Myths vs. Facts: What People Get Wrong About ADHD
Let’s set the record straight. Here are some of the most common ADHD myths—and
the research-backed truths that replace them.
“My Child Just Received an ADHD Diagnosis—Now What?” A Parent’s Guide to the First 30 Days After an ADHD Diagnosis
Here’s a practical guide for what to focus on during the first 30 days after receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
Mental Health Through the Seasons
Understanding how each season impacts mental health can help us take proactive steps to
maintain balance and emotional wellness throughout the year.
Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology: According to research, it all starts with flow. This concept, introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a state of deep immersion in an activity where time seems to stand still and distractions fade away.
Therapists accepting Aetna Insurance in Kansas City
If you’re looking for therapists who accept Aetna insurance, look no further than Grow Psychological. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals specializes in talk therapy and provides a range of services to help you navigate life’s challenges.
The Power of Specific Praise in Parenting
As parents, we all want to encourage and uplift our children, helping them grow into confident
and capable individuals. One of the most effective ways to do this is through praise.
Attachment Styles and Their Importance
Attachment styles in children are a critical aspect of early development, influencing their emotional and social growth throughout life. These styles are typically formed during infancy and early childhood based on the child’s interactions with their primary caregivers.
Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health and sleep are intricately connected, and the quality of one often influences the other. Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity that plays a critical role in maintaining mental health. When we sleep, our brains undergo various processes that are essential for emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall psychological well-being.
Primarily, adequate sleep helps in emotional regulation. During sleep, particularly during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, the brain processes emotional experiences and memories. This processing helps to reduce emotional reactivity and improves our ability to handle stress and negative emotions. Conversely, sleep deprivation can lead to heightened emotional sensitivity, increased irritability, and a greater likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.
Next, sleep is crucial for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. During deep sleep stages, the brain consolidates memories and clears out toxins that accumulate during the day. This cognitive housekeeping is essential for maintaining mental clarity and focus. Lack of sleep impairs these cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
Lastly, there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health disorders.
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder often disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or hypersomnia. Conversely, chronic sleep disturbances can increase the risk of developing these mental health disorders. Therefore, addressing sleep issues is a critical component of managing and improving mental
health.
In conclusion, prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining mental health. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime. By taking steps to improve sleep quality, individuals can significantly enhance their mental and emotional well-being.
Written by Alyssa Noel
What is Prosocial Behavior?
Prosocial behavior is doing something to benefit, help, or care for someone else because you
believe that other people’s feelings and experiences are important.
Setting Limits with the ACT Method
The ACT method is 3 easy-to-follow steps in setting limits in a way that children will understand. This method was developed by Dr. Gary Landreth who founded the Center for Play Therapy.
Parenting Styles, The Differences That Make a Difference
There are four different styles of parenting that are characterized by different attitudes and behaviors that the parents exhibit towards their children. The type of parenting style that is implemented will reflect the way children face social and even
non-social problems. Along with that, executing positive parenting techniques is essential for
early cognitive development, emotional balance, and maturation of thought.
The Brain is Knowledge, the Body is Wisdom
We metaphorically walk around as floating heads, being rewarded by society and capitalism for staying disconnected from our body. As mammals, we are hardwired for safety and connection, so we are always looking for ways to feel safe (physically, emotionally, and psychologically) and connected to ourselves and others but don’t realize that the tool we need for that is one we have, our body. In comes, your nervous system—your body’s command center.
ADHD, Executive Functioning Skills, and your Child’s Brain
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder often begins in childhood and the symptoms can cause significant distress in everyday life. For children, it can be even harder to manage. To begin to understand how to help your child, we first must understand what ADHD is and what it causes.
Self-Disclosure: Client, Counselor, or Both?
Self-disclosure, a pivotal aspect of communication, encompasses the sharing of personal information, particularly prevalent in counseling sessions where clients predominantly disclose. While tradition often dictates counselor restraint from self-disclosure to maintain focus on the client, contemporary perspectives suggest that judicious sharing can enhance the therapeutic alliance, provided it serves the client’s interests and is kept concise, thus fostering a balanced and constructive counseling dynamic.
A Therapeutic Journey Towards Overcoming Senior Loneliness and Isolation
Discover a compassionate guide addressing the silent struggles of senior loneliness and isolation. Uncover insights, strategies, and support systems to empower seniors and caregivers. Join us in fostering meaningful connections and combating solitude. Explore the guide now.
EMDR in Kansas City
Unlock the power of EMDR therapy to heal and integrate traumatic memories with this insightful guide by McKenna Elfrink, LPC. Delve into the neurobiological approach of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and understand its transformative process. From assessment to integration, learn how EMDR helps to uncouple distressing emotions, reprocess memories, and cultivate more adaptive beliefs. Discover how this empirically validated treatment targets psychological symptoms related to trauma, paving the way for improved mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other distressing sensations, EMDR could be the key to unlocking your healing journey.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Explore the Journey: Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A Personal Reflection | March is MS Awareness Month. Join me as I share my six-year journey since diagnosis at 21. Discover the complexities of MS, the challenges of adaptation, and the emotional toll it takes. As a Mental Health Professional, I offer empathy and support. Find resources and local connections with the National MS Society Mid-America Chapter and KU Med Center’s MS Care Center. Reach out for assistance, whether newly diagnosed or a longtime warrior.
Talking to Children about Gun Violence
In the aftermath of unsettling events like those witnessed during the recent Super Bowl celebration, parents face the challenging task of discussing violence with their children. However uncomfortable, these conversations are crucial in helping children process their emotions and understand the world around them. Encouraging open dialogue, offering reassurance, and modeling healthy coping strategies can provide the support children need to navigate through difficult times with resilience and hope.
How I Ask My Kids About Their School Day?
“What did you do at school today?” most of us have a hard time conceptualizing our day into a nice conversation.