In an age where typing is faster, cleaner, and infinitely more convenient, handwriting seems likean old-fashioned practice. But what if handwriting wasn’t only a means of communication, butalso one of the most powerful practices for shaping the human brain? The video “HandwritingLiterally Rewires Your Brain” addresses this question, referencing compelling scientificevidence that handwriting doesn’t just... Continue Reading →
The Benefits of Chess for Kids
As parents and family of young people, we want to help our children have experiences that support their development in ways that will prepare them to become successful, satisfied, independent adults. There are many ways we do this. We encourage them to do their best academically. We urge them to participate in sports, join clubs,... Continue Reading →
For Counselors in Training….Listen to Your Client Tapes
If you are a counselor in training, it is likely you will soon have to or already have had to, with permission, record sessions with your clients to submit for review from a professor or supervisor. For some, this can seem like a daunting task. It certainly was for me at first. As a... Continue Reading →
Teaching your child to value life-long learning
We have all heard that reading to our children from the time they are infants is important, but do you know why? At the youngest age, infants listen to your inflection and pauses and the rhythm of your reading. Even at this early age, their brains are mapping out how language works and what it... Continue Reading →
Neuropsychological Functioning in Children with Trauma Histories
Exposure to trauma, whether once or repeatedly, can severely impact children. During a time when the brain is forming and significantly developing, experiencing a traumatic situation can thwart that progress. The effects may show up a number of ways, more obviously with acting out behaviors such as fighting with peers or impulsivity. However, the impact... Continue Reading →
Common Couples Issues: Antidotes to The Four Horsemen
Common Couples Issues: Antidotes to The Four Horsemen A few weeks ago we reviewed Dr. John Gottman’s The Four Horsemen, which are faulty communication patterns common in relationships. If you’re recognizing these poor communication patterns and ready to combat them, it’s time to begin learning about their antidotes and how to apply them. Let’s talk... Continue Reading →
Stage of Life Transitions
People are always in motion. Whether it is aging, changing jobs, starting or ending relationships, or relocating, life is in a constant state of evolving. This is very evident at milestones across the life span. Beginning at birth, a newborn rapidly develops into a toddler, and a toddler quickly grows into a child. I... Continue Reading →
Play Therapy
Play Therapy Working at the daycare has helped me understand that playing is very important for children. Playing allows children to communicate with others and it helps them express their feelings. I am learning the children as well as their different personalities. It is amazing how young children learn... Continue Reading →
A Day in the Life of an Olive Branch Intern
I have the pleasure of conducting small social skills groups with my younger clients who range from 3 to 5 years of age. Some of the social skills groups that I’ve conducted this week under supervision were learning how to share and learning how to be a part of a group. While the group consisted... Continue Reading →
