Blog

By Julie Ponce, L.M.S.W. The transition from high school to college can be both an exciting and scary time. For most, it is the first time they live away from home and provide for their own needs. College-age students vary in their knowledge of independent living skills from effective budgeting, the joys of laundry, and…

By Kara Ettenson, L.M.S.W Every parent hopes for a solid start to a new school year. But it’s quite common to expect an adjustment period as children and their families make the transition from summer vacation to going back to school. One of the biggest issues many parents grapple with is the impact of screen…

By Rachel Blaschak, M.S., L.L.P. Sleep is an integral part of a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. So it is no wonder that sleep is a critical contributor to development for children and adolescents. Young people require more sleep than adults, often needing 9-11 hours of sleep per night. However, maintaining healthy sleep patterns…

By Lindsay Ferguson, MSW Living in and exploring our vast world is scary without an international pandemic occurring. If we add in COVID-19, it can make interacting socially seem that much more intimidating. Engaging with friends should be relaxing, easy, and uplifting. Who would have thought there would be a time when children and teens…

By Michelle Spikes, LMSW I think we can all agree that the last 2 years have challenged us in ways that we could not have imagined. As we have navigated the impact of the events of the last couple years personally and globally we have made adjustments and adaptations the best we can. As we…

  Karie Glide, LMSW Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) has been a huge part of my approach to working with kids. It centers on the relationship between the therapist and the child as a foundation for change. Using CCPT, the therapist creates a space providing developmentally appropriate materials to facilitate play in a meaningful way. Play…

  Sarah Hakala, MA LPC The decision to take your child to see a therapist is one that can be very difficult, even agonizing, for parents. Some parents worry their child will refuse to talk or throw a huge fit. Others have concerns about the stigma historically associated with mental health treatment and if their…

  Hillary Mortenson, LMSW Anxiety disorders can develop from a broad number of risk factors including genetics, brain chemistry, personality and life events. And in these uncertain times, it is common to struggle with an increase of anxiety, worry and fear as we manage our lives. Persistent anxiety affects the thoughts and behavior of children…

Anxiety and worries are normal and common as children develop. Separation from parents, especially at the beginning of the school year, fears of monsters or dogs, hesitation in new situations, and difficulty going to sleep alone are just some examples of worries that are frequently reported by parents.  Along with worries, children who are experiencing…