Part 2: Distress Tolerance–Let’s Not Make It Any Worse In Part 1 of our Distress Tolerance blog series, I explained why each and every one of us needs distress tolerance skills and I offered suggestions for implementing a set of strategies called T.I.P.P.  In this blog, I share two additional distress tolerance strategies for you … Read more

Part 1: Distress Tolerance–Let’s Not Make It Any Worse Distress tolerance is one’s ability to endure or withstand discomfort/stress. Distress tolerance skills are unique in that, rather than the goal being to make things better, the goal is to not make the situation worse. Learning to bear pain and discomfort skillfully is important because pain … Read more

Who’s your BFF? Who would you say is your Best Friend Forever (BFF)?  If you said, “I am!,” you are already feeling my message.  It may sound strange, but the idea of being one’s own best friend can be powerful and healing.  I’m not suggesting that you should immediately drop your external best friends to … Read more

As parents, we are detectives for our kids, constantly trying to figure out what is going on or what they need.

A pet can be an opportunity for a child or adolescent to learn responsibility and build caretaking skills. A child’s pet can also be a wonderful companion, confidant, and playmate.

It Could Be Worse As I write this, I am drinking tea from a favorite mug. At first glance, it looks like a traditional blue-and-white china pattern. But when you look closely, you will see killer robots, Godzilla, Bigfoot, zombies, and other agents of chaos and disaster. This mug is sold with the title “Things … Read more

Loneliness involves the negative feeling of being disconnected and isolated from other people. It happens when we have social needs that aren’t being satisfied through our current relationships.

Catching Zzz’s: Why & How Sleep is a vital human function that affects almost every system in the body, far beyond simply replenishing one’s energy.  For example, good sleep is necessary for important brain functions, such as concentration and memory.  When we are well-rested, we are able to think more clearly, make good decisions, and … Read more

What’s Behind My Child’s Out-of-Control Behavior? When in Doubt, Search for the ABC’s When young children display out-of-control behaviors, tantrums, and/or meltdowns, parents often are quick to think that these are intentional or manipulative and may describe their child as “willful” “stubborn” or “spoiled.” This way of thinking can lead to power struggles with your … Read more

Overcoming Test Anxiety Many students feel nervous before and/or during tests, and a healthy degree of worry actually has been found to improve test-taking performance.  When a student’s level of anxiety about test-taking increases too much, however, it has the potential to create problems (even for prepared students).  Test anxiety involves significant worry and self-doubt … Read more