No two children learn exactly the same way, which is especially true for students with attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that affects anywhere from 5-10% of students in America. Even with medications like Adderall and Ritalin providing short-term solutions, it...
According to the Child Mind Institute's Children's Mental Health Report, approximately 50% of all psychiatric illnesses, including depression, eating disorders, and even body dysmorphic disorder, develop before age 14. For parents, it might seem like there's nothing to be done...
Beginning sessions with a new patient, especially a child or young adult, can be challenging, to say the least. Not only are you coming into a new relationship, you may be met with some resistance along the way. Icebreaker activities are...
Encouragement means to stimulate initiative and positive actions. Teachers, counselors, and parents are asked to encourage children to do their best by acknowledging their efforts and strengths. However, when children do not feel good about themselves or their situation, they...
One in eight U.S. children suffer from anxiety, but relieving that anxiety and helping children open up about it can be challenging without the right tools. As a child therapist, knowing which tools are the right tools is essential to...
Nowadays, children start getting a pretty hefty load of homework beginning in Kindergarten. Children start their elementary school years learning how to write, spell, read, and add/subtract. It is a very exciting time in a child’s life, but it can...
A treasure box is a container that has items that a child can choose at the end of the therapy session. The pediatrician usually has one. Ours has lollipops and one doctor gives out stickers. Typically, dentists give out some...
Instead of putting your child in “Time Out,” try creating a Calm Down Space for them. My daughter has ADHD and as many of you parents of special needs children know, our children have a lot of feelings, which can result in a lot...
Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that is the natural way in which children learn about and explore the world around them. It elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play Therapy utilizes this natural ability of children and...
Immerse yourself in a proven child play therapy techniques. Begin to master new ways to communicate the language of those theories and techniques. Dare to experience learning outdoors, in the classroom, through lecture, discussion, video presentations, and thorough grounding in methods...
A simple play therapy intervention for children with impulsive behaviors can be played with a traditional deck of playing cards. For years, I thought that everyone knew about this game. I’m sure many of you are familiar. I have been...
One of the biggest challenges for parents is when they have feelings toward their children that feel "wrong." Some parents find it difficult to love a particular child. A parent may “play favorites” in his/her heart, trying desperately to hide...
