STL Social Work, 1121 Olivette Executive Parkway, Olivette, MO (2026)

04/23/2026

You wouldn't let your phone hit 0% without looking for a charger, so why do it to yourself? 🔋

Most of us wait until we’re in the 'Red Zone' (total shutdown) to admit we’re tired. But the magic happens in the 'Yellow Zone.' When you notice the irritability or the noise sensitivity kicking in, that’s your cue to dial it back.

Many teens often don't realize their battery is low until it's nearly empty.

👂Tune into the quiet signals your body sends when it begins to tire:

🦶Physical: Tapping feet, clenching your jaw, or feeling "heavy" limbs.

🌬Mental: Reading the same sentence over and over or feeling "foggy."

📱Social: Feeling a sudden urge to check your phone just to avoid eye contact.

👏The Goal: If you catch it at Low, you can prevent the Empty "shutdown" phase

Sometimes teens feel guilty for needing space. Here are a few "scripts" to protect their energy without hurting feelings:

"I’m hitting a wall right now and need some quiet time so I don't get super grumpy. Can we talk later?"

"My social battery is at 5%. I'm going to head home/go to my room to recharge."

At what battery level are you right now? Drop a 🟢, 🟡, or 🔴 below.

02/25/2026

Every day, I hear your stories. Stories of in**st, assault, and systemic betrayal. In light of recent news highlighting how the powerful are often shielded at the expense of the vulnerable, I want to be incredibly clear:
• Your story is not “too much.”
• Your pain is not an inconvenience.
• You are believed, you are heard, and you are not alone.

We live in a world that often tries to gaslight victims into silence to protect the “important.” But you are the important one. Your healing matters more than their reputation.

01/24/2026

💭Dear clients, you’re still in my thoughts after our session ends.

🫶I hope you know that when our 50 minutes are up, I don’t just ‘switch off’ my care for you.

💪 I think about the brave thing you said while I’m driving home.

🌇I see a sunset and hope you’re getting a chance to see it too, especially after the week you’ve had.

🕯️Being your therapist means holding your story with respect, even when the office lights are off.

01/08/2026

This year, consider implementing "Grandma hobbies" (also called "Granny-core")—like knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, and puzzles.

These stress-free activities are trending among teens and Gen Z for a very good reason: they are like "medicine" for a stressed-out, digital brain.

Here is a simple breakdown of why these slow, old-school activities are so helpful for teen mental health.

🧖‍♀️The "Digital Detox"

Teens today spend a considerable amount of time on screens, which can lead to "brain fog" and high anxiety.

The Benefit: You can’t easily scroll TikTok while your hands are covered in flour or busy with knitting needles. These hobbies force a break from blue light and the pressure of social media.

🧘‍♂️ Rhythmic Calm (The "Flow State")
Many grandma hobbies involve repetitive, rhythmic motions (like the "knit-purl" of a scarf or the "knead-fold" of dough).

The Benefit: This creates a meditative state. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and helps the brain switch from "fight-or-flight" mode to a calm, relaxed state.

🧶 Tactile Grounding
In a world that feels very "virtual," touching real materials—soft yarn, cool soil, or heavy dough—is physically grounding.

The Benefit: Using your five senses helps pull you out of your head (where anxiety lives) and back into your body. This is a powerful tool for reducing rumination (looping negative thoughts).

👏 Low-Stakes Achievement
School and sports are often high-pressure and competitive. Grandma hobbies are the opposite.

The Benefit: If you drop a stitch or bake a flat loaf of bread, nobody "fails" you. It provides a safe space to learn and a massive dopamine boost when you finally finish a physical project you can hold in your hands.

🤝 Social Connection
While these can be done alone, they also offer a way to connect without the intensity of "typical" teen social scenes.

The Benefit: Joining a "sip and stitch" group or gardening with a family member provides low-pressure social time. It fosters a sense of community and belonging, combating loneliness.

11/27/2025

🦃 As we gather to reflect and give thanks, my heart is full of gratitude for the incredible teens and families I have the privilege of working with.

🍁Thank you for your trust in me, for allowing me to walk alongside you on your journey.

🍂I am continually inspired by the bravery and vulnerability you show in every session, and for the hard work you put into growth and healing.

✌️Wishing you all a day filled with peace, warmth, and connection.

09/10/2025

Preventing su***de is a team effort. Here’s what you can do to protect your own mental health and help your friends who might be struggling.

🧘‍♀️Take Care of Yourself: Your own mental well-being is the first line of defense.

🤝 Build Your Crew: Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and whom you can trust—friends, family, a teacher, or a coach. Having a strong support system is key.

🎧 Find Your Way to Cope: When life gets stressful, you need healthy ways to handle it. Try exercising, listening to music, writing in a journal, or practicing deep breathing. Find what works for you.

☎️ Get Professional Help: A therapist or counselor is trained to help you cope with tough times. Talking to a professional isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a bright and brave move.

💤 Live a Healthy Life: Simple things make a huge difference. Get enough sleep, eat good food, and avoid drugs and alcohol. These things can make a difficult situation feel even worse.

👀 Look Out for Your Friends:

🛟 If you notice a friend struggling, you have the power to help. Don't be a bystander—be a lifesaver.

❓Start the Conversation: It can be hard, but ask them directly. Saying something like, “I’ve been worried about you lately. Are you doing okay?” can be the open door they need.

👂 Listen Without Judgment: Just let them talk. You don't have to have all the answers. Simply being there and listening can be a considerable comfort.

❌ Don’t Keep Secrets: This is the most important rule. If a friend tells you they are thinking about su***de, you must tell a trusted adult immediately—like a parent, teacher, or counselor. Your friend's life is more important than a promise to keep a secret.

🔗 Connect Them with Help: Don't leave a friend in immediate danger alone. Instead, help them get help right away. Call or text 988, or take them to a hospital emergency room.

***deprevention ***depreventionday

08/05/2025

Starting a new school can be an intense experience for kids, and there are many words to describe the charged feelings and difficulties that come with it. As a parent be attuned to your child during this transition and prepare for some of the most common emotions:

Intimidation: So much newness: new environment, new people, and unknown routines can feel overwhelming and frightening.

Anxiety: Worrying about making friends, fitting in, or keeping up with schoolwork is incredibly common particularly in middle and high school.

Nervousness: The uncertainty of what to expect can lead to a sense of unease.

Overwhelm: The sheer number of new things to learn and people to meet can feel like too much at once.

Isolation: It’s easy to feel like an outsider, especially when everyone else already has established friendships.

Unsettled: The disruption to their old routine can cause them to feel disoriented and out of place.

Knowing to anticipate your some of child’s feelings can help prepare you and them for what may be coming this school year. Reassure them that you’re with them and will continue to be throughout the year.

07/16/2025

Author Anne Lamont wisely said that almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Summertime could be an ideal time to practice digital detox to feel some meaningful benefits.

06/16/2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads out there! It’s wonderful to acknowledge the many forms fatherhood takes: Biological Dads, Adoptive Dads, Stepdads, Foster or Adoptive Dads, Granddads/Grandfathers, Godfathers, Dog Dads/Cat Dads/Pet Dads, Plant Dads, Stay-at-Home Dads, Single Dads, Expectant Dads, and lastly, In-Spirit Dads

06/02/2025

June is Pride Month, a time for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to feel seen, affirmed, and celebrated.

Here's how teens can participate in pride month:

🌈 Attend local Pride events: Many cities host parades, festivals, and other events that are often all-ages friendly. Look for community events in your area.

📚Educate yourself and others: Learn about LGBTQ+ history, key figures, and current issues.

🤝 Be an ally: If you're not LGBTQ+, learn how to be a supportive ally. This can include using inclusive language, speaking out against discrimination, and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices.

🎨Create Pride-themed art or content: Express yourself through artwork, writing, music, or other creative outlets that celebrate Pride.

💪Support LGBTQ+ organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering for organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, or support businesses that genuinely champion the LGBTQ+ community.

🗣Talk about it: Have open and honest conversations with friends, family, and peers about LGBTQ+ issues and the importance of inclusion.

Pride Month is a crucial time for visibility, celebration, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, including its youngest members.

05/22/2025

May is mental health awareness month so let’s take a look at recent stats for teens.

In 2023, The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) surveyed teens about their mental health. The results are concerning, making teen mental health a significant public health concern in the United States.

☀️ Ways to protect teen mental health:

🤗 Forming strong bonds and connections with teens by listening to them and taking more of a supportive role.

💪Support from family, peers, and school staff plays a crucial role.

🫶Having at least one adult in their life who makes a positive difference is essential.

05/08/2025

It was such a pleasure to be back at the Wilson School speaking with parents about ways to support their middle schooler manage friendships.

One of the best ways to adjust to parenting middle schoolers is to shift from fixing to listening. To let go of listening simply to fix their problems and move more toward listening to understand their problems.

STL Social Work

04/23/2026

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01/24/2026

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11/27/2025

09/10/2025

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