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: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton MA, LPC-S Having self-confidence as a kid can be tricky! Remember back when you were a kid. Did you experience a situation where another classmate was mean to you? Or remember the old saying of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never […]
Having self-confidence as a kid can be tricky! Remember back when you were a kid. Did you experience a situation where another classmate was mean to you? Or remember the old saying of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me…..really? Words can hurt significantly if a child listens to the mean comments and starts to believe them. This blog will go over how you, as a parent, can help your child build confidence.
Daily affirmations have become more popular over the years. But, let us start with defining what a daily affirmation is. It is a statement that someone can say to themselves. It can be helpful for a person to feel better about themselves. Additionally, it can help that person learn how to use positive self-talk. Think of positive self-talk and daily affirmations as a hopeful and “good” expression about yourself TO yourself. See an example below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJs7_rrPaEI
Teaching your children to say nice things to themselves early will help grow that confidence. They learn how to make eye contact, explore their facial expressions, get experience with direct conversations, and most importantly, how to say nice things to themselves. I know it can seem silly, but telling the affirmations in the mirror is helpful. Depending on their age, you can create these affirmations, work together to make them, or check the link below to see some printable cards for your kids.
As parents, we have one of the biggest influences on our child’s life. We can demonstrate or model a specific behavior. Many child therapists agree that children learn by seeing. To help your child grow their confidence, you can show them how. You can model behavior by celebrating a victory in front of them. For example, if you got the promotion you have been working hard to get, do a happy dance and have them join in. Furthermore, if your child has been struggling with school and does well, have them choose (within reason) how to celebrate.
Another way you can model having healthy confidence is using a positive affirmation when you are not feeling your best. For instance, if
someone says something mean about how you look or act, say, “that is ok. I know I am worthy of love.” Or if someone blames you for something you had no control over, say, “I tried my best.” Showing your child how to react when others are not nice can show them how to respond if they experience the same thing.
Now, I know it is easy for me to sit here and say, “oh, just say or do this.” I realize that it can be hard not to react. I completely get it. Emotions, right!?! Even if you respond in a not-so-great way, it is ok. You have the opportunity to have another conversation with your child when you are calm. And then you can both practice what could be a better response. This will help your child learn how to reflect on their behaviors and actions to find ways to improve.
Reflecting on the action shows your child that they can make mistakes. Also, it allows your child to see what actions they can take. And you are there to help them critically think. Most kids under twelve do not have analytical thinking completely working. You can step in, help them think through the options, and find which action is best for them.
I understand that sometimes the best option might be something new. As the parent, you can feed their confidence by saying they can do it. Moreover, you can practice or try new things with them.
For instance, if you reflect and the new action is talking to someone new. You can set up their stuffed toy animals and practice how to introduce themselves. This might feel silly, but it can be a helpful teaching aid with your children, create a fun memory, and teach them to come to you with difficult situations.
If you are ready to help build confidence in your child or children, 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!
Tara Kong, MS, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S How can positive thinking impact your life? I once heard the phrase, “Change your thinking, change your life.” But is it that simple? Many people don’t realize the power of their thoughts. These thoughts can shape our lives by influencing our behavior in how we […]
Tara Kong, MS, LPC-AssociateHow can positive thinking impact your life? I once heard the phrase, “Change your thinking, change your life.” But is it that simple? Many people don’t realize the power of their thoughts. These thoughts can shape our lives by influencing our behavior in how we think. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring or avoiding difficult areas in life. Instead, it focuses on the positive, making the best of a challenging situation, and seeing others and yourself in a good light.
Why should we care about practicing positivity in our thought life? Will it make a difference in my life? Positive thinking has many benefits. These include better management of stress in one’s life, better coping skills in stressful situations, enhanced psychological health, better immunity to illness, better physical health, longer life, lower feelings of depression, and better cardiovascular health.
It can be difficult at first to change your thoughts. Start aware of the ideas that run through your head each day. Do you think things such as I can do complex things? I may have made a mistake, but I tried my best and learned for next time. I am good enough. Or do you find your thoughts lean more towards beliefs like, I can’t believe I did that? I am so stupid. Why can’t I do anything right? If you have negative thoughts, stop your negative thought pattern and change those thoughts to more positive ones.
Try writing in a gratitude journal. It is easier to stay positive by being aware of the positives in your life. I encourage people to try and think of three things each day that they are thankful for. Experiencing grateful thoughts helps people feel more positively.
Practice positive thoughts in the way you talk to yourself. Positive self-talk impacts how we view ourselves and allows us to handle stress better. Think of it as if you are talking to a good friend. Would you ever tell a friend they are so stupid? No! So don’t speak that way to yourself.
It is essential to balance positive thinking with realistic expectations. For example, someone may have dreams of being a famous YouTube star as they begin to post videos. If that person expects instant and high success, they will likely be very disappointed. Few people can make a living by posting videos; it takes time and effort. In some cases, people have taken positive thinking too far by refusing to change their mindset no matter how dire or upsetting the situation is. This kind of mindset leads to one not being able to be and experience authentic feelings and emotions. It also can put a lot of pressure on a person always to be happy, and they can experience shame or guilt if they are not always able to maintain a positive outlook. Bottom line: practice positive thinking with realistic expectations so you can be successful.
If you are ready to take control of your thought patterns, 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: Julie Sekachev, M, Ed., LPC Associate Do you struggle with getting organized for back to school? Does going back to school or college seem overwhelming? Do you struggle to stay organized and have a hard time finishing tasks? Clutter can leave you drained. Being organized is a skill that is developed through healthy habits. […]
Do you struggle with getting organized for back to school? Does going back to school or college seem overwhelming? Do you struggle to stay organized and have a hard time finishing tasks? Clutter can leave you drained.
Being organized is a skill that is developed through healthy habits. However, the most important thing to keep in mind when organizing your environment is effort and commitment. Read below for ways to get rid of the overwhelm and organize your space.
First and foremost, start with a clean slate. Clean off your desk and begin to add items that you actually use. Same with your closet or any other area in your room. Having fewer things means you will enjoy the things you own. Donate, sell, or recycle items that are no longer serving you.
Also, when studying or doing any task that requires concentration keep your desk clean and clutter-free. Keep only the assignment or task on your desk you are currently working on to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Third, label makers are great tools that can help you organize binders or different drawers in your dorm or room. You are more likely to put an item back in its place if it has a name.
Additionally, If you need to get your homework assignments and project deadlines organized invest in a bullet journal or a time block planner. You can get a free PDF here. Time blocking helps you decide your priorities of the day and get more accomplished vs. to-do lists that do not have time-bound deadlines.
To make things easier, create a list of things that need to be done in each room. Then, commit to cleaning one room at a time, and when you’re finished, close the door and move on to the next space. Closing the door to a cleaned room will psychologically give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation for the next room.
Also, you can set a timer and see how much you can clean in 15 minutes.
Create a friendly competition with family members or roommates to see who can clean the fastest.
Put in the effort to put things back in their place- doing this will save you time and energy next time you are looking for missing assignments, homework, or keys.
Additionally, if you are looking for a system, check out the KonMari method which features a minimalist approach to tackle organizing by category versus room by room. Check out her method here.
Organization can help you gain a sense of control, accomplishment, and pride over your work and environment. More often than not, organization leads to higher efficiency in accomplishing day-to-day chores and projects. As a result, if you can create a system to stay organized, whether decluttering regularly or committing to finishing assignments the day you intended, you will actually gain more time to spend with friends or doing other things you enjoy. For this reason, I want to encourage you this coming school year to make a commitment to yourself and begin! Your future self will thank you.
If you are having trouble getting organized and would like to feel less overwhelmed, the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these 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 Teen years can be challenging. It is normal for a teen to feel sad and irritable at times. However, if the feelings become overwhelming and your teen feels hopeless or helpless, it could be clinical depression. Is it a Phase? Teen depression is […]
By: Julie Sekachev, M.Ed, LPC AssociateTeen years can be challenging. It is normal for a teen to feel sad and irritable at times. However, if the feelings become overwhelming and your teen feels hopeless or helpless, it could be clinical depression.
Teen depression is different than temporarily feeling sad. It is a severe and debilitating mood disorder. Depression can affect how you feel, think, and concentrate. Furthermore, it can make everyday functioning more difficult. Teen years can be challenging, but clinical depression goes far beyond moodiness. Many unhealthy and rebellious behaviors in teenagers can indicate depression. It is important to note that depression may not appear as a sad mood for teens. It can also show up as anger or irritability.
Firstly, if you are worried that your teen may be depressed, have an open dialogue about your concerns. Try to come from a place of acceptance and understanding. Let your teen know you have noticed specific depression symptoms, and ask to share what they are going through. Similarly, try to focus on listening, and resist the urge to judge, criticize or try to talk your teen out of depression. Even if their feelings seem irrational to you. Acknowledging the pain and sadness can help your teen feel heard, supported, and open up to you more.
For instance, isolation is a common symptom of depression but can worsen things. Encourage your teen to stay connected by making face-to-face contact a priority. Participate in activities that involve other families. This will allow your teen an opportunity to communicate with others. You can volunteer together, spend time with friends at home, or encourage a favorite social activity of their choosing. The important thing is an opportunity to connect with others, which can act as a natural antidepressant.
Exercise can increase endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Exercise doesn’t have to be dull. You can get creative by signing your teen up for kickboxing, roller skating, swimming, bike riding, or skateboarding. Furthermore, as long as your teen is moving, it’s beneficial.
Sometimes, teens may go online to escape. But, increased screen time can lead to social isolation and worsen symptoms. Talk to your teen about expectations and set limits.
Lastly, if you notice significant changes in mood, signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or evidence of self-harm, don’t hesitate to contact professionals. Listen to their input on choosing an individual therapist, group therapy, or both. When selecting a specialist, it is important to involve your teen in the process. The relationship your teen forms with their therapist is crucial for effective treatment. It should be noted, that, as a parent, you take care of yourself. Consider individual or family therapy and take some time for self-care.
If you are ready to receive help for your depression, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide a range of counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. 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: Margie Frisco MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton MA, LPC-S A child might need therapy. Why will therapy help the child? What are the benefits of treatment versus letting the child figure it out? Here we will discuss the why. Kids can benefit from therapy in so many ways. They can learn about […]
A child might need therapy. Why will therapy help the child? What are the benefits of treatment versus letting the child figure it out? Here we will discuss the why.
Kids can benefit from therapy in so many ways. They can learn about emotions, what they are, how to recognize them, and what to do with them. Furthermore, they can learn to maintain relationships and advocate for themselves early. Therapy is a safe space for your child to explore their emotions healthily. Many of us parents wish we could have had more practice at those before we got to the real world.
Children can learn new things every day! Children learn mainly by what they see. So since emotions are not something we can see sometimes, they can be hard to understand.
When learning emotions, therapy helps understand that emotions can look different in different people. For example, some cry when they are sad while others do not talk. Anger is another emotion that can look so different for each person. Some yell, while others shut down. Giving your child the tools to better recognize emotions in others can be extremely helpful in their development.
Therapy also teaches children what an emotion feels like in our bodies. For instance, does the emotion give us a headache or a funny feeling in our tummy? Once we recognize the feeling, therapy helps children decide what to do with their feelings. At the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer printable options to help your child learn healthy ways to handle their emotions.
Therapy can help teach children to express their feelings healthily. Healthy feelings expression means we review why holding onto the emotion can be hurtful. Also, we talk about what could stop them from communicating how they feel. It can be scary, even for adults, to say how we feel. Defining why we have difficulty speaking up can help address how to make it easier.
We teach them through games and even practicing how to describe how we feel. Some parents might remember a saying, “It is not what you say. It is how you say it.” We practice what to say, how to say it, and even body language. Practicing what to say can help the child be more open about their feelings and needs.
For some children, making new friends or keeping friendships can be tricky. We discuss what stops the child from talking to new people in therapy. We address those reasons and thought processes to help them see past the barrier.
Furthermore, we talk about what makes a friend a good friend and what makes a not-so-good friend a not-so-good friend. Letting the child decide if they want to keep a friend or if they want to find a new friend can be empowering!
If you want more help with your child, 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. Please reach out to the Counseling Center today to learn more about our therapists and counseling services!
By: Ally Hoffman MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton MA, LPC-S In June, we recognize Pride. We hear a lot about being an ally of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+) community. There is much confusion about what it means to be an ally. For instance, some might still wonder […]
In June, we recognize Pride. We hear a lot about being an ally of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+) community. There is much confusion about what it means to be an ally. For instance, some might still wonder what is expected. They may wonder what is involved, and how to best show their support.
Ambiguity can be challenging to understand. When discussing gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation, we often have to dabble in shades of grey. As such, it is essential to familiarize ourselves with some helpful language surrounding some of the nuances of this population.
According to Dictionary.com, an Ally is “a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose.” This encompasses the idea that we do not have to be the same to support their cause. However, allies frequently have some level of influence. They are known to use that power as a platform to encourage visibility and or acceptance of an idea or population.
Gender identity is an individual’s internal expression of self. Whereas gender expression is more external. An external expression can include many different things. Such as: what a person chooses to wear, how they style their hair, or apply cosmetics or not. Exterior features are often influenced by our societal view of masculine and feminine. Additionally, they often reflect the dominant culture’s values in specific areas. On the other hand, sexual expression can be the attraction one might feel physically and/or emotionally to other individuals. It is critical that allies make an effort to educate themselves and utilize the appropriate language to the best of their ability.
Well, looky there! You have already taken a step in the right direction! Just by clicking this link! What’s important is to take the initiative to find the information. You can do this with online research or by asking questions of community members. Seek out resources in your local area. We must recognize our biases, and be open to criticism.
It is equally important to keep an open mind while learning. For example, not every individual associated with the LGBTQIA+ community feels oppressed. Therefore, be willing to hear each person’s story. Learning is a lifelong process! We each have the power to create a ripple effect for these individuals.
Clearly, awareness and action are where the grit meets the grindstone. Being an ally involves staying up to date on current issues! For example, how it affects the population. It’s crucial, as an ally, to utilize those moments to educate others and begin creating the change we would like to see in the world.
If you are ready to become an Ally and LGBTQIA+ supporter, 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: 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!
By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Have you adopted, or are you in the process of adopting? Adoption Counseling can help your family through this process. A knowledgeable therapist can aid any couple through the steps needed to bring your new child into your life. When a couple […]
Have you adopted, or are you in the process of adopting? Adoption Counseling can help your family through this process. A knowledgeable therapist can aid any couple through the steps needed to bring your new child into your life. When a couple is
seeking a professional to help with this life-changing event, they must consider what stage of the process. The two types of counseling would be pre-adoption counseling and post-adoption counseling. Therefore, a therapist that is well versed in the process, and can make things run more smoothly for your family.
You and your spouse are considering adoption to add to your family. So, why should you consider counseling? While it is a beautiful way to add to your family, it is not without personal challenges. Whether you are adopting locally, considering a foreign adoption, or adopting from foster care, you are entering a situation that will be far different from the traditional way of adding to your family. The better prepared a parent is, the more unlikely they are to become frustrated.
As with any way you add to your family, you as a couple are excited, and you should be. You have done everything that your
agency has asked you and more. Adoption is a great thing. Many of you have prepared to fly around the world to get your new baby. You want to give your all to this child, but there are several things that you might want to consider.
First, you must believe that this adoption occurred at a significant loss for this child. Second, many of these children have been through past trauma. You have already loved this child and are ready to welcome them into your loving arms. The third thing you may want to consider is that they might return your feelings right away. Your expectations may be far more than they are ready to give. An adoption therapist can help a couple to manage their expectations.
What is pre-adoption counseling? Counseling at this stage will help you through the process. A knowledgeable therapist can help you with the struggles of the paperwork and adoptive placement. They can also help with the roller coaster ride of the placement process. The therapist can help you consider all aspects of adding another person to your family. This therapist should be able to help adoptive parents to set realistic expectations. The counseling should allow the parents to meet these kids at their emotional level so that transitions will run more smoothly. Parents will be able to discuss issues they may encounter with future children. The goal of this counseling will allow parents to prepare better for the adoption.
This type of counseling can help a family for years after the adoption and is often part of services offered to adopted children. Post-adoption counseling can involve many different areas of the new family’s life. An adoption therapist can help a family with attachment issues, grief issues, behavioral issues, trauma issues, and problems with the changing roles in the family. It can also help you resolve any issues present to the family, and it can help when you feel frustrated and question your decision.
Adoption is a great way to add to your family, but just like biological children can present issues, so will adoptive children. The better prepared you are to welcome that little one and meet their needs, the better off your family will be. Our trained therapists
at the Cinco Ranch Counseling Center will love to work with you and your child if you are considering adoption, working as a foster parent, or are struggling with issues in the post-adoption phase.
Do you want to learn how to navigate adoption or adding to your family? 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. 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!