Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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By: Jessica Johns-Green, LPC Eating disorders are widespread. They are estimated to affect 30 Million Americans within their lifetime and roughly 900,000 Texas residents, according to Sage Recovery & Wellness. As Common as Eating Disorders Are, They Can Seem Difficult to Understand Even those suffering from eating disorders can feel confused about how to view […]
Eating disorders are widespread. They are estimated to affect 30 Million Americans within their lifetime and roughly 900,000 Texas residents, according to Sage Recovery & Wellness.
Even those suffering from eating disorders can feel confused about how to view their difficulties. To further complicate matters, things that happen in our brains when we ignore our nutritional needs make it extremely difficult to see reality and the dangers eating disorders present. Genetics and personal differences play a role, as well. The human body has evolved ingenious ways to survive, even under dire starvation conditions. These survival abilities kick in to keep us alive but can make seeing the damage of an eating disorder difficult. When subjected to starvation, some bodies will show symptoms immediately; others will not. But that doesn’t mean that damage to internal organs, vital systems, and bone integrity is not happening. In all eating disorders, returning to standard eating patterns is essential for recovery, usually with the support of a doctor, dietitian, or a therapist experienced in eating disorders.
We may believe that severe eating disorders look one way – thin, skeletal, sick. Many people struggle for a long time because most people around them, including well-meaning medical practitioners who do not specialize in eating disorders, don’t recognize the dangers. Any period of restrictive calorie intake will send the body into a conservation mode where the body will ‘steal’ nutrients from bones, cells, and muscles. In conservation mode, the brain lacks the glucose it needs to think clearly. But for some, this conservation mode will look like rapid weight loss. For others, they may hover at decreased weight but seem ‘normal.’ Our bodies can hold onto weight and not seem to lose much. Professionals with experience with eating disorders know the often missed signs and symptoms.
While lower body weight individuals may face more significant risks, anyone restricting calories, purging, or eating erratically is a valid candidate for treatment. While some will require more intensive treatment settings, all these eating-disordered behaviors are taking a dangerous toll on the body. Mental health and relationships will also suffer. The sooner an eating disorder is addressed, the better.
Despite good intentions behind most compliments, people struggling with eating disorders don’t need them and usually don’t enjoy them. Telling someone they” ‘look better or healthier” can trigger worries over how much focus others place on physical appearance. This worry can drive the individual to be more concerned with appearance and manage by controlling their body and food intake. Additionally, many people with eating disorders describe incidents early in their condition when someone complimented weight loss (“You’ve lost weight”), spurring them further into a disordered eating pattern.
As mentioned above, bodies will deal with the effects of starvation in different ways. Some people will lose their period soon after starting a restrictive diet. Others can keep having a cycle even at dangerously low body weights. Birth control pills are also a consideration as these can make the body bleed monthly, but that does not mean the body is healthy. Some people are even prescribed birth control pills by doctors trying to restart a lost period. Although there may be a monthly bleed, this is not a result of hormonal balance and is not a solution. The body has stopped menstruating to conserve valuable energy. The body is wise enough to sense that this time of starvation is not the best to raise a child. Restoring nutrition is the only way to bring the hormonal and reproductive system back online.
A standard blood workup at your usual general practitioner can provide a false sense of security unless your doctor has eating disorder expertise. Doctors will not look for some things and may misinterpret other symptoms unless the physician knows how starvation and purging can show up in tests. One damaging effect of eating disorders that are often not checked and can be irreversible is the damage to bones. The body ‘steals’ nutrients from the bones and halts any repair to bone cells to conserve energy. Yet, many people, particularly boys and men with eating disorders, are routinely not screened and sent away from their doctor with the belief that they are fine.
Eating disorders can be dangerous and potentially deadly. So, if you identify with any of these, reach out for help. It can feel overwhelming to begin to focus on the problem, and finding solutions can feel impossible; however, you are not alone in the journey. If you need help, talk to a supportive friend or doctor, or find a therapist. Therapy offers a place to deal with the emotional issues that drive these problems. Working with a therapist can help you find confidence in your ability to cope and have a healthy relationship with food. At the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we are here to help. You deserve to feel empowered, not helpless.
If you are ready to take control of your eating disorder, 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 counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Jessica Johns-Green, LPC Do you struggle with depression and self-care? Depression affects millions of people. If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 17 million people in the US have had at least one major depressive episode. Depression is treatable with self-care, medication, counseling, or a combination […]
Do you struggle with depression and self-care? Depression affects millions of people. If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 17 million people in the US have had at least one major depressive episode. Depression is treatable with self-care, medication, counseling, or a combination of these. Here’s a look at what depression is and two things to start doing that can help your healing.
Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is characterized by sadness, low mood, and a lack of interest in things. But depression is not just being sad. Depression is longer lasting and has a more profound effect on daily life. Commonly, people struggling with depression express feelings of hopelessness. Depression can affect your ability to work, maintain relationships and engage in self-care.
Some Common Characteristics of Depression Include:
Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of things. There may be biological factors – how systems in the physical bodywork – that make someone more prone to depression. Social factors – our relationships, our family backgrounds, and our place in the world around us – can trigger depression or make recovery from depression more difficult. Our unique personalities – the psychological strengths and challenges we bring, such as how we typically think and how we respond to situations and challenges. Read more about depression, symptoms, and treatment here.
Depression can make you feel like it’s impossible to feel better. It can make you feel like you are powerless to ever be any different than you feel now. Depression treatment can include medication, therapy, and self-care. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 80% of people who seek treatment eventually feel better. Although the recovery process may take months, it is worth it.
Counseling for depression will often begin with an inventory of your symptoms and a history of your experience with depression. Although every person is different, depression therapy will usually highlight ways of thinking, general attitudes, or even deep-rooted beliefs that are widespread and common among depressed people.
Depression seems to force us to think of things in an all-or-nothing way. We can see no hope or good in things that once made us feel happy. We see ourselves as worthless, useless, and powerless. While depressive thinking isn’t our ‘fault’, and you are not to blame if you notice your mind going in that direction, there is often great benefit in challenging depressive thinking.
When depression grabs hold it can be difficult to see things in the way we do when we’re not depressed. You can start working towards a better mood now by doing this simple task.
To be most effective with this exercise, write down one achievement and something you feel grateful for. On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low) rate each one. Rating it on a scale allows us to practice being less ‘all-or-nothing’ in our thinking. Instead of thinking, ‘I didn’t do enough, it doesn’t count,’ the rating system allows us to appreciate that some things deserve credit, even if they aren’t up to the same standard as when we are feeling well.
Challenging yourself to find an achievement provides a basis to question the feelings of worthlessness and uselessness that fuel depression. Looking for something to be grateful for doesn’t mean that we are ungrateful when suffering from depression. But it does provide a tool to practice healthier styles of thinking by actively looking for something we possibly didn’t notice when depression is narrowing our attention.
It’s a small task, it’s simple, but internally it’s almost like you are asking yourself to step outside of depression for a moment. And that can be so tough. Be ok with not doing it well. Don’t punish yourself for not doing it every day. it might feel like you don’t push yourself enough, and that if you were better you wouldn’t be having this problem. But the truth is, criticizing yourself won’t help.
What is your definition of achievement? On some days, depression means that just getting up to brush your teeth can be a big achievement. On other days, you might do a lot, but not feel achieved. Are there other things you’ve not noticed before? Use the activity as a tool to break the cycle of depressive thinking.
When possible, add in activities, and plans that could help encourage feelings of gratitude or achievement. They don’t have to be big. Take time for yourself in some way. A moment to appreciate something in the world, even if it’s not perfect.
Depression is difficult, and even if this exercise isn’t for you, help is available. Our skilled therapists will work with you to develop a treatment plan specifically for your needs. If you think you have depression, seek help. If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, phone 911 immediately. Here at the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, our therapists are ready to help. Contact us to arrange a session with a licensed counselor or supervised intern.
If you would like more information regarding depression, 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: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S What is resilience in children? Resilience in children is the ability to bounce back from stressors in life such as everyday stress, adversity, failure, life challenges, or even trauma. Unfortunately, kids are not born with resiliency. Most children come equipped with the […]
What is resilience in children? Resilience in children is the ability to bounce back from
stressors in life such as everyday stress, adversity, failure, life challenges, or even trauma. Unfortunately, kids are not born with resiliency. Most children come equipped with the ability to work through challenges. However, it’s a skill that children develop this skill as they grow.
Why should parents want to develop resilience in their children? Resilient kids have the confidence to take healthy risks. These kids don’t have a fear of falling short of expectations. Resilient kids tend to be curious and brave. Children who develop resiliency develop the ability to trust their instincts. Emotionally healthy people show knowledge of their limits. Children will also push themselves to step outside of their comfort zones. Resiliency helps children to reach their long-term goals. They have to confidence to solve their problems independently.
Despite our best efforts, parents can’t protect kids from everything. Kids are going to encounter stress as they grow. Kids may get sick, move to a new neighborhood, they may face bullies and cyberbullies, will have to take tests, may have to cope with grief, lose friends, or even deal with divorce. These are just a few things that kids may experience. In comparison, these things might seem small in our eyes. But, unfortunately, they can feel huge to children.
Resilience gives kids the ability to navigate stressful situations. When kids have the confidence to work through faith to confront complex issues, when children are allowed to bounce back on their own instead of parents stepping to solve their problems, children will internalize the message that they are strong and capable. When they have developed resiliency, they will develop the confidence to lead a successful life. their problems, they gain the
Parents can help kids build resilience by teaching them to solve problems independently. As parents, we are inclined to jump in so that our child does not experience any discomfort. Unfortunately, when we do this, we destroy our children’s self-confidence. We need our kids to experience hardships to gain the confidence to work through their problems. If we do not allow children to develop this skill set, they will experience anxiety and shut down any time they come upon adversity. Here are some ways that parents can help to foster a strong sense of resiliency in their children.
Parents need to spend one-on-one time with their kids: This helps children develop coping skills within caring relationships. In addition, positive connections give you the ability to model coping and problem-solving skills to your children.
Encouraging your children to take healthy risks is extremely important. Healthy risks encourage a child to go outside of their comfort zone but have very little danger if they are unsuccessful. We have to realize that when kids avoid risk, they internalize that they are not strong enough to handle any threats.
Children often come to their parents to solve their problems, and our natural response is to lecture or explain. A better strategy may be to ask the child questions. We can help children by bouncing the problem back to the child, allowing them the opportunity to solve their problems.
When we help our children learn how to brainstorm solutions, parents engage the child in the process of solving problems. Problem-solving will help children develop a list of ideas and then allow them to weigh the pros and cons of each one.
Teach your kids that feelings are important, and when they can label their feelings, it will help them make sense of what they’re experiencing. For example, children need to know it’s okay to feel anxious, sad, jealous, etc., and reassure them that bad feelings usually pass.
Deep breathing exercises help kids relax and calm themselves when they experience stress or frustration. In addition, coping skills enable them to remain calm and process the situation.
Remember that children who avoid failure tend to lack resilience. Children who avoid failure tend to be very anxious. Try not to focus on the outcome because this will force kids into the pass/fail cycle. If you focus on the result instead of the process, children will avoid taking risks. Making mistakes puts children in a growth mindset. This mindset sends the message to kids that mistakes help them learn.
If we want our children to be resilient, we must teach them to be resilient. One great way to teach resiliency is to model it for our children. Life is full of stressful situations. We often use coping and calming strategies. When adults are going through this, it is helpful to our children to label our emotions. We need to show them how to solve problems by talking through how we solve them.
Exercise helps strengthen our brains, and when our brains are supported, it makes them more resilient to stress and adversity. There are many great ways for kids to get exercise, such as. Team sports organized playgroups, but ever underestimate the power of simply allowing your child to free play. Free play builds your child’s creativity and builds resilience.
So why is resilience an essential skill for children to learn? First, parents need to remember that resilience is a skill that helps kids navigate the obstacles they encounter as they grow. In comparison, it is not possible to avoid stress in life. So, teaching our children to be resilient is one of the best ways to teach them to cope with it.
If you would like more help with parenting strategies or building your relationship with your kid(s), 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. 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: Julie Sekachev, M.Ed, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S What are boundaries, and why do we need them? Boundaries are expectation or rules that we set for ourselves that tells the other person our limit of space or activity. Boundaries show others who you are, your needs, and what you will and […]
What are boundaries, and why do we need them? Boundaries are expectation or rules that we set for ourselves that tells
the other person our limit of space or activity. Boundaries show others who you are, your needs, and what you will and will not accept from others. Sometimes if we do not have personal boundaries, we find it hard to respect boundaries that others set. It can be a challenge to appreciate something we do not honor ourselves, so identifying your boundaries is the first step. Boundaries are healthy for relationships because they establish clear expectations, allow each partner to meet their needs, and create open communication.
Evaluate how you feel within your relationship. Do you need more time to yourself? Are you feeling a lack of social connection with your friends and need some time with them? Do you need more respect from your partner? Do you crave more understanding or more intimacy from your partner?
Write down a list of your needs and expectation and where you want to set a limit. If you are giving too much of your time to your partner, how can you create more balance?
Look at your emotional, mental, and physical health trajectory if your needs go unmet. Not setting boundaries and neglecting your needs will ultimately lead to relationship burnout and can fuel negative cycles of interaction with your partner.
Communicate your boundaries in a non-threatening way. For example, if your need is that you want your partner to be more present and you notice your partner is on the phone when you try to have a conversation, you can say:
“I feel heard and valued when you listen to me without any distractions” or “I feel respected when I can finish my point without interruption” instead of “s
top picking up your phone when I’m talking, or I’ll stop talking to you.”
Remember that sometimes when you start to state your needs, wants, or limits to others, especially if you have difficulty doing so or rarely set boundaries, it may trigger deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, or selfishness. It is essential to consider the origin of these negative core beliefs. Keep in mind that feeling this way does not mean that you should not set boundaries with others. You can process these feelings by placing limitations on your partner. Being vulnerable and sharing these feelings can help your partner understand you and enrich the bond you have together.
If you have not had boundaries with your partner before, it may be a challenge for them initially to accept your limits. They may want more than you are comfortable giving, overstep, challenge why you have a specific boundary, judge or criticize them, or question if they are realistic. When this happens, consider your values around your limits. Ask your partner about any fears about this change and reassure and soothe these fears together. Communicate to your partner using the “gentle startup” (I feel…about what…I need…) of how you feel when your boundaries are not respected. Share with your partner that identifying, honoring, and expressing your needs can help you from disconnection.
Need Help Setting Boundaries? Don’t Know Where to start? If you are ready to improve your relationship, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide couples counseling as well as other services. To begin couples 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 regularly post blogs. 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!
Is it hard to motivate your kid(s)? Sometimes, it can be hard to get your child to do what you ask them to do. For example, how often do we have to say pick up your stuff or do your homework? It can even feel like a tug of war! It can even be done […]
Is it hard to motivate your kid(s)? Sometimes, it can be hard to
get your child to do what you ask them to do. For example, how often do we have to say pick up your stuff or do your homework? It can even feel like a tug of war! It can even be done without yelling, arguing, or feeling like something failed. What if I told you some new ways you can try to motivate your kids? Below are some helpful tips.
Knowing how to motivate your child can be easy and hard for others. Maybe the child doesn’t know what they want. Or it can feel like anything you do as a parent does not make it any easier.
Creating a space where the child can explore what they like can be helpful. Creating such a space can help spark curiosity and play. Many child therapists would agree that freedom can be therapeutic for kids. This type of expression lets them feel free.
What motivates some kids might be harder to find when your child knows why they might participate more easily. The “why” is the result you are looking for. Children are more willing to join if they get a say in it, depending on their age.
For example, if you have a picky eater, have them help pack the lunch. I realize that if we allow children to pack their lunch, it could be filled with candy and junk food. What I mean by help is to put the sandwich together or have them draw a fun drawing on the bag of carrots.
Keep in mind that we want to limit this. As we learn and grow, we find out not everything has a reward. Limiting rewards helps children understand this concept.
Keep in mind that different ages are capable of other tasks. Please make sure the reward and what we are motivating are age-appropriate.
You can ensure the reward is appropriate by allowing the child to choose their prize themselves. Openly ask your child: “What do you want to work towards?” This sentence will enable your child to work towards making them happy versus avoiding punishment.
They can work towards the goal or reward by doing what you want them to do. A chore chart or a goal tracker can help you organize and follow their progress.
Many times as parents, we have high expectations for our children. We want them to do better or have better than what we had. Completely understandable. But we want to keep in mind what is realistic for their age.
For instance, kids between the ages of 3 to 6 tend to want to do adult things. These children might want to wear mom or dad’s
shoes or go to work. They are learning how to become more independent while making you happy.
Whereas children who are 6 to 12 are trying to understand the concepts of others. Specifically, they are beginning to understand how their actions can impact others. For example, elementary school-age children are at the age where they are trying to understand how they hurt a friend’s feelings.
If you would like more help with parenting strategies or building your relationship with your kid(s), 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, MA, LPC-S Whenever I hear the word habit anymore, all I have running through my head is the new Ed Sheeran song that exclaims, “My bad habits lead to…,” prompting me to consider my habits. We all have them. We all know them well. As […]
Whenever I hear the word habit anymore, all I have running through my head is the new Ed Sheeran song that exclaims, “My bad
habits lead to…,” prompting me to consider my habits. We all have them. We all know them well. As humans, we know how the saying goes – we are creatures of habit. Meaning, that we fall back into similar patterns of behavior that we know to be familiar and sometimes useful to us. They can come in all forms, too: the good, the bad, and the ugly! We create some of them to keep us organized, like tidying your home throughout the week or keeping a schedule or routine. We have others because they have become a part of our “norms,” like popping a piece of gum in your mouth before a date, holding the door open for others, or even the order we get ready in the morning. Then, we keep others for comfort or control, like biting our nails and turning on the tv to distract us from other things, and they ultimately end up sometimes doing more harm than good.
Initially, when the idea of habits was presented to me recently, it was by a friend of mine who had started reading the book, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. I was fascinated by the information she shared with me from what she had learned from the author. I furthered my research by diving into a little more research from another author contributing to the literary work surrounding the topics, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. Overall, here are the main takeaways that I was able to gather:
Habit stacking is critical – once you have one in your repertoire, you can build. Be careful not to start with too many things. Too much at one time can be overwhelming and lead to a lack of follow-through. Instead, keep one main idea in mind and break it down into minimal steps to get there. Then, start with a bit of action.
Instead of thinking of building new habits, instead change bad ones. For example, if you start your mornings on social media, change it to something more productive, like using that time to brush your teeth, read a book, journal, workout, etc.
Also, it is imperative to reward yourself when you finish a habit! Your reward can be a feeling of accomplishment or something more tangible, like a new outfit or a treat. It’s part of the habit loop: you have a cue, routine, and reward.
Clients often share that their dreams may feel too big, or ideas they have may seem wholly outrageous or out of reach. However, I would like to believe that no goal is too big! People defy the odds, but it takes a hint of courage to be the odd man out. We live in a world where we are constantly compared to our peers and other people. In a podcast featuring authors Brené Brown and Emmanuel Acho, they discuss the importance of being Illogical with our thinking. They describe this idea that we should look at social constructs and challenge the status quo from an academic perspective! For example, if I believe that I want to become a world-class musician, the odds may be stacked against me, but if I work hard and dedicate time, we can achieve great things.
Now, it’s important to note that some individuals are more naturally adept at things than others. So, realistically, there may be some things that we cannot achieve. I encourage my clients to show bravery in the face of uncertainty, find something they are good at and love, and give it all you got! Despite what some may tell you, we can create change in our immediate environments and beyond. Thinking illogically means we are thinking outside of the box or system that has been put in front of us. Who tells us we can’t be all that we have ever dreamed of?
Do you want to learn how to develop new norms and overhaul your bad habits? One of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide individual and family counseling and 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. 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 Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Middle School can be challenging for the parents and the kids. Kids are trying to adjust to a new school with new people. Parents are trying to change to what can feel like a new kid. The transition to middle school will be one of […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Middle School can be challenging for the parents and the kids. Kids are trying to adjust to a new school with new people. Parents are trying to change to what can feel like a new kid. The transition to middle school will be one of the most complicated transitions children will experience. Different resources to help them adjust are available to help you.
Involvement is not just at home or school. There are many ways a parent can help their middle schooler. For instance, studies have shown that middle school kids do better with parent involvement. Parent involvement is most effective both at home as well as in school.
As your child grows, what they need from a parent changes. For example, a young child might need help changing or preparing their sandwich. A middle school kid might not need help with those things. But they might still need help at home with managing their time.
Lots of middle school kids have difficulty adjusting to managing chores, grades, and doing things they want to do. Helping your child figure out what works best for them is one way to help.
Another way parents can help at home is to be prepared for a change in their child. Many parents describe their middle school kids changing into a teenager overnight. Being ready for the change in attitude and behavior can be helpful for the parent.
Lastly, it is ok to need help. If further assistance is required, group counseling might be an option. Group therapy allows middle schoolers to share their feelings, feel validated by their peers, and learn by seeing others’ social interactions. In group therapy, the Center provides a space. We talk about healthy communication, ways to regulate their emotions, learning to celebrate small victories, and self-care.
A significant change in middle school is the school work. Not only do they now have more teachers, but they have to go to multiple classrooms, the schoolwork gets more complicated, and they become painfully aware that multitasking is mandatory. Keep in mind the parent involvement will change too.
Since your kid is getting older, they can be more responsible for their school work. They will still need help adjusting to taking on more responsibility. Middle schoolers can learn from watching you. They are watching how you react when you get discouraging news from work or when you have to work together with family members/co-workers. Setting an example of working effectively can genuinely influence your middle schooler.
Is your middle schooler understanding and developing academically? Are they struggling in one subject? Then take that information and find resources that help your middle schooler directly—also, getting to know where your middle schooler is developmentally helpful.
Even if they are acing all of their classes, are they involved in their school? Studies have shown that kids involved in after-school activities tend to adjust better in middle school. After-school activities can be anything, ranging from athletics, clubs, dance, or anything that interests your child.
If you would like more help with parenting strategies for raising 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:
1. Contact our office to set up an appointment or get more information on parenting.
2. Meet with one of our understanding therapists.
3. Find other ways to help your middle schooler with therapy today!
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: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Are you the adult child of a late-life divorce? Have you been adversely affected by the fact that your parents recently divorced? You are not alone. Adult children are often involved negatively by the divorce of their parents. They often struggle with […]
Are you the adult child of a late-life divorce? Have you been adversely affected by the fact that your parents recently divorced? You are not alone. Adult children are often involved negatively by the divorce of their parents. They often struggle with issues of grief. Adult children often question their life’s meaning. They work to find meaning from the situation. Adversely, adult children can suffer far worse than minor children. If you are struggling with issues from your parent’s divorce, you are not alone.
Late-life divorce is a term given to a couple who split after many years of marriage. The divorce rate amongst younger people has decreased. However, the divorce rate for older adults has soared in the past few years. The unintentional consequence of the increase in late-life divorce is that adult-children face emotional issues at an unprecedented rate.
Your parents have done their job. Are you being selfish? It is ok to acknowledge that it is ok to feel that way. Try to be patient with your feelings. Typical feelings that you may experience can range from grief to anger. You may need to seek a professional to work out how you are feeling.
Grief is a struggle that many adult children experience. Therefore, when adult children learn of their parent’s impending divorce, they will often go through the stages of grief. These children are shocked that what they knew as their childhood has died. The person is grieving the loss of their childhood. Occasionally, extreme levels of grief may also cause this person to question their life.
Adult children of divorce tend to question everything in their lives. They often doubt themselves and their relationships, and they often suffer from trust issues within their relationships. Sometimes, individuals will challenge themselves about the reality of their family. This will happen significantly if one spouse has rewritten the history of the marriage. They would ask themselves if they were part of the happy family they thought they were. They will question their ability to discern the truth from their lives.
Children of late-life divorce will have to deal with a change in the dynamics of the family. You may have other people to consider. Relationships may strain to the point they can never be repaired. You may no longer have a relationship with one or both parents.
Divorce is never easy. Sometimes it is unavoidable. As a result, it is important that all family members affected become involved if you are experiencing such issues due to the divorce. A trusted therapist can help. If you have any questions, please get in touch with one of our therapists at Cinco Ranch Counseling to aid you in getting through this difficult time.
If you are ready to talk about late-life divorce or inquire about personal therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin personal counseling in Katy, TX you can 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, MA, LPC-S Spring Cleaning in the mental health world takes on a whole new meaning. Typically, spring is when we all start checking in to see if we have followed through with our new year’s resolutions and begin reminding ourselves that it is okay to […]
Spring Cleaning in the mental health world takes on a whole new meaning. Typically, spring is when we all start checking in to see if we have followed through with our new year’s resolutions and begin reminding ourselves that it is okay to begin anew by cleaning our homes! This spring, we encourage you to shift your perspective by turning inward, focusing on cleansing your mind, body, and soul! This can include scrubbing the baseboards, washing drapes, cleaning windows, etc.
Beginning with a clean slate can seem somewhat intimidating! Contrary to popular belief, cleansing does NOT require a complete overhaul of all you have known. The spring cleaning we are talking about includes making minor edits that create BIG change – like a ripple effect. If there is one thing that we have all learned along the way, we rarely find significant shifts happen overnight. I tell my clients it is crucial to work with ourselves instead of against ourselves throughout the therapeutic process. For instance, if we know that we work better off based on receiving rewards, why do we continue to reinforce ourselves with punishments? That being the case, it is essential to adjust our expectations and show ourselves grace along the way!
Specifically, clients will ask me, “where do I start?” when they begin their healing journeys. My first point of reference often describes that our physical space is very representative of our mental space. In suggesting this, clients take a moment to reflect on the visuals that they see most frequently: their cars, their workspaces, their bedrooms, etcetera. By reducing the amount of clutter in your immediate space, you can reduce the chaos in your mind. Further, finding a practice that allows you to let go of unwanted troubles in your life. For example, we spend a lot of time and energy online, and considering the source, tone, and content involved in the accounts we follow can significantly impact our mental health. Unfollowing or unsubscribing to media that disrupts our peace can dramatically affect our mental space.
Further, it is equally as essential to check in on the status of our physical health! This can include anything from our nutrition, physical activity levels, time spent indoors or outdoors, and more! We must reflect on how we spend our time and where we are spending our energy. How we fuel our bodies can also have huge repercussions on our overall well being.
Many studies have been conducted supporting suggestions of a food-mood connection. Try finding whole foods in season and incorporating them into your meals for an added brain boost! Also, consider challenging yourself by developing more of a routine: skincare, workout, morning, self-care, whatever you can dream up! Habits can offer us opportunities to welcome change as they are not as rigid as schedules. They provide structure without the strict nature of hour-by-hour planning. Further, just taking a little time to get outdoors or getting up and moving can significantly improve our mood!
Well, what the heck is a soul? According to Google, a Soul is “the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.” Extending far beyond color, creed, race, or religion, we as humans can ask ourselves if we are living
authentically and honestly according to our unique belief systems. Ultimately, this can be used to reevaluate your priorities, create space for things you need more of, and dust off your old ways of thinking and approaching life. There is no “right” time to do all of these things, but there is no time like the present to start!
Do you want to jumpstart your spring cleaning and give it extra meaning this season? One of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide individual, couples, family counseling, and 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. 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: Julie Sekachev, M.Ed, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Have you ever wondered if you would benefit from meditation or being more mindful, but don’t know where to start? Do you ever have racing thoughts that won’t go away? Maybe you finally settled in for the night, and suddenly visions of dread […]
Have you ever wondered if you would benefit from meditation or being more mindful, but don’t know where to start? Do you ever have racing thoughts that won’t go away? Maybe you finally settled in for the night, and suddenly visions of dread about the day ahead or past events creep in. You try your best to redirect your thoughts, but you can’t seem to find peace no matter how hard you try. Maybe you’ve heard of meditation or mindfulness before but had little success with it. Perhaps meditation worked for a while, but you found it hard to stick with it. This blog will look at five easy ways to get started with mindfulness meditation to help you deal with anxious thoughts and regain peace of mind.
Mindfulness means being present and aware of our recent experiences. When we are mindful, we fully pay attention to the present moment. Usually, when we are anxious, we think about the future or the past, therefore escaping the present moment. Being mindful means, we are willing to allow experiences to come as they are, without the urge to judge or change them. We can change our responses to the situation through mindfulness meditation instead of changing the events.
Find a quiet spot where you can be undisturbed for 20 minutes. Close your eyes, find a comfortable position, and do a quick body scan. Check to see if you feel any discomfort or tightness in the body. If you are feeling anxious or worried, acknowledge those feelings as well. Be present with the feelings and sensations that arise and let them be. Let go of the urge to figure out why you feel them.
Bring your attention to your breath. Where do you feel your breath the most? In your chest, your nose, your stomach? You can count the breaths as they come in and out. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to your breath. Practice deep, diaphragm breathing. You can start by breathing in for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 4 seconds, and breathing out for 8 seconds.
Riding the wave is a technique you can use as your anxious feelings arise. The idea is that you do not need to banish or change your negative feelings but instead practice “surfing your emotions.” Like a surfer does not fight the ocean wave but moves with it, you can proceed with a wave of emotion to its natural conclusion. As thoughts or feelings of anxiety arise, practice fully accepting them. Our natural inclination may be to distract ourselves, control, or escape this unpleasant state. Part of mindfulness meditation is to allow emotions to rise and fall and observe. Remember that this feeling is temporary, and just like a wave, it will peak and decline.
This mindfulness technique can help you calm your mind when you are stressed out or overthinking. This technique grounds you in the present moment by engaging your senses and breathing. To practice this, take deep breaths and name five things you can see nearby; four things you can touch; three you can hear; two you can smell; and one you can taste. By practicing engaging with our senses, we can be more grounded in the present moment.
A warm bath or shower can be a perfect place to practice meditation. Bring your attention to your breath, and visualize the water washing away stress or anxiety. To enhance the experience, you can add essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus to a diffuser or use scented candles to remind you to engage your senses. You can combine all the other techniques as you are doing this one as part of your night or morning routine, or pick your favorite one and begin there.
The key is to practice meditation regularly or incorporate it as part of your morning or evening routine. With regular practice, you can start to reduce stress and anxiety. To learn more about the benefits of meditation, click here.
If you would like more help getting started with mindfulness, meditation, or anxiety therapy, 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!