Helping Your Child Get a Better Night’s Sleep

A picture of colorful pillows on knit pink blanket on bed in cute kid's bedroom with posters on the wall

As a therapist, I understand the importance of a good night’s sleep on mental health. Problems falling asleep or staying asleep are common issues my clients share with me. Children and teens talk about having a hard time falling asleep because of overthinking, worrying, or difficulty relaxing. Parents share concerns about their child’s moods, school performance, or feelings of anxiety. We know that sleep is important to our overall health. By improving a child or teen’s sleep, we may also be improving their mood, concentration, and anxiety levels. Read on for some helpful tips on helping your child get a better night’s sleep.

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8 Ideas to Help Your Child Feel Comfortable with Therapy

A person with light skin is holding a red heart in their hands against a wooden table

These days, a lot of children and teens are asking for therapy. This is usually easy for parents. You find a good therapist and get started. Other times parents might be concerned about their child’s mental health, behavior, or substance use and know that they need more help… but the child does not want to go. They might be angry, nervous, or embarrassed at having to see a therapist. Some children or teens may have had a negative experience with therapy or may not know what to expect. However, with a little bit of patience and understanding, you can help your child feel comfortable with therapy. Here are some of my favorite tips:

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Tips for Talking with Your Teen (Part 1)

Two people hold hands outdoors; one person has pink nail polish and the other is wearing several colored bracelets

Recent research shared by the Pew Research Center is that two-thirds of parents in the U.S. believe that parenting today is harder than it was 20 years ago. The majority of parents surveyed reported they believed this was due to the increase in technology, primarily screens and social media. With busy and technology-filled modern lives, many parents ask me about how to connect with their teenagers. And so, here are some of my favorite tips for talking with your teen.

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10 of My Favorite Books For Parents

Two adults stand with their backs turned to the camera in front of bookcases full of brightly colored books

As the days get shorter and cooler, it’s perfect weather to curl up with a new book. Enjoy some time for yourself to learn, grow, and reflect. Here’s a list of some of my favorite books for parents and families. 

Trauma

1. What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD and Oprah Winfrey

Dr. Perry and Oprah have a compelling back-and-forth in this page-turner about what it means to be resilient and heal from trauma. They are both captivating storytellers who break down the effects of trauma on children and adults. This book will change how you approach people who have experienced traumatic events.

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Back-to-School Care for Parents & Caregivers

Three elementary school-aged children, two girls and a boy, are walking away, wearing jackets and brightly colored backpacks.

This time of year, there is so much to do for parents and caregivers! Trying to squeeze in those last bits of summer fun, shopping for school supplies and new clothes, signing up for fall sports, and getting kids back into the school routine. 

And who can forget about all the other school to-do’s: parent forms, Back-to-School Night, and keeping track of all the emails? It’s no wonder that many parents and caregivers report high levels of overwhelm during the back-to-school season. 

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Top 10 Questions to Ask a Therapist

Looking for mental health counseling for yourself or your child? With more Americans than ever before seeking therapy, you’re not alone. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationships, more people are feeling comfortable reaching out to a therapist. As you look for someone who will meet your needs, here’s a list of the top 10 questions to ask during that first phone call.

1. Are you accepting new clients?

Hands down, ask this first! Even if it says on their website or directory listing that they are accepting new patients, it might not actually be the case. Therapists don’t always remember to update their status in all the places their information is listed.

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The Top 10 Myths About Therapy… Written by a Therapist

1. My problems aren’t serious enough for therapy.

Sometimes we minimize what we’re experiencing, or compare ourselves with others who have “really serious” problems. The truth is, therapy can be helpful for everyone. 

Fred Rogers said, “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” Talking about feelings and problems with a professional can be helpful for a lot of people.

2. I don’t need therapy- I have my friends!

It’s great that you have good friends- we all need that kind of support! But therapy is different. Your best friend might give you advice, but therapists rarely do. Instead, therapists support you to gain insight, learn new strategies, and obtain information. 

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