Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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By: Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S What are Boundaries? Relationships with boundaries allow people to learn when to say yes and when to say no to others and yourself. Creating boundaries is one of the best ways to keep your emotional energy. It can also help to define the […]
Relationships with boundaries allow people to learn when to say yes and when to say no to others and yourself. Creating boundaries is one of the best ways to keep your emotional energy. It can also help to define the people and things that you allow in your life.
Therefore, we can define a boundary as an invisible line a person can draw around themselves that will help to identify what is acceptable behavior, and what is unacceptable behavior. The beauty of boundaries is that you can change and adapt them. Some people love them because they represent structure, order, and rules. Others see them as limits that are annoying or frustrating.
An important part of mental health is deciding on the right number of boundaries for your life. Psychological distress can result from overly rigid or overly loose limits. Boundaries are a great way to have control in your life.
They help to define your personal space. This controls things such as the area around your body. It allows you to decide who can come into your personal space and who cannot. It can help you decide what type of affection you are comfortable with.
They tend to apply to your thoughts, your values, and even your opinions. For instance, do you have an open mind? Can you be flexible or is everything black or white? People with weak mental boundaries tend to react in an overly emotional manner. They will often become defensive, rigid, and may even become combative.
They help you to understand different opinions from those that you may have. It is certainly ok to agree to disagree. You do not need to give advice or try and “fix” someone else’s problems. Also, recognize that you are not to blame when those around you get upset. Do not let people guilt you into making decisions. Recognize that you have a choice in every situation and relationship if you choose to exercise that right.
They are limits on how a person chooses to budget their money. Moreover, they also determine how and what you choose to spend on material goods and experiences. Money can be a struggle for a lot of people. Setting financial rules can help you decide how you will and will not handle money.
They help you to determine which actions align with your core values. Some great examples are, you not accepting intolerant attitudes from others, or refusing to put up with lying and cheating. These boundaries help to set what deserves moral consideration.
They will help you to understand your comfort level around physical touch, intimacy, or even sexual behaviors. These boundaries help you to decide what fits your comfort level when it comes to your sexual life.
They help to define your religious beliefs or lack thereof. These boundaries do not matter whether they pertain to God, another deity, or a supernatural being. These should be clear rules that govern the beliefs we hold and how we put those beliefs into practice.
Boundaries are difficult for most people. Furthermore, they are especially hard for people that were raised by parents who are overly harsh or overly permissive with discipline. Trauma in your childhood may make you more willing to tolerate unhealthy behaviors from others. The good news is that you are now an adult with control over your life.
· You were not taught how to develop boundaries as a child. When needs and wants are not respected by parents, you may internalize that your opinions are not important.
· You tend to be a people-pleaser. You never like to offend anyone, or you simply cannot say “no”, so you take on too much.
· You were “parentified” as a child. This is when your role in your family was to take care of the needs of others, so your needs were always put on hold. You could never do anything for yourself because that would mean you were selfish.
If you are ready to learn how to implement boundaries, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling and 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 counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC- Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Writing about gratitude during the month that celebrates Thanksgiving may seem cliché but having and expressing thankfulness is important in everyday life. Showing gratitude has many benefits physically, psychologically, and socially. Physical benefits include a better immune system, lower blood pressure, better sleep […]
Writing about gratitude during the month that celebrates Thanksgiving may seem cliché but having and expressing thankfulness is important in everyday life. Showing gratitude has many benefits physically, psychologically, and socially. Physical benefits include a better immune system, lower blood pressure, better sleep at night, and less bothered by aches and pains. Benefits psychologically include a higher level of positive emotions, feeling more alert and awake, experiencing more joy and pleasure, and experiencing more happiness in life. Socially people with gratitude are more likely to be kind, compassionate, generous, outgoing, forgiving, and less isolated and lonely.
Thankfulness allows people to experience the present fully. Research illustrates that positive emotions tend to wear off quickly. A new house, car, or phone that once brought happiness and excitement will later not feel so exciting anymore. Having gratitude allows us to appreciate the value of something. When we realize something has value, we are less likely to take it for granted. Gratitude will enable people to engage more fully and appreciate life. We get more pleasure from life when we value and appreciate the positives. Instead of becoming normalized to goodness, goodness is celebrated.
Gratitude has been shown to block negative emotions such as resentment, bitterness, and regret that can steal one’s happiness. Thankfulness also shows evidence of reducing the frequency and duration in periods of depression. It is hard to feel envious if you are feeling gratitude, or feel resentment when you appreciate all the positive experiences and people that are in your life.
Grateful people show better resiliency when they face a stressful event, suffering, or adversity. Appreciating another viewpoint in light of gratitude helps lessen anxiety and stress.
People who have thankful thoughts can appreciate what others have done for them or how they have been treated. Looking back on the past, one can see how different relationships and people have brought them to where they are today. Realizing that someone has seen value in you makes you change how you see yourself.
Having and expressing gratitude is not always easy. Thankfulness gives credit to other people. Often people are quick to attribute success to themselves and blame others for failures or mistakes. Gratitude protects against self-serving tendencies. Gratitude goes against our need to have control over our lives. Sometimes with gratitude, you accept life as it is and appreciate your blessings. Society often tells us that we deserve good things and produce entitlement. It is hard to show gratitude when one feels one deserves everything.
Some way you can practice experiencing more gratitude in your life is by keeping a gratitude journal.
Write down things you are thankful for. Or spend time each day thinking of three things you were grateful happened that day. Be intentional with those around you. Take time to notice traits or qualities you appreciate in your kids, spouse, parents, siblings, and friends. Once you notice, make a point to tell them what you appreciate about them. Showing gratitude is perfect in preparing for the Thanksgiving season, but it’s also essential to practice all year round.
If you are ready to learn how to experience and express gratitude, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling and 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 counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Grounding techniques for children and teens are helpful tools to help manage anxiety. Overwhelming anxiety can make your body and your thoughts feel foreign. Grounding techniques will assist the brain in coming back to reality and help you feel like yourself again. One of the great things about ground […]
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC
Grounding techniques for children and teens are helpful tools to help manage anxiety. Overwhelming anxiety can make your body and your thoughts feel foreign. Grounding techniques will assist the brain in coming back to reality and help you feel like yourself again. One of the great things about ground techniques is that they can grow and change as you or your child does. Grounding techniques are not one-size-fits-all. Anyone can adapt the following grounding technique to what best works for them, their family, and their surroundings.
Change or immerse the body into a whole new experience or sensation. This can be lying on the ground, taking a shower, or wrapping yourself in a blanket. You can also change your body’s sensation by drinking a cold cup of water, eating a sour piece of candy, or holding an ice cube.
It is important to remember to acknowledge and stimulate your five senses. This can be as simple as bringing a new texture, like your favorite blanket or sweater. Light your favorite candle or use your essential oil in your safe space. Drink your most comforting drink or eat your favorite candy. Just remember to stimulate one of the five senses.
Find your comfort items and keep them close. Depending on age, these items can be a variety of items. For smaller children, this can be a favorite stuffed animal or toy. For teens, it can be their favorite scented candle or weighted blanket. My personal self-soothing item is a 1lb weighted stuffed animal (a blue whale from T.J Maxx).
Being anxious or overwhelmed is a sign that you need a break! Take the time to do something you enjoy. This can also look like taking yourself away from the stressor by physically leaving. Take a walk, play a game or catch up on one of your shows. This will help clear your mind from negative feelings and thoughts and have a clean slate.
Grounding techniques can regulate your emotions and bring you back to a state of awareness. When we become overwhelmed with anxiety, we can feel out of touch with reality and consumed with emotions. Grounding techniques are for everyone, not only those who battle panic attacks. Before, during, or after feeling overwhelmed with anxiousness or nervousness are appropriate times to practice grounding techniques.
If you feel like your child could benefit from learning skills related to anxiety and help improve their mental health. Let one of the therapists at The 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-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Power struggles with kids can feel like torture as a parent. You want the child to do what you need them to do. But the power of wills can be an epic battle. Finding healthy ways to deal with this stress can be helpful for […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Power struggles with kids can feel like torture as a parent. You want the child to do what you need them to do. But the power of wills can be an epic battle. Finding healthy ways to deal with this stress can be helpful for you and your child. Let’s explore some ways to avoid getting into this tug-of-war!
First, let’s start with defining what a power struggle is. How do they start? What are they over? Many
times we can find ourselves needing children to do something. For instance, this can be putting on their shoes to leave for school.
Power struggles can be very frustrating for parents. Power struggles are ineffective as both the child and parent are left feeling frustrated and not doing the task. Furthermore, frustration can build between the parent and child, exploding into a battle.
Ways to avoid power struggles are for the parent to remain calm, give the child options, wait for them to ask for help, and to consider your options as a parent. For example, when a child’s feelings escalate, it can trigger us as parents. Often in family therapy, we see that when emotions get more significant, others match the level of emotions to assert dominance. Keep in mind there are healthy ways to keep the power but still have your child experience their feelings too.
Giving the child options can be very helpful in allowing your child to find solutions. Think of a time when you were a child and felt big feelings. Children do not have complex thought patterns yet. I mean that analytical thought processing is complicated for children, especially when emotions make rational thought tough.
Waiting for the child to ask for help can be very difficult. When we give the child an opportunity to ask for help, this allows the child to problem solve on their own and build confidence when things do not go their way. Moreover, this allows your child to self-soothe when they have big feelings.
Considering your options as a parent can help you focus on a solution versus their poor behavior. This can help you see what can be done to help you stay calm. If we focus on their behavior, we keep the power struggle alive and growing. If we focus on our behaviors, we can control ourselves and our reactions to reduce our elevated feelings.
Once in a power struggle, it can be challenging to get out of it. The first step would be to defuse the
situation. This means lowering everyone’s feelings so we can introduce rational thought. You can defuse the problem by using distractions, practicing deep breathing, reminding the child of a funny story, getting them to participate in a game (i.e., race to get shoes on), or even dancing.
Additionally, once in a power struggle, this can be an excellent opportunity to show your child how to regulate emotionally. You can show them how to calm their feelings in a healthier way versus getting into a tug of war. And for that parenting guilt, teaching your child how to regulate emotionally is how children learn. As much as we do not want our children to feel big feelings, we need to prepare them for if (when) they do.
Demonstrate how to say sorry. If we participated in the power struggle, we might feel bad about our actions. Showing them how to be humble and apologize when they do something wrong is how they learn.
Talk things out when calm. Once everyone feels relaxed and has had time to regulate their emotions, then they can have a logical talk about how to handle the situation better. Remember, no one is perfect. Showing your child how to deal with these emotions and what could have been done differently can be very helpful. And it gives your child an opportunity to tell you why and how they got to those feelings. This increases healthy emotion expression.
If you would like more help with power struggles, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, Texas, 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Sleep is one of the most essential parts of life. Life can be difficult if people are not getting a healthy amount or quality of sleep. Healthy sleep is extremely needed for kids too! One might ask, how do you get more quality and quantity […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Sleep is one of the most essential parts of life. Life can be difficult if people are not getting a healthy amount or quality of sleep. Healthy sleep is extremely needed for kids too!
One might ask, how do you get more quality and quantity out of sleep? Adding a sleep routine can help your child improve their sleep. A sleep routine is a schedule that tells your body that it is bedtime. It helps your body slow down and prepare for rest.
Sleep routines can be different for each person. Furthermore, choosing the time and steps can have many options. Typically, consistency is key! Parents aim to keep the routine the same every night.
To help kids join in the sleep routine fun, have them help create the routine. Helping gives the child an opportunity to take charge and decide for themselves. Not only does this help with sleep, but it can help with decision-making and building confidence.
To begin, start with deciding on when to start the routine. For instance, what time does the family start the sleep routine every night, and what day it will begin. Be mindful of how much sleep time is needed for your child.
Many have heard the recommendation of eight hours of sleep a night. But realistically, kids in school could need as much as ten hours of sleep a night. Depending on your child’s age and activity level, the amount of sleep needed can vary. Check with your pediatrician to find the right amount for your child.
The parents might best determine the time chosen to go to sleep. This can help avoid an extremely late bedtime or getting into a power struggle with your child. Also, keeping the time consistent is needed. Repeatedly having your child stick to the sleep routine and going to bed at a consistent time will allow your child’s body to help create and keep a pattern.
There are an array of steps to choose from and enjoy. You can even create steps. The requirements of the steps are that they slow our body and mind down. Keep in mind this is preparing us for sleep.
Some steps to try could be:
There are some things that could not be helpful in a sleep routine. For example, TV or screen time canbe unhelpful in going to sleep. The reason for this is that the screen can help make our eyes tired. But the information gained from the screen can make a child’s brain more active, causing them to have a hard time falling asleep.
Exercise can be unhelpful before bed. Moving our bodies can make our heart rate go up. That can be counterproductive for sleep.
Making the bed a time for “timeouts.” If we put children in bed for timeout, they can learn to associate bed with trouble. This can make bedtime very challenging.
Set healthy boundaries with food and drinks before bed. I am sure many parents have heard, “I’m thirsty,” right before bed. Having food and beverages right before bed makes our bodies need to work to process them. This can also add to more bathroom trips before bed.
Lastly, we want the child’s room to be dark and quiet. Nightlights are ok if we have some fears. For the most part, we want all noisy toys put away and for there to be less light. This indicates to the body that it is rest time and not playtime. Also, having the temping toys put away and out of immediate reach is preferable.
As a parent, I know that some of these are difficult. But setting healthy boundaries/rules now can help improve their sleep. It will take some time for you and the kids to get to where this is second nature. So, remember to have some compassion for the kids and you too!
If you would like more help with improving sleep, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, Texas, 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Self-Compassion can be hard. Often when I ask clients how they show self-compassion. I get questions and confusion in return. What is self-compassion? What actions would I need to take? Where do I start? For many, the idea of showing yourself a little grace is […]
By: Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Self-Compassion can be hard. Often when I ask clients how they show self-compassion. I get questions and confusion in return. What is self-compassion? What actions would I need to take? Where do I start? For many, the idea of showing yourself a little grace is foreign. Humans are social creatures, and we often fall victim to social comparison. We measure our accomplishments and success based on others’ benchmarking systems. As a result, we are often very hard on ourselves if and when we are not meeting what society deems to be the next benchmark.
The human experience has all kinds of twists and turns. Almost every day, it’s likely that we will run into some unfamiliar situation or circumstance. We are all just doing our best to trudge through each of these challenges with the information we have at our disposal at that moment. Unfor
tunately, because we often tend to hear a lot of
criticism, that is the lens we use to view our circumstances. I mean, think about it, the news is riddled with bad, and you have to go and look for the good. Whether it be constructive or not, our society leads to us passing judgment on our actions. Granted a necessary skill for growth, it can damage our mental and overall well-being if we overuse this critiquing.
I ask clients to think about whether or not they would speak to their friends the way they talk to themselves. We, as well as others, are quick to point out what is going wrong. In reality, sometimes we need to be okay with ourselves for having tried to put in some effort. Consider the idea of showing yourself and others kindness in small moments with consideration for the human experience – we are all dealing with something! Miriam-Webster defines compassion as “sympathetic consciousness of other’s distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” Being compassionate is saying to yourself, “Wow! That was really human of me. I’m not thrilled about it, BUT THAT IS OKAY!” Thinking of what you would want someone else to do to comfort you at that moment? Ask yourself, “what does support look like for me right now?” And tending to yourself or garnering the resources that will help you in that way.
Sometimes that looks like giving yourself permission to ask for help when you feel you need a little more guidance. This practice can be difficult and often frustrating as it goes against our natural inclination to pass judgment and critique. Unlearning that behavior can take time, and learning those skills can be done in the comfort of a counseling session!
Do you want to enhance your ability to practice self-compassion? One of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide individual counseling services virtually and in person. 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Treating OCD with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) during this time of the year is crucial! We find ourselves in a season filled with pumpkins, pumpkin spice, and all things fall-related. Included in this time is Halloween. Many people enjoy the thrill of a harmless […]
Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Treating OCD with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) during this time of the year is crucial! We find ourselves in a season filled with pumpkins, pumpkin spice, and all things fall-related. Included in this time is Halloween. Many people enjoy the thrill of a harmless scare, but it is not that fun when it comes to our real-life fears. Our natural response is often to try to avoid the things we fear or push them down and pretend it doesn’t exist. That’s where Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) comes in.
It is currently being used as the gold standard for treating anxiety, phobias, and OCD. Instead of trying to stop your thoughts and relax the anxiety away, ERP has the person lean into anxiety and experience it. I know this can sound counterproductive. Why would one want to invite anxiety in and welcome it? Along with confronting anxiety, people who participate in ERP also commit not to engage in compulsive behavior. Practicing this over time will eventually cause your anxiety to go down as your brain learns a new way of coping.
Think of your OCD as an alarm system. Alarm systems go off to tell us what we need to take action. For example, if there was an intruder or the house was on fire. But what if your alarm went off when a leaf landed on your roof? Your body will respond the same way as if there were an actual danger. OCD takes control of your body’s alarm system. Instead of letting you know when a real danger is at hand, OCD will respond to any trigger like a real threat, even when it is not.
When your anxiety is triggered, an alarm goes off and tells you that you are in danger, rather than you might be in danger. When anxiety is triggered, and one engages in compulsive behavior to feel safe, this sends the message to your brain that you are in real danger. A leaf on the roof is the same as someone breaking into your house. Compulsive behaviors fuel the part of the brain that sends out unwanted alarm bells. To stop anxiety and obsessions, one must stop engaging in compulsive behaviors.
Starting ERP can be a tough decision to make because it feels like you are choosing to put yourself in danger. Facing fears is also a difficult thing that many of us don’t enjoy doing. Knowing that ERP changes your brain and will change your OCD is essential. It helps people challenge their anxiety and align it with what is happening to them. Though it is hard work, it’s well worth the effort to be able to live without anxiety and OCD that keeps one from living their best life.
If you are ready t0 take control of your life and stand up to anxiety and OCD, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy Texas, 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Alexia Cabreras , Practicum Student Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Mental health has quickly become a topic of conversation within our generation. You watch some of your favorite shows and movies and see therapy scenes there. You hear some of your favorite music, and mental health is addressed one way or another. We are […]
By: Alexia Cabreras , Practicum Student
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Mental health has quickly become a topic of conversation within our generation. You watch some of your favorite shows and movies and see therapy scenes there. You hear some of your favorite music, and mental health is addressed one way or another. We are living at the prime of mental health advocacy, and this truly couldn’t be more exciting!
Being ashamed of therapy is a thing of the past; we are finally moving forward with normalizing our struggles and need for therapy. By doing so, we empower others to talk about their experiences and encourage those who need help to reach out and find these services. Think about all the famous people who struggle with their mental health and are constantly talking about their challenges, even though it might not always be a great topic of conversation. They do it because people can relate. Not only does it help them feel like they have fans who understand, but fans themselves feel encouraged when their idols speak up on important topics like mental health.
Fame does not discriminate against mental health (seriously!) A wide range of individuals are constantly under the spotlight, struggling and advocating for mental health. This is truly part of why it’s become much more normalized even to have these types of conversations. I was recently at an Imagine Dragons concert; the lead singer Dan Reynols said, “I was just in therapy a few days ago,” and the crowd went crazy! We love when these things happen, not only as professionals but as people who have bad days too.
Have you ever thought about the people we come across through music, shows, and movies and wonder if they ever struggle? They do, and they are pretty vocal about it too! If you have watched America’s Got Talent, you know Howie Mandel struggles with OCD. Ever watched The Grinch? That’s right, Jim Carrey himself battles depression, just like Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and so many others that we often hear on the radio. Carrie Fisher from the famous Star Wars films and Demi Lovato, who blew up on the Disney channel, both struggle with Bipolar disorder. These are just a handful of examples to all the struggles out there, especially from people who seem to sometimes have it all.
Finding the courage to get help can be a challenge. Even when it’s normalized, there are still some fears associated with being vulnerable. If some of the most famous people in the world can come out and talk about it, you can too! Embrace your struggles because struggling doesn’t make you less of a person and certainly doesn’t make you weak. When you find the courage to seek help and speak out on your struggles, you are able to help someone else reach that point in their life.
If you are ready to discuss your mental health and would like some support, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy Texas, 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Group therapy for middle schoolers can be a great help! Group therapy is a place where they can talk with kids like them. They can relate to each other and hear kids their age explain how they got through difficult times. Group therapy […]
By Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Group therapy for middle schoolers can be a great help! Group therapy is a place where they can talk with kids like them. They can relate to each other and hear kids their age explain how they got through difficult times. Group therapy allows middle schoolers to find help from someone their age.
Some middle schoolers would prefer not to have to listen to another adult. They have to focus all day on listening to teachers. Then they come home and listen, sometimes, to parents. Authority figures or adults for middle schoolers are everywhere.
In group therapy, sure, there is a therapist there. But for the most part, they see other kids their age in the group. Group therapy gives middle schoolers a space to discuss their concerns with people their age. They can see that others feel or experience similar situations. Validation can help them truly not feel alone.
Acceptance is something that some middle schoolers want. Remember when you were in middle school? It can be hard to find acceptance from our classmates. In group therapy, rules state this is a space for acceptance and respect. Rules put into place that we have to be respectful to each member.
Another way acceptance is shown is by allowing each member to participate how they want to. For example, for some shy individuals, we do not force them to talk or join in. They are allowed to join in when they feel comfortable.
As a parent, we want to ensure they are growing and learning. Your child sitting and listening to others’ experiences can be therapeutic by itself. For instance, if a group member is quiet but then listens to another explain how they felt nervous making a speech or talking. This helps them understand, from someone their age, that they are not alone. That can be validating to your child.
Group therapy also provides a space for middle schoolers to discover accountability. I know your student hears about accountability at school from teachers, coaches, and parents. But for a middle schooler to listen to a peer to keep their side of the deal, that can be extremely impactful.
Peer pressure is something that we talk about in the group. Our classmates can influence us for many reasons. We go over analyzing the pressure to make sure it is safe first. Also, we go over what is appropriate pressure. But if our classmates and friends are trying to help us see when we could do more, that can help motivate them in the healthy direction.
Furthermore, perspective is another healthy tool to gain from the group. Middle schoolers learn to hear others’ views on each topic. We talk about each perspective respectfully. This helps the children learn how to disagree peacefully and to analyze their own thoughts as well as others.
Perspective is one of those things that can help with confidence and help us grow and develop. For example, if another child in the group has an opinion about a topic and your child agrees, they could feel validated and boost their confidence. On the other hand, a member could say a point that opens up more thinking for your child. We work together to help open our minds and learn.
If you would like more help with group counseling for a middle schooler, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, Texas, 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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S Have you ever experienced virtual counseling? Are you having trouble meeting your therapist in person due to time, financial, or other constraints? No problem – we are here to help! Teletherapy or virtual counseling is a convenient method of providing therapy to clients remotely via our […]
Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Have you ever experienced virtual counseling? Are you having trouble meeting your therapist in person due to time, financial, or other constraints? No problem – we are here to help! Teletherapy or virtual counseling is a convenient method of providing therapy to clients remotely via our HIPPA-compliant, online platform. Teletherapy is conducted by one of our licensed therapists with a secure internet and video connection. This method of counseling is adaptable and efficient, because it offers more options.
TeleTherapy has many benefits and remains appealing for a wide variety of reasons. For example, virtual services offer a similar healing experience from the comfort of your own environment and can often prove more cost-effective given the elimination of travel costs. Further, this method of counseling appeals to a wide variety of populations for reasons such as:
Firstly, TeleTherapy Services can be held wherever you have access to the internet via cell phone, tablet, or computer! This enables our therapists to offer services over a long distance. Did something come up last minute but you do not want to cancel? Not a problem, our therapists can quickly switch to the online video platform.
VarietyAs a matter of fact, by utilizing the online platform, you will have access to a wider variety of clinicians and scheduling options. Furthermore, this method allows for additional consultation with family members, teachers, and other providers that are involved in the patient’s treatment and care.
Thirdly, another key point is privacy. Here at the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, our client’s privacy and protection are of the utmost importance. Our online platform ensures that all of our client’s private health information is protected and HIPPA compliant. Also, some clients find that they feel more confident in attending therapy as they do not have to be seen by other patrons at the office.
Basically, getting connected with your Therapist should be easy! Currently, we have Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Professional Counselor Associates offering virtual services for all ages. At present, we are hosting individuals, couples, and families online. Often preferable for clients that have difficulty leaving home, interacting with others, or even managing to find the time to travel regularly, virtual services can help! For more information on each service, please reference the services tab or contact our office.
Are you ready to seek help through the comfort of your own space? Therapists at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
1. Contact our office to set up an appointment or to get more information about TeleTherapy.
2. Meet with one of our thoughtful therapists.
3. Find comfort, healing, and convenience with virtual counseling!
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. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!