Teen Run Therapy Group

I attended an interesting meeting today about a program facilitated by Cameron Runs of Toronto. It sees youth bridging therapies with running. Perhaps this program will become a reality in Collingwood.

Wait list

Hi Folks,
Just want you to know that i won't be taking new clients again until the Fall of 2012.
However, if you are with one of my EAP companies - I do have spots for you.

Be well,
SHC

The Teenage Brain

http://youtu.be/GJkavNtK5uE

If you missed the featured Teenage Brain episode on the Nature of Things a month or so ago - it is really worth viewing. Check out this link and then google the Nature of Things at CBC and see you if can view the progrm on line.

SHC

More useful Websites - Anxiety

The following are websites that people in the mental health/wellbeing field have recommended to me over the last few years.

hope.vancouver.bc.ca

anxieties. com (practical)

panicattacks.com.au

socialphobia.org

freedomfromfear.com (self-help)

socialanxietyinstitute.org

social-anxiety-network.com

Happy searching....
SHC

Websites

Try out these websites for helpful tips related to mood and self-esteem.

mindyourmind.ca (particularly good for teens)

selfesteem2go.com

Disordered Eating

Carol Normandi and Laurelee Roark, in their book "It's not about Food", say:

"The issue of food and weight is serving an important function in your life and you have no chance of letting it go until you understand what that function is. This does not mean that you have to understand every emmotional reason why you are over or under eating. But it does mean that you need to realize you've been trying to help yourself the only way you know how".

On this note, if you are struggling with body image or eating concerns, consider things like: feeling insecure, relationships, identity, need for love, reassurance, security and soothing. We often deal with emotional struggles and relationship insecurities/family dysfunction by placing them on to our bodies. Sometimes the only way we know how to soothe ourselves is to eat, but the only way we know how to be accepted, as women in this culture, is to "control" our weight.

Food for thought.
SHC

Separation Anxiety in Children

At this time of year, with new beginnings and transitions, I often hear about parents and children struggling with separation anxiety. The following is important information for parents. It may be useful to educate oneself about the issue in order to be tuned in to what is happening for one's children.

The key feather of this issue is excessive anxiety related to being separated from those to whom the child is attached.

Things to watch for include irrational fears, nightmares, emotional conflicts, and school refusal. Domestic issues may be related to or could amplify the child’s emotional and behavioural problems.

It is important to explore possible triggers such as losses, stressors, and changes. Issues such as substance abuse and parental conflict may be triggers. Consider nightmares, fears that accompany separation, fear of being alone, and irrational fears and beliefs.

The child needs to attend school. Let the staff know and, together with them, create a plan to manage the child. When dropping off, use positive comments and reaffirming messages such as “mommy, will be at work, but will be here at___”…. And “Everything is the way it is supposed to be.” Do not get caught up in child’s tangential comments or tactics to get you to stay. Be firm and kind with your words, pass child off to staff, and walk away. Your child will rally and will cope once you are gone.

Separation anxiety is normal in young children, however when it interferes with age-appropriate tasks such as attendance, peer interaction or activities, it should be dealt with proactively.

Parents who are reluctant to let their children “go outside”, develop independence, play out without adult supervision, feel anxious/unsafe themselves, will impose anxiety onto their children. This can occur as a result of children feeling as though such activities are seen as unmanageable for their parents. Further, children pick up the message that coping with these stressors is so difficult that avoidance or having a stern set of rules is the only way of managing. This creates a position whereby children are not encouraged to develop skills to manage and cope with risk on their own.

(see S. L. Johnson, 2004)