The Creative Therapy Center

Try Something New

2011-01-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

Six months ago I bought an easel and canvas. It sat in the corner of my office for the past six months untouched. Today I set the intention to paint a picture, and I finally did! I wondered why it took so long for me to paint my first masterpiece, and then I realized it was because I did not want to "ruin" the perfection of the white, blank canvas. So why is it we are afraid to try something new? Why do we have the idea that if we don't do something perfect the first time it is not worth trying? Don't be afraid to take a chance at trying something new because you might mess up, look stupid or fail miserably. You might find that the something new is something that you have been missing in your life.

Being Your Own Hero

2011-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

When we set goals in our life we often feel defeated when we do not succeed. Many of us look for the "hero" to assist us or save us during the struggles that we endure in the journey of reaching our goals. It is important to remember to honor yourself and be your own hero. We cannot rely on others to assist us in reaching our goals. If we lived life like this we would never be fulfilled. Take time to think about what your own superpower is and how you use it best. Is it the power of organization? The power of integrity? Whatever it may be; be sure to use it to your optimal level and don't hesitate to exercise your superpower on a regular basis. When you keep this in mind you will find that your goals are more obtainable and less defeating! Give it a try!

A New Year

2011-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of a new year many people feel they need to set "New Year's Resolutions." Often these "resolutions" are followed for the first couple of weeks of the new year and then they fall to the wayside. Why is this? Many people set unrealistic New Year's Resolutions. Yes, we may want to change bad habits, but when we set too big of a goal we often set ourselves up for failure. How can we avoid the feeling of loss and failure? Simple. Start out by setting a small obtainable goal. For example, many of us decide that we are going to lose weight. We hit the grocery store the first day of the new year and purchase all healthy food. We also sign up for a great new gym membership. We eat "healthy" food and hit the gym every night for the next three weeks, but then we realize we really want to eat that chocolate Santa leftover from Christmas...so we do...and we eat the leftover cookies and other treats and before we know it we decide that we can no longer do it and we quit the gym and go back to the poor eating habits. We are left feeling defeated and like a failure. So start small. Go to the grocery store and purchase your regular food items, but instead of getting the bag of cookies replace it with a yogurt. Do this every time you buy groceries....before you know it you will have replaced your junk food with healthy food. This principle can be applied to any goal or resolution....just take a few minutes to break the big goal down into smaller goals that will assist you in obtaining your final goal!

Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota

2010-12-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

As we end Prematurity Awareness Month, a month that is near and dear to my heart, I begin to look toward January 2011 when I will be presenting at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota. This conference is designed to target a healthy start for little ones. Specifically, I will be presenting on Infant Trauma and Healing. Many of us forget that even though infants do not speak or have conscious memories, they can still be traumatized by events. In relation to prematurity just take a minute to think about how many medical procedures are done on a premature infant in just five minutes after they are born? These medical procedures are necessary and life-saving, but when the child is discharged from the NICU there is a possibility that other healing needs to take place. An emotional healing that relates to trauma and somatic body memories. You can learn more about this during my presentation at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota in January 2011. Visit www.TheCreativeTherapyCenter for a link to register!

Time for Reflection

2010-07-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

I find that the more time I take for self-care the better I feel. I know this is an obvious comment, but I find that self-care often gets put the on back burner...one of those things that "I'll get to when I have time." That is ironic in itself. Take time each day to do the things you enjoy such as meditating, reading, exercising or just sitting quietly. I find that I feel much better when I have taken time for me!

Summer and Relaxation

2010-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Taking care of yourself is the best thing that you can do for you and your child! When you are in better spirits, you have more energy, you feel better and you have motivation to play! Remember, taking time to play with your child each day is important to their development. In the busy adult lives we have, we often forget to stop and play with the little ones who count on us most. Your child will grow up before your eyes and the laundry, cleaning and bills will still be there, but your child will be long grown. Let the chores sit for a little bit and take the time to enjoy the simplicity of playing!

Child Abuse Prevention Month

2010-04-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! As parents, educators, counselors...adults...we need to make sure our most innocent people are protected. Teach your child about abuse. Educate them on good touch (hugs, handshakes), bad touch (punching, hitting, kicking), and secret touch (sexual, touch that is to kept a secret). Give the the words they need to have a voice!

Infant Trauma

2010-02-17T19:31:00.001-08:00

For many years doctors believed that infants did not remember pain they endured. As we have become more educated, we now know that infants actually remember pain and trauma through body memories. Some people still struggle with this concept, but I live it everyday. My youngest son was born premature. He spent weeks in NICU where he endured numerous needle pricks, IV intrusions, feeding tubes, and monitors. When I brought him home I remember feeling that he still wasn't quite "right." He was a tight baby; one that did not snuggle in when you held him. He cried uncontrollably anytime I took his temperature, wiped his nose, or touched his chest. His cry was not "typical." It was terrorizing; like I was hurting him. His eyes would glaze over and he would freeze in a panic mode. This is no way that a mother wants to remember her child's infancy. As time progressed, he aged, but developmentally he did not. He required swaddling at 18 months of age. He craved sucking into his toddler years, and he remained easily agitated when he was touched on his nose, chest and arms. He never slept. He continued to wake every two hours on his feeding schedule that he came home from the NICU on. I honored his story of the NICU, which he told me through his desire to remain in infancy until it was resolved. I spoke kindly to him, letting him know that he was safe and that he needed to stay in the NICU to survive. I did sensory work with his body, used weighted vests and allowed him to wear hats to bed because it calmed him. I took him to craniosacral therapy with a great physical therapist took time to hear his story as well as mine. She sensed the trauma and heard the anger of a lost birth and attachment. Through a rebirth process he (and mother) were allowed to do it again. Amzaingly his body became loose, he calmed and was able to self-soothe, he slept through the night and he became age-appropriate overnight. It was the most amzaing and beautiful experience! Never question your child no matter the age. Listen and honor their story. Don't discount early trauma because it can sometimes be the answsers to all the questions.

The Magical Times

2009-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

This time of year is a magical time for children. They are full of wishes and dreams and imganiation. There is nothing more precious than a child's joy. I realized this on two occasions this holiday season thus far. The first is when a commerical for a toy comes on tv. My 3 year-old gets wide eyes and big smile and says "I want that whole thing" to me. He dreams and thinks about Christmas morning everyday! The other is when my 4 year-old saw the Santa Claus set-up in the mall and she asked "Is this town?" When I answered yes, she stated "Good; because Santa Claus is coming to town!" Take the time to enjoy the simplicity of a child. Their life is wonderful, magical, colorful and the most beautiful place on Earth!

Play while you Parent

2009-10-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

As a parent we are exhausted at the end of the day. We get up two hours earlier than we need to in order to get ourselves ready, get all the kids ready, deliver them to their appropriate locations, and then get to work on time. When we return home from a busy work day the last thing that we want to do is get on the floor and play with our kids. When kids don't get enough time to connect with their parents throughout the day they may become cranky, withdrawn or easily agitated. So why not play while you parent. Your child could be throwing the biggest, loudest temper tantrum, and instead of yelling or engaging in the the behavior make it a game. That's right. Tell your child to scream louder, cry harder, or stomp faster. The result might be surprising. Your child will most likely begin to laugh and giggle instead of cry and scream. Give it a try. It may not work for all kids, but what do you have to lose?

Back to School

2009-08-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

The time has come for school to begin again. Take time to check-in with your child each day after school, and don't accept the answer "nothing happened at school today." Inquire about who your child played with at recess, who they ate lunch with and what activities they engaged in throughout the day. Be sure to ask your child regularly if they have any problems with bullies. Often times children hide when they are bullied and bullying can be a cause in slipping grades, increased stomachaches and headaches, lack of focus, and fear of school. Take time to be connected with your child, and check-in regularly with school officials if needed.

Keeping Kids in Check

2009-07-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

As summer continues on it is important to stay in touch with our children. Keep an eye on cell phone use, text messaging, who they are hanging out with and what are they doing. Summer offers kids more freedom, but also more opportunity to disconnect from the family environment. Plan family events, take trips or just relax and have family game night. Remember to stay connected!

Summer Time

2009-04-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Summer time is coming, and that means that it is time to begin ensuring that our children have their support systems in place. It is beneficial for children to take the summer to engage in any activities they may enjoy such as camping, playing outside and sports. It is also important that childrens' mental health needs are still met. Make time to seek out services in your area such as social skills groups, anger management groups and self-esteem groups. These groups will assist children in further developing the skills that they may have been working on in the school setting.

Autism Awareness Month

2009-04-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Remember that April is Autism Awareness Month! Take time to educate yourself on Autism and how you can better assist those who are dealing with it on a daily basis. Social Skills Groups are an excellent way for children on the Autism Spectrum to develop appropriate manners, increase verbal skills and identify facial expressions. Social Skills Groups allow the child to interact with peers and have fun while learning the basic skills for life!!

Self-Care

2009-04-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

In today's busy world of careers and families we often forget to take time to relax. Self-care is one of the most important things that you can do to make sure your body and mind stay in line. It is important to take time to sit and reflect on the busy day that has just occurred, or to take that extra five minutes to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee at your favorite shop. We spend so much time making sure that others are satisfied so why not take time to satisfy ourselves. Bubble baths, exercise, meditation, scrapbooking, reading or catching up on your favorite TV show give you the opportunity to focus on you and doing something that you enjoy. So the next time you want to blow yourself off, keep the date with yourself. You will be happy you did!!