them know you forgive them; it’s all about how to work toward moving forward together.
There is ultimately no timeline to how fast you can build a healthy relationship with your teen. Like everything, it takes time especially if it’s something new to you both. As long as you remain consistent, change can happen fairly quickly. If you experience push back, that’s okay! Changes like these can be common, but they eventually get better.
If you’re a teen reading this, trying to find ways to build a healthy relationship with your parents, try some of these techniques on them instead. Listen to them, set healthy boundaries, be open to change or create change, seek quality time and don’t close yourself off to it, apologize, but also forgive. Change goes both ways, and it’s never a single sided action.
If you are ready to start working on your relationship with your teen, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S The Power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy When you think of the word “change,” what comes to mind first? Most likely, it was a negative thought. Was I right? Change is inevitable in life. Sometimes, it brings joy, and at other times, it […]
By: Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
When you think of the word “change,” what comes to mind first? Most likely, it was a negative thought. Was I right? Change is inevitable in life. Sometimes, it brings joy, and at other times, it brings challenges. How we respond to these changes can greatly influence our well-being and happiness. This is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) comes in, offering a powerful approach to navigating life’s ups and downs with resilience and inner peace.
At its core, ACT is about accepting what is out of our control and committing to actions that enrich our lives. Here are some of the key benefits of this therapeutic approach:
MindfulnessACT emphasizes the practice of mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without getting entangled in them. This allows for greater clarity of mind and an increased ability to respond effectively to life’s challenges.
Rather than struggling against unpleasant thoughts and emotions, ACT encourages acceptance of them. This doesn’t mean resignation or giving up but rather acknowledging the reality of our internal experiences. By accepting our thoughts and feelings, we can reduce their power over us and make room for more constructive actions.
ACT helps individuals clarify their values – what truly matters to them in life. By identifying and aligning with their values, people gain a sense of purpose and direction. Furthermore, this clarity guides them in making decisions and taking actions that are in line with their deepest desires and aspirations.
While acceptance is important, ACT also emphasizes the importance of taking action toward valued goals. This involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and engaging in behaviors that promote personal growth and well-being. By committing to action, individuals can overcome obstacles and create meaningful change in their lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy introduces techniques to “defuse” unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. Rather than taking our thoughts at face value, we learn to see them as just thoughts. This allows for greater flexibility in thinking and reduces the influence of negative thought patterns.
Central to ACT is the cultivation of self-compassion – treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially in times of struggle. By developing self-compassion, individuals can navigate difficulties with greater resilience and bounce back from setbacks with greater ease.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of ACT is the cultivation of psychological flexibility – the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to one’s values. Moreover, psychological flexibility allows individuals to respond effectively to life’s challenges, rather than getting stuck in rigid patterns of thought and behavior.
In conclusion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a powerful set of tools for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, mindfulness, and compassion. By embracing acceptance, clarifying values, and taking committed action, individuals can cultivate greater psychological flexibility and lead more fulfilling lives. So, let’s embrace change, cultivate mindfulness, and commit to actions that align with our deepest values. After all, life is a journey, and ACT can be our guiding light along the way.
If you are looking to learn more about how ACT can help you navigate difficult thoughts, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Natasha Cooke, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Are you single and looking to learn how you can finally begin a healthy and secure relationship? If so, as a relationship therapist myself, I have some valuable info for you. What Are Relationship Red Flags? We’ve all heard of “red flags” in […]
By: Natasha Cooke, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Are you single and looking to learn how you can finally begin a healthy and secure relationship? If so, as a relationship therapist myself, I have some valuable info for you.
We’ve all heard of “red flags” in relationships. Most likely you’ve found yourself in the following situation – you start dating someone only to realize later that they had a sizable number of red flags. You had thick love goggles on or chose to ignore those harmful qualities while you were together. But now, you are keen on identifying red flags in people before or while you are dating them. Sound familiar?
Although knowing what traits you do and don’t want in a relationship is certainly helpful, it is equally valuable to recognize healthy and unhealthy tendencies in yourself.
Relationship green flags are healthy attributes, beliefs, and behaviors that are likely to lead to a functional, happy relationship. The following are some examples of “relationship green flags,” in oneself.
Green Flag: Being open-minded. Essentially, this refers to not having a rigid “type” (not that it’s necessarily wrong to have a preference on physical appearance or personality type), such as insisting that your partner needs to be a certain height, have a particular profession, or share all the same interests and hobbies as you. Rather, it’s more important to know the qualities you respect and want in a partner. For example, wanting your partner to value family, have professional goals or aspirations in life, have similar spiritual beliefs, preferences on kids, pets, lifestyle choices, etc.
Green Flag: Communicating throughout the process. Being upfront about what you want from a relationship can save a lot of heartache. This can include not “playing games” or intentionally toying with the other person’s emotions. Furthermore, you should be able to share important feelings with your partner. For instance, being able to let your partner know that the joke they just told was hurtful to you or, on the flip side, share that something they did (such as learning your coffee order) meant a lot to you.
Green Flag: Knowing how to have fun and also plan for the future. You should be able to enjoy the dating process while also having conversations about what you want or need from your partner and where you hope the relationship is headed.
Relationship red flags are those personality qualities, behaviors, and thought patterns that are potentially damaging to the relationship. Below are some examples of “red flags.” However, this by no means, is an exhaustive list. It’s merely intended to help you begin acknowledging some areas in which could use improvement in yourself.
Red Flag: Saying you will never change or compromise. Building a healthy relationship involves learning to be the best version of yourself. This may include improving some aspects of yourself. This doesn’t mean giving up the essence of who you are. It simply means that you are willing to work on yourself for you and your partner. In addition, compromise is a key component in every relationship.
Red Flag: Believing that love is the only important thing in a relationship. Don’t get me wrong, love is important, but so is trust and respect. Without having mutual respect and trust, love is simply not always enough. Additionally, friendship in a relationship is also essential.
Red Flag: Rushing into a relationship or marriage. If possible, it’s important to take your time getting to know your partner before rushing into marriage, moving in together, or making any big life decisions. I’ve witnessed many couples that regret not spending more time dating and learning more about one another before jumping into a big commitment.
As a relationship therapist myself, I may be a bit biased when I suggest that going to see a licensed professional counselor may be one of the best ways to address red flags in yourself. This way, you can work through issues you have that hold you back from having the relationship you really want. At the same time, a good counselor will help you recognize and build on your existing strengths. Remember, therapy is about learning who you are and helping you become the person you want to be.
If you are ready to begin therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC, CATP The words play therapy often come up when we talk about helping children with their emotions. But what is play therapy? As adults, we can have a predetermined thought of what therapy looks like for kids. Therapy for kids is very different than for adults. Adults have the skills […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC, CATP
The words play therapy often come up when we talk about helping children with their emotions. But what is play therapy? As adults, we can have a predetermined thought of what therapy looks like for kids.
Therapy for kids is very different than for adults. Adults have the skills to put into words how they feel. They also have more insight into understanding what their body is doing. For example, many adults can tell they feel sad because their body feels heavy or things move slower. Children do not understand what is right and where they are supposed to be as a child.
Play therapy is a way for a therapist to get on a child’s level and communicate through play. Children can more easily express themselves with play. Remember, each child might have additional therapies, but this would depend on their needs.
Play therapy involves talking, but not a question-and-answer type of conversation. Children are allowed to make decisions and direct the play, which allows them to narrate their emotions and what they are feeling/experiencing within the play.
Play therapy is a technique typically used for children between the ages of 3 and 12. But honestly, anyone of any age can benefit from it, including older adults.
There can be many reasons why therapy would be beneficial for children specifically. Play therapy can be helpful when we see behavioral issues, communication issues, delays in development, and trauma processing. Furthermore, the duration of time and level of care needed are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
More studies are coming out about play therapy and what other groups of people might benefit from it. Many times, adults can have a hard time focusing on serious topics like bills, parenting, etc. Play therapy can be a time for adults to learn to let loose and let go of stress.
Play therapy is a way for adults to re-engage the imagination portion of the brain. Adults must often adhere to rules at work, at home, and in society. Allowing yourself time to let go of the logical side of your brain can help lower stress and create time for flexibility.
Play therapy is going to look very different from traditional therapy. Sometimes, as adults, we assume that therapy is similar to how adult therapy is run. But for many children, sitting and talking for an hour can feel boring and difficult to stay engaged in.
For some therapists, homework can come home for the parents, child, or both. The homework can be linked to things being worked out in session. Your therapist will keep you up to date on specific needs that might need to be addressed.
Play therapy can be a way for your child to learn more about themselves and their emotions. This can help address behaviors as well as processes for children. Call today to find out more!
If you would like more help with children’s emotions, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Alexia Cabreras MS, LPC Associate & Simrah Wasim MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Calling all High School Students! Let’s face it…summer is over…when you finally thought you had nothing to worry about, here we go..back to school! Unfortunately, all the things that didn’t stress you out throughout the summer will […]
By: Alexia Cabreras MS, LPC Associate & Simrah Wasim MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Let’s face it…summer is over…when you finally thought you had nothing to worry about, here we go..back to school! Unfortunately, all the things that didn’t stress you out throughout the summer will start flooding back in. The academic workload, sleep deprivation, lack of support, social pressure, unhealthy relationships, and all the things that can be detrimental to your mental health become significant again. Isn’t it crazy that this is something many high schoolers go through, and yet no one finds it easy to talk about and ask for help?
With that being said, our high school group is the perfect setting to talk about all the hardships being faced at school and in your day-to-day life. We don’t often recognize how many people go through the same things we experience until we surround ourselves with others open to being vulnerable. I hope as you read this blog you may find the motivation to join our group and maybe even bring your friends too!
ALL High Schoolers! It doesn’t matter if you’ll be starting HS in the fall or soon to graduate, this group is for you! We can’t wait to work with everyone in grades 9th -12th.
Every Thursday 6-7 PM starting August 8th! By doing a weekly group, we guarantee consistency and an ongoing support system to all of our members who choose to join. Not only that, but we know “stuff” happens and you may not always be able to make it, a weekly schedule allows you to come as you please, while knowing we will always be there.
$10 per group! We aim to ensure that those who join our group have access at an affordable rate.
Group counseling is a fun and effective way to meet people with similar interests as well as differences. We can always learn from one another, and this can happen productively by creating a safe space. Talking to others and getting to know them allows us to learn new skills. You are able to learn and work on social skills, confidence, accountability, and creating a sense of community. The group also offers working and navigating through challenges whilst supporting one another. This group does not only focus on being in high school, we truly talk about real-life things like relationship issues and household dynamics. We talk about the rough stuff like dealing with depression, anxiety, and mental health in general.
There’s not a single answer to this, it’s much more complex than you may think. But to give you an idea, we’ll be doing multiple things at once! We will be processing and engaging in psychoeducation and psychotherapy all at once. We will discuss many topics such as transitioning in and out of high school, navigating through academics and extracurriculars, socializing, making appropriate choices, and more! As facilitators of the group, we will also be in charge of activities and making sure everyone feels welcome. We aim to have a fun group, after all, therapy is supposed to be fun too!
Throughout this blog, we have often said “we”, now it’s time to get to know us and before we tell you a little more about ourselves, we would like to add a fun little fact. We have both known each other for a long time, and we both know what it’s like to navigate being in school and facing hardships too, we did school together and faced that journey together! On top of that, not only are we colleagues, we have a friendship, and we both know personally and professionally the benefits of having a solid support system like the one we aim to create in our group.
Hi everyone! My name is Alexia! I am an LPC-A, I predominately work with adolescents and adults. My goal is to support you, validate you, encourage you and push you to grow through a safe space. I want you to always be yourself and truly enjoy the thrill of seeking therapy. As a therapist, I wish there was more access to groups like these everywhere, but being part of the change is providing this opportunity to those who can join! Simrah and I can’t wait to get to know you and work as a team!
Hi everyone! Simrah here! I am an LPC-A who loves working with children and teens. My goal is to help ensure that we are creating the best versions of ourselves. Having counseling at a crucial developmental age is a resource that we shouldn’t take for granted. I am sure there are times when some of us can reflect and think “I wish I had more help.” This is where Alexia and I come in! We are here to provide the tools that high schoolers need, whether this is for personal growth or professional development. Can’t wait to meet you all and get started!
If you are looking for a supportive group for your teen, our high school group at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S The Importance of Coping Tools for Anxiety As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that anxiety can have on young minds. From the flutter of nervous butterflies before a big test to the overwhelming fear of social situations, anxiety can […]
By Jennifer Ponce de Leon, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that anxiety can have on young minds. From the flutter of nervous butterflies before a big test to the overwhelming fear of social situations, anxiety can manifest in many different ways for children. However, one thing remains constant: the importance of preparing children with coping tools to navigate their anxious thoughts and feelings.
Imagine being a child facing the daunting prospect of starting a new school year or making friends in a new environment. These situations can be incredibly anxiety-provoking, leaving children feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. But what if they had a toolkit filled with strategies to help them manage these moments of distress?
Coping tools are like a superhero’s utility belt, filled with gadgets to help them conquer their fears. From deep breathing exercises to mindfulness techniques, these tools empower children to take control of their anxiety and face their challenges head-on. But why is it so crucial for children to learn these skills at a young age?
Here are a few reasons why coping tools are so important for children:
The importance of teaching children coping tools for anxiety is often pushed aside. These tools empower children to take control of their anxiety, develop resilience, and build healthy coping mechanisms for life. By equipping them with these skills at a young age, we are not only helping them conquer their anxious thoughts in childhood but also helping them to develop a sense of emotional well-being in adulthood. So, let’s empower our children to become anxiety superheroes armed with the coping tools they need to conquer any challenge that comes their way.
If your child could benefit from anxiety therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Summer is finally here! So what does that mean? It means having a lot of free time and likely not enough plans…my job as a therapist is to encourage you to have a good time in the healthiest and safest way possible. Let’s […]
By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Summer is finally here! So what does that mean? It means having a lot of free time and likely not enough plans…my job as a therapist is to encourage you to have a good time in the healthiest and safest way possible. Let’s be honest, you just spend months worrying about school and stressing about deadlines now it’s time to fill your time with adventure.
Summer is all about finding a new routine for yourself, figuring out what your days are going to look like. Take this opportunity to think about all the things you like to do and all the things you’d like to spend your summer doing.
If you didn’t, that’s okay! Here are a few things you could do this summer on your own or with your friends. Try new things. Part of expanding your interest and coping with stressors during the summer is willingly engaging in things you haven’t in the past and learning about yourself in the process.
– Have a picnic with your friends
– Road trip to places close by
– Grab lunch or dinner
– Binge different series
– Set up an outdoor movie night
– Go to the beach
– Spend a day at the museum
– Go swimming
The list is never ending, but these are just a few adventures you could embark on throughout your summer. Though they may not all be your cup of tea, that’s the thrill in trying new things, figuring out your likes and dislikes and working around that.
In order to maintain your mental health, you must engage in self-care. Self-care goes far beyond just getting your hair done, going to the nail salon, or maintaining your hygiene. Self-care is activities you participate in, hobbies you like to do, and socialization with others. This summer is an opportunity for you to take a proactive approach toward maintaining your overall health. Summer goes by fast; it’ll be over before you know it. Therefore, start your journey early on and really take advantage of the opportunities there are for you to keep yourself busy, whether that’s with others or by yourself.
If you are ready to start working on yourself, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!