Month: September 2023

New Support Group for Kids Affected by Divorce

Are you a parent going through a divorce and worried about how your child is handling it? Or are you a child struggling to cope with the changes that come with divorce?

We understand that going through a divorce can be tough for both parents and children. That’s why we have started this support group specifically for kids aged 7-11 who are affected by divorce. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for children to express their feelings and learn coping mechanisms.

Meeting Details

Our support group will meet every Tuesday at 5:30 PM. The meetings will last for 45 minutes to an hour and will be conducted in our child-friendly offices. Our experienced facilitators, Dr. Melissa Klay and Dr. Allison Shanley, will guide the discussions and activities during the group sessions.

Why join our support group?

Divorce can be a confusing and emotional experience for children. Our support group aims to provide a positive outlet for children to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as connect with other kids who are going through similar experiences. Through this, they can find comfort and reassurance that they are not alone.

What to expect in our support group?

Each session will involve different activities such as games, art projects, and discussions. These activities are designed to help children process their emotions and learn healthy ways to cope with the changes brought about by divorce. Our facilitators also provide a safe space for children to share their experiences if they feel comfortable doing so.

How to join?

If your child is interested in joining our support group, please fill out this form to schedule an initial phone consult with Dr. Melissa Klay. During this meeting, we will discuss the program and address any concerns or questions you may have. We want to make sure that this support group is a good fit for your child.

Let’s help our kids together

Divorce can be tough on children, but with the right support, they can navigate through these changes and come out stronger. Let’s work together to provide a safe and supportive space for our kids to heal and thrive. We look forward to meeting you and your child at our next session!

Additional resources

In addition to our support group, there are several other resources available for children affected by divorce. These include therapy services, educational workshops, and online support communities. We encourage parents to explore and ask us about these options as well to find the best fit for your child’s needs.

Importance of self-care

As parents, it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves too. Going through a divorce can be emotionally and physically draining, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Taking time for yourself can also benefit your child as they see you taking care of yourself and modeling healthy coping mechanisms.

When to Seek Psychotherapy: Signs You Need Help

Mental health issues can influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, interfering with daily functioning and leading to significant distress. Psychotherapy is an effective way to achieve the support and guidance needed to overcome these challenges. The question is, when should you consider seeking psychotherapy? In this blog post, we will explore several signs that suggest you may need professional help and how psychotherapy can help you heal.

1. You Feel Overwhelmed, Stressed, or Anxious

Life can be tough sometimes, and the pressure can leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. However, when that feeling persists and begins to interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek help. Psychotherapy can help you learn essential coping strategies that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Therapy can also provide you with the tools for identifying and changing negative thought patterns, as well as boosting self-esteem.

2. You Have Experienced a Significant Life Change

Significant life changes, such as a divorce, job loss, or loss of a loved one, can be stressful and overwhelming, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Seeking psychotherapy can provide the support and guidance needed to overcome these challenges. Additionally, therapy can help you navigate difficult life transitions while creating a sense of normalcy and routine.

3. You Have Trouble Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Our relationships play a crucial role in our lives, providing us with support, love, and meaning. However, when our relationships become dysfunctional, they can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. Psychotherapy can help you work through and resolve relationship issues like communication challenges, infidelity, and lack of trust. Therapy can also help you understanding relationship patterns that may have been learned from past experiences.

4. You Experience Frequent Mood Swings

Mood swings can indicate underlying emotional distress, such as depression or bipolar disorder. These mood swings can also interfere with daily life and relationships. Psychotherapy can provide a safe environment for discussion and exploration of the symptoms and concerns and provide the tools required to manage mental health issues.

5. You Have Experienced Tramua

Trauma effects are long-lasting and can interfere with relationships, work and daily life. Trauma can stem from sexual or emotional abuse, a tragic accident, criminal activity, or military combat. Seeking psychotherapy can help you work through and resolve the negative emotions associated with the traumatic event.

At some point in our lives, we all need help managing the stressors and challenges of daily living. Seeking professional help from a psychotherapist is not a sign of weakness, but a way of empowering oneself to face the challenges head-on. Psychotherapy can help you build coping skills, identify and modify negative beliefs or thoughts, and find positive ways to deal with challenges. If you notice any of the above signs in your life, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified psychotherapist. Improve your mental wellbeing with psychotherapy today!