Shaiipaula Thomas, LMFT

03/03/2022

Please share!

10/19/2021

"The capacity to recover quickly from difficalties; toughness"

I often hear this definition related to chidren whenever something happens to them, but if we really take the definition of the word resilient and look at it closely, are children really as resilient as we peg them to be?

When a child moves a lot, they are often called resilient for being able to "adapt quickly" to the new envorment they have been put in. Do we not notice that when that child is older, they have trouble staying in one place for a long time or they have trouble making friends and trusting others?

When their parents get divorced, sometimes the children are seen as resilient because they were just "so easy about it". Their parent's did not notice that they had started to seclude themselves in their room because they were also dealing with the loss of their family system.

Children may seem like they are coping well in the moment, but in reality they may be struggling with whatever is going on in their lives. Make sure to ask them if they are okay too, if you are going through it as a parent, they are going through it with you and may not have the words to express how they feel so it may come across as a behavior change or a lack of attention and focus.

If you notice these things it may be time to bring them in to see a therapist. They may even voice that they want or need to talk to someone, LISTEN to them!

05/18/2021

Just like physical health, mental health is extremely important, the mind/body connection and all!
It is okay to admit you are struggling and need help, it is okay to get a little extra support, it is okay to have someone to bounce ideas off of. It is all ok! Your mental health is more important than ""what others will think of you".

If you feel yourself sinking, reach out to somone for help, weather it be a friend or a professional.

05/12/2021

Providers are an essential part of families. They help take care of parents in their elder years and special needs children who need a little extra support. They, just like teachers do not get paid enough for what they do and should b e shown the upmost respect and appreciation. Today we honor the providers!

05/12/2021

Auntie, TT, grandma, sister, cousin,, God mom... these are the women who stand in if mom needs a little extra help of if she is not there. These women are the village that stands together to make miracles happen. We honor them on mothers day week!

05/09/2021

Mother's are the most hard working people on the planet. Thank you for all you do! Especially to my own mom, who is the glue in our family. We are so blessed to have you.

05/06/2021

OI is a genetic disease where your bones are weak and break easily, yes, just like in the movie Unbreakable.

This disease looks different for everyone, there are so many differant types from 1-4. Some types even make the whites of your eyes have a blue tinge. It can also manifest in differant parts of the body, for example, mine manifest in my legs, the left to be exact. I have broken other bones in my body, but the left leg has had over 10.

Some people "grow out of breaking" as they get older, depending on what type you have, some end up in wheelchairs, some people are average sized and some are little people.

We may be fragile, but we are sure fiesty! Happy Wishbone Day!

05/05/2021

Who was your most insiprational teacher? What did that teacher pour into you?

05/04/2021

Being at teacher can be an amazing career, but it can also be stressful, especially these days. Here are a few things that could help you destress.
1. Keep track of the successes students may have, it can be a great way of seeing the progress you are making as a teacher, as well as the progress your students are making. Kind of like a gratitude journal.
2. Take time to breath. Just being able to find five minutes to yourself can help you reset and go back refreshed.
3. Take a mental health day! It is OK to take a day off every now and then!!

05/03/2021

Teachers are the backbone of our society. They guide us from an early age and inspire us to be anything we want. This week we show appreciation for teachers, the unsung heros!

05/02/2021

Happy National Harry Potter Day! This series of books means so much to so many people, I'm interested to who which one is your favorite book and why?

Mine is probably the Half Blood Prince because it is the beginning of all the action!

I love how these books touch on so many topics, from being an orphan, to overcoming so many hardships, to building a loving family who is not directly related by blood.

05/01/2021

May is National Foster Care Month. There are hundreds of thousands of children in foster care. Some get adopted and some age out. For those who age out, they may not have any support. They have to find their own way in life.
There may be people on the street you pass by everyday and never even know they are or were in the Foster care system.

10/16/2020

To many blind or visually Impaired people a cane or guide dog is a symbol of independence. Sometimes it takes years for us to accept and love ourselves the way we are, but when we get to that point in our lives, its a beautiful transition to a fantastic independent life! Happy white cane day!

10/11/2020

09/30/2020

If you or anyone you know are in need of a COVID-19 support group, my colleague Josh and I of Alethia Counseling, have partnered with City Church to host a free 5 week virtual group! Come join us!

09/15/2020

Grief...it can be ugly, hard, excruciating....but it can also be beautiful, cathartic, or peaceful.

Personally, grieving the loss of my best friend of 18 years has been a lot of those things. I've struggled to find the balance of taking care of myself, as well as taking care of those around me, including my clients.

It's important that we give ourselves the space to feel all of the feelings that we need to feel in order to heal, wheather it be to cry yourself to sleep or laugh at a memory that has randomly popped into your head.

Here are a few things that you can do to cope with the loss of a loved one:
1) Create a memory jar.
2) Write in a journal.
3) Talk about your loss.

Even when the calls stop and people stop checking on you, remember that there is always a friend or even a therapist with an open heart and a listening hear ready to help you walk through your process of grief. 💛💜