Sheldon Psychology Group

06/26/2022

06/07/2022

Calgary's Child Magazine is out with their newest edition featuring an article on how to support children of all ages with transitions by team member, Nicole Brayton.

To read her article, click on the link below 👇

https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=749726&p=27&view=issueViewer

05/20/2022

It's Friday and you know what that means; It's time for all the feels 🥰. For anyone who needs to hear today and every day thereafter, remember that you are STRONG 💪, you are CAPABLE 👍, and you are FANTASTIC 🤩.

- Nicole Brayton

Photo credit: OurMindfulLife

05/06/2022

It's time for those Friday feels 🥰. Not only was May the 4th Star Wars day but it was also Hats On for Mental Health which prompted me to reflect on the idea that not everyone's mental health journey is the same and that is why perspective and understanding is so important. Some of us know what we need in order to work towards positive mental health, while others find the path forward more difficult. When someone is struggling it can feel like being knee deep in despair. Remember that and take the time to acknowledge that not everyone's experiences will be similar. Listening leads to understanding. Understanding leads to awareness.

- Nicole Brayton
- Photo credit: Addicts Mom

04/21/2022

Celebrate the little successes 👏

04/15/2022

Learn about the power of nature play in this article from our Spring edition and get tips from Jenny Duffield of Sheldon Psychology Group on how to get your children started with nature play.

There is a mountain of research showing evidence that nature play positively impacts children's physical and mental health, as well as increases their cognitive and social well-being.

For an easy to read, text only version of this article, follow our link and click on the article headline.
https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=3530&i=743172&p=24&pp=1&ver=html5

04/14/2022

This week is a difficult week for me. It marks the anniversary of a significant event in my life; so when I came across this image on my instagram, I knew I had to share it with you. For a long time I have carried the weight of some big feelings and it hasn't been until recently that I felt the weight of those feelings lift. Although the feelings, and the memories attached to those, won't ever really go away, just knowing that I have come out on the other side is truly one of my biggest accomplishments.

Life can be difficult. Sometimes we just need to let go and let the pieces fall into place. Having a strong support system around you can help alleviate the heaviest of feelings so that you are able to move freely, however you choose, in a way that makes sense for you. Take this upcoming weekend to spend it with those who have uplifted and supported you. Re-connect, share, and spend time re-visiting your feelings and creating new memories - exhale 🦋

-Nicole Brayton
photo credit: HugsandKisses

04/01/2022

Like clockwork, every couple of months, I whisper to myself “I need a vacation.” Sometimes it is because I am tired, stressed, or burned out. More likely it is because I am in need of a change of scenery.

Not all vacations have to be extravagant or expensive BUT I can tell you that they are worth their weight in gold💰. Mental health experts have been discussing the benefits of taking a vacation for a number of years. Vacations can improve mindfulness, decrease stress, strengthen connection, and even boost our brain power.

SOLD! Count me in. I believe whole-heartedly in going on a vacay. Whether it’s to the mountains, exploring the desert, or relaxing on a beach I always come home feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the world. A reset is good for the soul. 🥰

-Nicole Brayton

photo credit: researchgate.net

03/18/2022

Friday feels 🙌. Imagine the possibilities if we only asked ourselves ‘“But what if….” 💗

Photo credit: worry well-being



-Nicole Brayton

03/17/2022

View of Banded Peak from Ranger Summit trail in West Bragg Creek. It was a glorious hike with spectacular views!! Stay posted for more pictures of what you can expect if you are joining us for our summer camp!

03/11/2022

Knowing what you need to get where you're going....

When we embark upon a road trip, particularly as parents travelling with children, it’s important to have a plan. We may set our GPS, pack required items, plan our stops, ensure our vehicle is maintained – it’s often a long list. Modern advances mean we can be advised of when to expect traffic issues in our path, where to find our favourite restaurants, and ultimately allow us to make informed decisions regarding changing our course. We have an amazing amount of information at our fingertips to guide us on our journey. We can also support our children with a myriad of options to alleviate boredom on trips. Gone are the days of relying upon “I spy” or staring intently at a sibling to alleviate boredom. The success of a road trip often hinges on our planning, knowing the route, and making responsive changes as needed. So how does this relate to your child’s education?

While the road map to successfully reach educational goals cannot be programmed into your GPS, you can find a map. Just as we have wonderful supports available on our family travels, we can gain understanding of our child’s learning profile and consider which programs are likely to fit well for them. Sometimes our child’s education may seem to be off course, and as parents we wonder how it got that way, and how far off course it is. Is it a matter of the wrong road choice for the vehicle? If I were heading to the mountains on a snowy day, driving a motorcycle would certainly make for a challenging journey. My son loves to tell me about various sports cars, and while the concept of their performance is intriguing to him, I’ve explained at least one of us will not fit in the car on the morning commute to school. In its ideal setting, a sports car can perform to its ability and be appreciated. Outside of that, the strengths may be less obvious.

So how do we find roadmaps to support our children to be on the best path to support their success? When we see our children struggling or are wondering if they are in the right educational setting to get to their destination successfully, there are ways to get answers. If you encountered difficulties on your road trip, it would be time to regroup and you would probably avoid randomly choosing exits, hoping they are the right one. You need a plan. Knowing more about your child’s personal needs when it comes to learning can support you in making those choices and helping your child reach their potential. Psychoeducational assessment can help inform decision making by offering you an understanding of your child’s learning profile and their strengths; a road map to success if you will. Just as many road trips flow relatively seamlessly, so may your child’s education. However, if you are wondering if they are in a figurative construction zone or at a crossroads and are uncertain which path to choose, it may be time to consider accessing additional supports to guide your decision-making process. We're happy to offer a free consultation to determine if that would make sense for your child.
- Jody Caswell



photo credit: vector and istock

03/09/2022

There have been times in my life, just as I know there have been in yours, when I have had to dig deep and remember what it means to take care of me. Sometimes remembering what that looks like is hard though.

A couple of months ago, I came across a saying from Yung Pueblo, a poet and speaker that writes about the movement from self-love to unconditional love, the power of letting go, and the wisdom that comes when we truly try to know ourselves. It resonated with me. I saved it to my phone and look at it often. Today, I want to share it with you as a reminder that even when things are hard, YOU can do it! You just need to find the right balance that works for you. ❤️

- Nicole Brayton

Photo credit - Yung Pueblo, Clarity and Connection

03/07/2022

💻 TRANSITIONING OFF SCREENS WITHOUT A FIGHT! 💻

We all want our children to engage in their world in a variety of ways and to gain a multitude of experiences as they grow and develop. We want them to play outside, do crafts, read books, play board games, create music and more. However, it can feel like an impossible task to get our children off screen to do something else.

Here are some ideas to consider when working with your child to set new limits or when finding ways to transition calmly from one activity to the next.

1. Try going for a walk or a drive with your child to discuss how to be more successful with future transitions off screens.

2. Express how you have felt that past transitions have been really challenging (everyone feeling grumpy/mad). Ask your child how they think it is going?

3. Ask your child if there is something you can do to help make it easier? Your child might come up with something reasonable right away and other times it can take a bit of back and forth before settling on a new idea to try.

4. Write down the plan made and post it where everyone can see it. Have everyone sign it to confirm your commitment to the plan made.

5. The plan should be detailed: how long is screen time? Which screens are allowed? What time of day are screens permitted? Are there tasks that need to be completed before screen time starts? Is a timer or reminders of the end time needed? If so, how many reminders and when will they occur? What happens if screens are not shut off calmly when the time is up?

6. A transition warning or reminder that time is ending soon is often essential to support positive transitions away from screens.

7. Teach your child how to “wrap up” their show or game before the timer goes off. Teach them to avoid starting a new show or game if there is not enough time to complete it. Teach them how to save or pause their game/show and return to it during the next screen time. Avoid allowing your child to negotiate extensions to the time (“just one more minute” or “I just have to do this one more thing”). Often this situation is a “slippery lope” where the child is always feeling upset that they didn’t get enough time. Staying firm on the time allows children to settle into the predictability of time ending. Let them know in advance that there will be no extensions, however, you will remind them to “wrap up” with lots of notice so they can do so successfully before their time is up.

8. Each child responds differently to screens. Monitor your child while using screens, their behaviour will help you discover how long is too long. Monitoring will also help you know how much screen-free time they need in order to wind down before bedtime.

9. Sometimes going from a highly stimulating activity such as screens to laying in bed for sleep can feel like an impossible task. Try adding an enjoyable activity (e.g., being read to, listening to music, playing with fidgets, doing a puzzle, colouring, looking at photo albums) between screen time and bedtime to help wind your child down for sleep.

10. BE CONSISTENT!! Make a plan and stick to it! Beware that it can often get worse before better as change is difficult for everyone. Once the plan becomes predictable, it will feel safe and become easier for everyone!

— Jenny Duffield

Picture credit: https://northshoreparent.com/kids-ipad-dont-give-eff-anyone-thinks/

03/05/2022

So many things to experience.....

photo credit: Nicole Sheldon's phone😊

03/05/2022

Did you know the benefits of outdoor play go well beyond just fresh air and sunshine? When I was young, my mother frequently sent us outside to play. Who knew she was giving me a lifelong gift?

I am forever grateful for those early opportunities to be outside climbing trees, making obstacle courses, watching bugs go about their business, riding my bike, exploring, splashing in puddles, getting dirty, watching clouds, building forts, playing hide and seek, watching the sunset, sitting under a tree talking with friends....the list goes on. I felt so free!

I love living in such an amazing part of the world. There is so much to do, to see, and to explore. Being outside is more than just fresh air and sunshine. And it's even more than peace, wonder, and awe. Being outside builds creativity, deepens learning, and enhances problem-solving. Adventure on!

photo credit:
https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/portfolio_page/benefits-of-outdoor-play-infographic/

03/02/2022

Hi, I’m Nicole. 👋 Life can be challenging and sometimes services may feel unreachable. To help, I’m sharing my first promotion for counselling services starting NOW through to the end of April 2022 — receive 3 sessions for the price of 2 (a savings of $150 as each session typically costs $150). Mention this promotion and use the code BESTSELF in our online calendar when booking. All sessions booked under the promotion will be conducted within a one month timeframe so you benefit from services right away

So, why book with me? With 20+ years of experience in the field of gifted education, and a recent graduate of the Masters of Arts degree program in Counselling Psychology, I bring both passion and compassion to my sessions. With a keen interest in helping others uncover their strengths and build resiliency, I offer a space where individuals can flourish 🥰

Whether it is your child who needs support, or you who needs to talk, I’d love to meet you!

Hope to connect soon.
Nicole Brayton

Working with you to create the change you are looking for.

02/25/2022

SUMMER CAMP
Check out what makes us different!

Working with you to create the change you are looking for.

02/22/2022

One of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with was when I was a victim of bullying. Being bullied as a young teen and again in later life, I know the damage it can do. Bullying can lead to increased anxiety, low self-worth, anger, and frustration. That is why I wanted to share this post with you today. Tomorrow, February 23rd is Pink Shirt Day. Wearing something pink tells others that bullying won’t be tolerated. Show that you care about others by participating in this event.

If you, or someone you love, has experienced bullying, know that we are here to listen and support.

Photo Credit - pinkshirtday.ca






-Nicole Brayton