Sibling relationships can be complex, combining fun and support with challenges like jealousy. Sibling play therapy focuses on improving these dynamics through play, helping children build empathy, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution skills. The therapy engages siblings individually and together, emphasizing parental involvement to reinforce learned skills for sustainable change.
I recently joined the Advisory Board for the Center for Educational Improvement (CEI), an organization dedicated to creating caring, supportive environments for children in the very place they spend most of their time: school. While I admit I initially hesitated to take on another responsibility amidst an already full plate, this opportunity felt aligned with… Continue reading Redefining Success: Addressing Youth Mental Health in Schools
Someone once told me that having a child is like having a physical part of yourself walking around out in the world. Maybe this is why it is so very hard to witness your own child(ren) suffer in any way - it’s like an actual part of you is in pain! And maybe it’s also… Continue reading The Power of Child-Centered Play Therapy
Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step toward personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. One of the most important factors in setting yourself up for success, especially in the early stages, is weekly therapy. Meeting with your therapist on a weekly basis provides the structure, support, and consistency needed to build momentum and make meaningful… Continue reading Why Weekly Therapy Sessions Matter – Especially at the Start
Think of one of your favorite pieces of media, such as a story that really resonated with you. Perhaps The Lord of the Rings series is a favorite. At the surface you may have enjoyed the characters, such as Frodo and Gandolf, and how they handled the situation presented (destroying the ring). Perhaps the compelling… Continue reading How Do Video Games Resonate With Players?
Video games have become a diverse and popular form of entertainment, offering everything from story-driven adventures to action-packed games. Strategic challenges to creative sandbox worlds. What makes them so engaging and hard to put down? Simply put, they’re designed to be fun! The brain's reward system operates using dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical that serves… Continue reading Why Play Video Games?
One of the first things I like to ask clients is “what do you like to do for fun?” On its face, it seems like a pretty simple getting-to know-you question that anyone would ask. But actually it serves an additional purpose for me. It’s a clinical question. In many cases, those go-to activities can be the antidote to certain depressive symptoms, such as struggling to get out of bed or finding the motivation to complete tasks. I’ve heard interesting answers in the past: charcoal painting, tap dancing, writing music, and even simply watching the sunset. These sorts of activities are part of your arsenal — your toolbox — to help you live a fulfilling life on a day-to-day basis. So, who wouldn’t want to add to that toolbox? Luckily, for our neighbors in Olney and the surrounding Montgomery County area, there is something for everyone, whether it’s individuals or families. Here are five of my favorite things that Olney, MD has to offer!
During the summer, we find more time to relax, vacation, and loosen the reins on strict rules while school is out. While rest and recharging are incredibly important, finding ways to blend that with family time, learning, and some fun can help keep kids’ minds engaged and ready for the return to school in the… Continue reading 10 Ideas to Engage Kids in Learning Over the Summer
