ADHD growing?  Click here to read  an article on the topic.

What is the toxic stress reaction? The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, defines the toxic stress response as—“ occurring when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, caregiver substance abuse or mental illness, exposure to violence, and/or the accumulated burdens of family economic hardship—without …

Toxic Stress and Development in Children Read More »

All too frequently, there are reports of violence in schools. This week alone, a teacher was killed and two students injured, in Las Vegas. In Massachusetts, a teacher was killed, allegedly by a 14 year old student. In Washington State, an 11 year old boy brought a gun and knives to school. The level of …

Violence in Schools– The role of the mental health professional Read More »

Like many helping professionals, I had a bad habit of overextending myself.  I took on too much and almost never said, no.   I found myself wrought with anxiety and deep in burn out. Overcome with despair and desperation, it became increasingly unhealthy for me to think that I could continue at that frenetic pace.   I …

Self-Care in a world that moves way too fast at times Read More »

Last week was Mental Health Awareness week.  I participated in a tweet a thon with other mental health organizations to spread the word. I wonder what it would be like if there were no stigma against getting help for mental and emotional difficulties.  Would there be less suffering?  Would the suicide rate decrease?  Would there …

Mental Health Awareness Week Read More »

We’re back in school and without missing a beat, I am super busy. There were two mental health crises greeting me when I walked into the school. Additionally, I’ve begun reconnecting with students who have previously received services. Some of them were seen over the summer, but others decided to take a break and resume …

We’re back! Read More »

Social workers have long been proponents of community based work. However, as private practice opportunities increased, the desire to make more money, and complications imposed by insurance companies, social workers have found comfort and stability by adapting to the traditional medical model of practice. However, I challenge social workers to retreat back to our original …

I practice in schools and five compelling reasons why you should too! Read More »