Transformat;ons Counseling Services

02/12/2021

04/13/2018

As adults, we can look to one another, although not always easily and state, “I feel ________” in regards to our emotions. Children on the other hand often process or act out emotions using play as their language. Play Therapy is an evidenced-based therapeutic technique that trained therapist can choose to implement in to their sessions.

As adults, we can look to one another, although not always easily and state, “I feel ________” in regards to our emotions. Children on the other hand often

04/06/2018

“My kids don’t listen” is a phrase as a therapist of children we often hear from parents, teachers, and other caregivers frustrated with a child’s behavior. Many of us have been there too. You’re tired and for goodness' sake you just want the child to do as they are told. “I’m the grown up. I make the rules. I’m the boss”.

Let’s take a step back.

“My kids don’t listen” is a phrase as a therapist of children we often hear from parents, teachers, and other caregivers frustrated with a child’s behav

04/03/2018

Kids, Fortnite, and Digital Gaming; If your child is one of the 40+ Million, you are certainly not alone! Since November 2017, my son became acquainted with the video game, and I noticed he was spending hours in front of the television.

Kids, Fortnite, and Digital Gaming; If your child is one of the 40+ Million, you are certainly not alone! Since November 2017, my son became acquainted with

04/03/2018

Since 1983, United States has designated April as the National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is an annual observance to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. The US Department of Health and Human Services reported that in FFY 2014, approximately 646,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect.

Since 1983, United States has designated April as the National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is an annual observance to raising awareness and preventing ch

02/22/2018

Crisis Counseling; Our nation has suffered the tragic loss of too many young children and educators due to violence in a place that should be safe, with the primary focus on education and personal growth. News of the recent school shooting in Florida has been covered in detail on every news broadcast and 24-hour news channel.

Crisis Counseling; Our nation has suffered the tragic loss of too many young children and educators due to violence in a place that should be safe, with the pri

02/17/2018

Great article about parenting with the purpose of replacing negative behaviors with healthier alternatives.

Name, Verb, Paint Assertive Commands

We use “no” and “don’t” over and over in an effort to communicate with children. But what does “no” and “don’t” look like, how does “no” and “don’t” behave? To communicate effectively and encourage your child’s success, tell and show your child what to do (rather than what not to do).

To be clear in our communication, we must paint a picture of what we want the child to do. As adults, we have words that chatter away in our brains; children under about eight years old only have images. For this reason, it is imperative that we give commands in the positive:

“Do not walk in the puddle,” becomes “Tristin, walk around the puddle (make a hand gesture signifying around).”

“Stop hitting your sister,” becomes “Evan, touch your sister gently on her arm (demonstrate on your arm).”

“Pick up the blocks,” becomes “Raphie, put your blocks in the bucket just like this (demonstrate).”

Children use mental pictures to guide their behavior instead of words, so it is helpful if we use pictures to guide their behavior as well. Use your body as a picture by modeling what you want, use your words to help paint pictures of what you want, put up actual pictures that show what to do, and use the word “stop” rather than “no.” “Stop” means a cessation of movement.

Starting in infancy play as many stop and go activities as possible. Walking while carrying your baby you can chant, “We walk and we walk and we walk and stop!” As they grow older, play fun stop and go games. Ultimately, they will learn that “stop” means “pause” or “hold up,” and that split second provides the time you need to jump in and guide or discipline them.

Also, whenever we’re upset, we’re focused on what we don’t want. We get more of the things we focus on, and so we soon end up in a negative loop. To help children be successful with our commands, it is essential for us to pivot and focus on what we want. Pivoting is simply pausing when you are upset (and focused on what you don’t want), and then using the Power of Attention to focus on what you do want. It’s a mental pivot, similar to how a soldier pivots and does an about-face when marching. When you feel yourself getting upset, say to yourself, “I’m feeling upset. I must be focused on what I don’t want. What do I want?” Then you will be better prepared to tell the child what to do. Focusing your child on what you want them to do will help them to be successful in following your commands.

Name, Verb, Paint Process:

1. Establish eye contact and then state the child’s NAME.

2. Verbalize what you want to see happen. Begin the sentence with a VERB.

3. PAINT a picture of the expected behavior using gesture and visual cues.

As always, we wish you well!

02/14/2018

Mindful Counseling and Therapy; Valentine’s Day is typically considered a celebration of ROMANCE with wonderful cards, beautiful flowers, and delicious chocolates! However, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time for folks who tend to put a huge emphasis on romantic relationships; thus, some folks can experience the Valentine’s Day Blues.

Mindful Counseling and Therapy; Valentine’s Day is typically considered a celebration of ROMANCE with wonderful cards, beautiful flowers, and delicious choc

02/13/2018

By Jennifer Obermueller, LMSW

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Every store you walk in to will be bursting at the seams with animatronic creatures playing songs about love, chocolate aromas penetrating every fiber of your being with temptation (goodbye NYE’s resolutions), and flowers everywhere.

By Jennifer Obermueller, LMSW Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Every store you walk in to will be bursting at the seams with

02/13/2018

Do you feel like you and your spouse or partner are growing apart? Do you feel disconnected and like you are just cohabitating? Lasting relationships can be challenging. Some days you may feel as you hate your spouse or partner and everything they do irritates you.

Do you feel like you and your spouse or partner are growing apart? Do you feel disconnected and like you are just cohabitating? Lasting relationships can be

01/21/2018

A great article written by one of our wonderful clinicians!

Uncategorized January; National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month Posted on January 17, 2018January 17, 2018 In 2011, President Obama issued Presidential Proclamation, designating each January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Some indicators of human traffi...