Collaborative Care of Kansas City

10/01/2022

A wonderful October self care post from

04/22/2022

Children may sometimes feel abandoned or betrayed by their biological parent after a divorce. On the other hand, a child may worry about betraying their biological parent if they start to care for or love their stepparent.

Are you navigating challenges in a blended family? I am here to help. Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

04/15/2022

Children in blended families often have to adjust to a whole new set of rules and expectations, all while enduring the loss of structure that they're used to. If visitation and parenting plans are involved (where the loss of a parent is not a factor), any scheduling conflicts can become confusing and stressful.

Children in blended families can often feel like outsiders. They may not feel like they belong to either family, which can lead to insecurity and loneliness.

When children from different families come together, it can also commonly trigger sibling rivalry as they compete for their parent's attention and resources.

Are you navigating challenges in a blended family? I am here to help. Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

04/08/2022

Blended families have become much more prevalent in our society today due to the rate of divorce. "Blended" is another term for a stepfamily that describes couples having at least one child from a previous marriage.

Various challenges can arise for parents and children across the first few years of adjusting to a new family dynamic. For parents, it can be difficult to navigate the waters and figure out how to make things work for everyone. And for children, it can be tough trying to adjust to a new stepparent and feeling like they have to split their attention between two homes.

Are you navigating challenges in a blended family? I am here to help. Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

Jennifer Elliott provides comprehensive in-person and online counseling for individuals, couples, adolescents and children in Overland Park and the Kansas City metro area. Services also include EMDR online or in-person, and other therapy interventions personalized to each individual.

03/25/2022

Despite what stage you and your partner may be in at this time, if you have any unaddressed challenges that are causing tension or conflict, a couple's counselor can help you learn to communicate effectively and negotiate healthy solutions.

I am here to help you have strong and healthy relationships! Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to contact me today!

03/18/2022

Breakups, separation, or divorce are all potential outcomes for couples who grow apart after the second stage. While some partners may not officially separate, they can still separate and withdraw emotionally, leading to resentment.

For couples who stick together, this third phase is about adjusting, where partners learn to accept each other's differences and negotiate needs to show their love, loyalty, and companionship.

In other words, they see each other as human beings that they love and respect - not someone they lust over or idolize, and certainly not someone they resent. Getting to this place is a significant accomplishment and essential to maintaining healthy relationships dynamics through any future conflicts.

I am here to help you have strong and healthy relationships! Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to contact me today!

Jennifer Elliott provides comprehensive in-person and online counseling for individuals, couples, adolescents and children in Overland Park and the Kansas City metro area. Services also include EMDR online or in-person, and other therapy interventions personalized to each individual.

03/11/2022

Trust/Disillusionment

This second stage is marked by a couple sharing more things - whether their money or living space; these are common sources of disagreements.

At this phase, even when partners agree on almost everything, the excitement and newness of a relationship can wear off and cause feelings of doubt and questions about trust and reliability.

In other words, love isn't enough. Couples need to enjoy being together, and those who build trust and get over their differences can grow together.

I am here to help you have strong and healthy relationships! Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to contact me today!

03/04/2022

Despite the challenges all relationships ultimately face, many people are willing to work hard to keep their relationship strong for the love, support, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose they provide.
I am here to help you have strong and healthy relationships! Visit https://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to contact me today!

02/25/2022

Stressful situations can trigger depressive episodes. Some common causes include:

Job loss and the stress that comes with it.

Health problems, either mental or physical. Someone suffering from a serious illness may feel guilt over not being able to help themselves the same way they used to be able to.

Low self-esteem. Someone who can't see their strengths or skills may feel incapable of overcoming problems in life and resort to negative thoughts and depressive episodes to cope.

Sudden life changes such as job loss or financial problems can make people feel inadequate.

Low serotonin levels are why many people take antidepressants instead of just psychotherapy alone.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak with a mental health professional.

Talk therapy is an invaluable resource for treating depression - and depression is highly treatable, even at its most severe. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive episodes. CBT is the most effective type of therapy for managing and treating depression.

I want you to know that you are not alone and I am here to help! Visit http://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

02/18/2022

Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sadness that last for a long period with no end in sight. Sometimes someone with depression will feel like there is no point in living anymore.

Someone with depression may struggle to concentrate on their surroundings, experience changes in appetite or sleep, and end up isolating themselves from others.

The causes of depression can come from many different sources. It isn't always a result of the genes someone is born with; sometimes, life events affect a person's mental well-being, just as physical illness would affect a person's body.

I want you to know that you are not alone and I am here to help! Visit http://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

02/11/2022

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. It affects over 300 million people all across the globe.

Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sadness that last for a long period with no end in sight.

Someone with depression may struggle to concentrate on their surroundings, experience changes in appetite or sleep, and end up isolating themselves from others.

I want you to know that you are not alone and I am here to help! Visit http://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

01/28/2022

People tend to experience great suffering without realizing that their life purpose is their backbone in need of some support. Once you discover a greater sense of purpose, you will be more equipped to learn, grow, and move on from life’s challenges and experiences with clarity and contentment.

I want to help you learn how to find purpose and joy in life again. Visit http://www.collaborativecarekc.com/ to schedule an appointment today!