-
How to Test Prep to Stress Less
When the days get longer, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived. This change of seasons also ushers in the time of year when teachers, parents, and students prepare for testing. Whether it’s a final exam, a standardized test, or even a pop quiz, tackling tests can be nerve-wracking. But fear not, because I want to share some strategies to help you prepare for a test while keeping your mental health in check. Starting Early and Staying Organized First things first, let’s talk about starting early and staying organized. Procrastination is the ultimate enemy when it comes to test prep, at least it was for me growing up. It…
-
Understanding and Managing Child Anxiety
Anxiety among kids is becoming more and more widespread. It has serious consequences for their development and wellbeing. Thus, it’s essential to identify the signs of anxiety as well as comprehend its root causes. In this article we will focus on how child anxiety can influence children from early childhood up until adolescence. We will discuss the signs of anxiety in kids, what could be causing it and how to help them cope better. Understanding Child Anxiety and Its Triggers It’s completely normal for kids to have some fears during their childhood. However, when those anxieties become too intense, they can cause serious emotional problems and should be addressed right…
-
Help Kids Cope During Quarantine
Children are experiencing many different feelings during quarantine. Some may be worried about their safety, they may miss their friends, or they may just be sad they can’t do some of the things they used to do. Here are some ways to help kids cope during quarantine. Christy Pennison, LPC-S, and her furry friend Waldo the Walrus with Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting wanted to help kids identify how they feel, teach them coping skills to manage their feelings, and help them learn ways to shift their thoughts to what is going right instead of what they may be missing. In this four-part, interactive video series, we talk with kids…
-
What is Counseling, Anyway?
Have you ever wondered, “What is counseling, anyway?” Well, you are not alone. Many people wonder what counseling is, even though counseling is for everyone. Especially if they’ve never tried counseling in Alexandria, LA. In this post, I’m here to tell you what counseling is and is not. Counseling isn’t something new. In the “olden days”, there was often someone in a community or village who was the designated go-to person. This person would have insight into problems and be able to provide guidance. They were trusted by the community. So, community members felt comfortable going to this person for counseling on how to solve issues. How is Counseling Different…
-
Does My Child Need Counseling?
When you see your child struggling, it can be hard to know what to do as a parent. In those moments you may wonder, “Are they going through a phase or is this something more?” Most of the time it’s not always clear as to what is going on or what you should do, leaving you with the question, “Does my child or teen need counseling?” There is no parenting manual I often ask parents when they come into my office if they ever received the manual on how to deal with all the challenges parenting throws their way. Out of the hundreds of parents I’ve asked over the course…
-
Finding a Therapist for Your Child
Finding the right therapist for your child can be challenging. Especially, when you don’t know where to start or what questions you should be asking. I get it! Before I became a child and adolescent therapist, I wouldn’t have known where to go if I needed to seek help for my own child. It can be confusing. Finding the right therapist for your child can make all the difference in the life of your child and family. Below I outline a few common questions parents have related to finding a therapist for their child. What’s the difference between mental health professionals (counselor, therapist, LPC, LCSW, PhD)? There are a lot…
