Cari Cook Child and Family Counseling, LLC

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When a child is grieving, what they need most is the presence and care of a loving adult. If you are that loving adult for a child in your life, you may wonder what you can say and do. We are happy to share a new librarian-curated list of books that can give you and the child in your life some words and images to use as you move through your grief together.

Booklist:https://www.fredrogersinstitute.org/files/resources/76/griefbooklist2022.pdf

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2020:
— Su***de was the twelfth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 45,900 people.
— Su***de was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34 , the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.
— There were nearly two times as many su***des (45,979) in the United States as there were homicides (24,576).

Beginning July 16, 2022, anyone in the United States can call or text 988 at any time, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, if they are experiencing a mental health crisis and/or having suicidal thoughts or know of someone who is. You matter, always 💛

Some days words are just absent or too difficult to speak. But through play and a safe space, a youngster can process and communicate their thoughts, feelings, experiences, beliefs, and attitudes about anything that is too difficult or emotional for them to say aloud. This was the real answer to “can you tell me what is causing you to look sad today.” And although they may shake their head “no,” they can go on to create this. 💛

Such a great training for our community. Please consider signing up!

Members of the GCPS mental health team will be offering Youth Mental Health First Aid courses throughout the 2021-2022 school year to all interested parents, caregivers, and adult community members. Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to children and youth who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. This training is designed for adults who have frequent contact with youth, such as parents, school staff, coaches, volunteers, and community members. Check out the website at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ to learn more about the program!

We have two upcoming training sessions scheduled for January 28th, 2022 and February 18th, 2022. If you would like to sign up or receive more information, please complete this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1VD0ln3f3YxzWT5k82Nljso15H0chLim9zLI6AG6yPV28pg/viewform.

Please email Allison Mears, GCPS Mental Health Counselor, with questions at [email protected].

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IEP UNIVERSITY - NEW TRAINING

The IEP process can be difficult and stressful. Everyone comes to the IEP table with thoughts of their personal responsibilities, perspectives, and individual concerns. IEP meetings can be places of high anxiety and there are occasions when conflict may erupt as a result of managing emotions while simultaneously following policy and procedures.

PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information around IEP development and meetings. IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. IEPU will target practical strategies aimed at helping future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for everyone involved.

This training will be presented virtually and will include webinars, discussion boards, resources, and supplementary materials. It will take approximately 6 hours, and can be accessed anytime during the 2 week time frame indicated below. A certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete the training.

Register NOW for one of the sessions below:

January 10 thru January 24 - https://bit.ly/3qv6tHj
March 1 thru March 15 - https://bit.ly/3F2K5J5

Hope = resiliency 💛
Happy New Year, my friends. Prayers and peace to you all as we enter into a new year with our minds and hearts full of hope and courage.

This weekend, in Goochland County, this event is to raise awareness about drug overdoses and the impact these have on our families and our society hosted by Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rsaac-overdose-awareness-walk-tickets-164175197435?aff=ebdssbeac

School is just around the corner!! TWFF is excited to partner with Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) to provide the information you’ll need to effectively communicate any questions, concerns & desires you have for your childs education. We know this can be a daunting process, let us help ease your stress! Register at the link below, hope to see you there.
Http://bit.ly/2UDezjp

I know of a couple of you out there needing to hear this today. 💛

There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing

There is a reason why I often ask those in my office, “Tell me something good you’ve experienced or achieved no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.”
Take a few minutes to read the nytimes article about covid and feelings of languish, Can anyone relate?

“The pandemic was a big loss. To transcend languishing, try starting with small wins, like the tiny triumph of figuring out a whodunit or the rush of playing a seven-letter word. One of the clearest paths to flow is a just-manageable difficulty: a challenge that stretches your skills and heightens your resolve. That means carving out daily time to focus on a challenge that matters to you — an interesting project, a worthwhile goal, a meaningful conversation. Sometimes it’s a small step toward rediscovering some of the energy and enthusiasm that you’ve missed during all these months.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html?fbclid=IwAR0_MgSqELFg7XA8KG0oLA8uYrJeEi8IQRLnFJX5pDOtQ8pUiZwa7DnQrys

There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing The neglected middle child of mental health can dull your motivation and focus — and it may be the dominant emotion of 2021.

You are brave and magnificent 💛

💛

It’s a beautiful thing to watch and to experience 💛

Do you know your body’s signals?

Small steps and attainable goals = pride, accomplishment, success
Too big of steps = discouragement, defeat, giving up
Go easy on yourself and take one inch at a time.

5 Days of Action - YMCA of Greater Richmond

Please consider attending this training that is focused on learning how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

https://www.ymcarichmond.org/community-programs/community-engagement-offerings/5-days-of-action/?fbclid=IwAR3zpsacO_JO9OCl4GMHac7EasQoW5zMln741EBNVd3nfzN_9UOaiSsKxRo

5 Days of Action - YMCA of Greater Richmond I understand that membership allows me access to all locations in the YMCA of Greater Richmond association, and that the price of my membership is based on the location I selected and intend to use the most. I acknowledge that I intend to use this location at least 50% of my visits.

#3 for me! Try and try again 💛

❤️❤️

I always use the phrase, “feel-good brain vibes” with my youth when exploring healthy ways to combat substance use urges, and feelings of anxiety or depression. If you can’t muster the energy for a run or walk, choose to sit by the window with your face in the sun. Take in it’s smell and warmth and notice any changes in your mood.

Every 12 minutes there is one death by su***de in the United States and approximately 250 million people become su***de survivors each year.

Encourage those you know who are struggling with depression and other mental health related issues to seek support or help. Help break the stigma. Ask those hard questions because talking about su***de does NOT give permission or the idea to follow through - it does the OPPOSITE. Opening up the conversation can give the person a sense of relief and permission to talk about what is going on.

If you are reading this and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to me or someone, anyone. You matter and you are needed here.

New client telehealth appointments are now available! In person appointments at our new location on River Road in Goochland will be available beginning in November! For more information please visit our website or feel free to send an email to request a new client appointment.