Inner Peace Counseling

08/13/2025

To ask about appointment availability, please call 402-704-7619.

08/06/2025

Going back to school can bring up big worries for kids, but talking about concerns — and feeling supported — can help. Here are some tips to make your back-to-school conversations more productive and less stressful for everyone.

1. Be realistic about challenges
Glossing over your child's challenges can leave them feeling unheard.
Acknowledge your child's struggles and be direct - and strategic. Think about what's traditionally been difficult for your child. Past troubles can provide a roadmap for future support.
Give your child the chance to talk through any concerns and work together to brainstorm solutions.

2. Take worries seriously
Issues that might seem silly to you can be very serious to your child.
Worrying they won't have any classes with friends, seeing a former crush in the hall, finding out they have another class with a teacher who "Hates me!" – all of these can be sources of real stress. Instead of brushing worries away, take care to validate kids' feelings and give them opportunities to talk about what's troubling them. Asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions can help kids open up, and make it easier to share worries.

3. Talk about the good stuff
Help your child remember some of the good parts of school, like activities or classes they like, favorite teachers, and friends they've missed over the summer.
Try encouraging kids to compare notes on topics like these:
• What did they miss about school during summer vacation?
• What are they looking forward to? Starting a new subject?
Joining a team? Decorating their locker?

4. Don't push
The urge to check in, even when your child isn't responding, might be more about your own anxieties than your child's needs.
Try to manage your own expectations, and if your child isn't ready to talk or doesn't seem engaged with the conversation, that's okay. You'll have plenty of opportunities for conversations as the year goes on.
For now, just knowing you're there, and that you love and support them, can be enough.

Get more of our back-to-school resources:
https://childmind.org/resources/back-to-school/

05/15/2025

12/11/2024

We’re excited to share our 2024 list of the best kids’ books about mental health!

For the first time, our expert clinicians at the Child Mind Institute have reviewed books published just this year to highlight the best new titles addressing emotional and learning challenges. These 20 picks, ranging from picture books to graphic novels, feature grumpy cats, lovable monsters, and authors who’ve experienced these struggles firsthand.

From tackling tough topics like grief, moving, and disappointment to demystifying conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and autism, these stories help kids understand their emotions, cope with challenges, and feel loved no matter what. Perfect for family storytime or classroom libraries, these books foster empathy and kindness while offering valuable insights into mental health.

childmind.org/article/the-best-kids-books-on-mental-health-of-2024

11/02/2024

Learn about the national network of crisis centers who respond to all calls, texts & chats. Whether it's suicidal thoughts, anxiety, substance use, or something else, trained crisis counselors are ready to help.

You're not alone http://988lifeline.org

05/25/2024

When closeness isn't possible, grief may emerge.

05/16/2024

04/01/2024

Today officially marks the start of Counseling Awareness Month! Professional counselors across myriad settings play a central role in keeping people and communities healthy. Join us throughout the month of April as we celebrate the work counselors do! https://counseling.org/cam