I’ve spent over 10 years as a middle school counselor. I truly believe this is the best age group to work with. They go through so many transitions – changing schools, friends shifting, physical transformations, learning new skills, creating study habits (or not), navigating family relationships, peer pressure, acquiring and refining hobbies, becoming socially aware of the world around them, understanding rules and limits, managing feelings, controlling behaviors, and trying to make good decisions… just to name a few! They need my support and guidance. The parents have been known to ask for guidance also!

Any one of these events could be overwhelming, confusing, and/or frustrating for an adolescent. Without proper help to understand and cope with changes, individuals begin to develop maladaptive coping strategies. Some ways teenagers adapt poorly include aggression, disrespectful, depressed, self-mutilation, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual experimentation, or drugs and alcohol usage.

School Anxiety and avoidance is on the rise. Teenager believe they cannot “handle” being at school. They complain the “pressure” to get good grades and act a certain way is too much. Parents worry: Is my child being bullied? Is the expectation to do homework and attend school every day too much? What happens for 8 hours while they are at school?

It is scary for parents, and adolescents, to go to school unprepared. Luckily, I have several suggestions: DOs and DON’Ts for parents when helping their adolescent. Using these tried and true techniques will help you and your teenager to adapt appropriately to both middle school and changes in general.

What is a Life Coach?
A life coach is officially defined as “a person who counsels and encourages clients on matters having to do with careers or personal challenges.”



How is Life Coach different from a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)?

Therapists/Counselors assess and diagnosis client symptoms. LPC professionals specialize in counseling clients who are dealing with a variety of mental health diagnoses: mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustments disorders, and more. Clients must show symptoms for specific duration and intensity in order to receive a mental health diagnosis. Clients must have a qualifying mental health diagnosis (according to the DSM-V) in order for insurance to pay for treatment. 

A Life Coach can listen, process, and offer suggestions to your problems without diagnosing the client. Individuals see life coaches when they need assistance in a season of life transition, but their symptoms do not meet the criteria for diagnosis. A life coach may be a LPC or receive alternative training and certification.

Who needs a life coach?
Everyone could benefit from having a neutral, personal confidant to assist with life changes and challenges. 

However, 2 specific personality behaviors could readily benefit from Life Coaching. 

 <---- Can you relate? 

Social Phobia is defined as “strong fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed.” Fears and anxiety can get in the way of everyday events and interactions. 
 
​Symptoms include: 

Being a therapist can be an amazing profession full of challenges, heartaches,
and celebration. We see you at your worst and see you at your best, but there
is no better reward to see you succeed. Here are 10 aspects of the therapeutic
relationship that are either unknowns or common misconceptions. I hope this
clarifies what you can expect from working with a therapist.

 1. I don’t think you’re crazy. ​

As we approach the season of giving, it is good for your soul to reflect on the positive attributes you possess. Use the following questions and reminders to:

                               Give T-H-A-N-K-S:

T – Time: Do you manage you time or does it manage you? Are you enjoying the moments? What do you do to enjoy each day/week/month? How do you reward yourself once you fulfill your responsibilities?

H – Health: Are you breathing? What is your body capable of doing? What are you physical strengths? Are you taking care of your mental health? How do you show your emotions?

                                                                                          A – Attitude: Are you grateful and appreciative of your blessings? Do
                                                                                          you look at each opportunity as a fun challenge or a difficult task? 
 
                                                                                          N – Needs: Are your basic needs met – food, water, shelter? Do you
                                                                                          desire more than the basics? Do you believe you deserve more than
                                                                                          the basic? I hope so! Make a list of your Wants and begin to fulfill your
                                                                                          desires.

                                                                                          K – Kindness: Play it forward by helping others. Leverage your skills
                                                                                          by using your talent to assist others, both professionally and
                                                                                          personally. What are your talents and skills? How can you be of
                                                                                          assistance others? 
 
                                                                                          S – Sanity: Are you overwhelmed with the busy holiday season, being
                                                                                          pulled in many different directions, and losing focus on the importance
                                                                                          things in life? Your mental well being and sanity are more important
                                                                                          than the excitement of the season! Take time to relax, rejuvenate, and
                                                                                          relish in the important things – love, laughter, family, and friends. 

Are you having difficulty with giving T-H-A-N-K-S to yourself? Contact Bree at Private Counseling to schedule an initial session.

1) Letting the Opinions of Others Control Your Life
       
         It is not what others think, but how you feel about yourself that counts.

        You need to do exactly what is best for you and for your life.


  2) The Shame of Past Failures

        Your past does not equal your future.

                                                                                   Forgive yourself and move forward positively.

We’ve all been in an emotional place where we think “I don’t deserve this” and “I can’t believe this is happening to me!” You’re right – you do deserve to be happy and healthy! So, how do you get out of the dark place and into living your life to its fullest? Remind yourself daily of these 3 concepts:

You have the Power to Believe In Yourself
    Take a deep breath and release slowly
    Make a list of your positive qualities and strengths
    Use positive affirmation and positive self-talk

You Are Who You Choose To Be
    Make a list of goals and desires
    Make plans to accomplish goals that are important to you
    Replace complaining with action

You are Capable of Overcoming Obstacles and Managing Problems
    Identify the problem
    Brainstorm for a Solution
    Make a Pro/Con list
    Choose a Solution
    Put the Solution into Action
    Trust the process
    Ask for help when needed

Life does happen for a reason – choose to be proactive instead of waiting for life to happen to you.