Blog about social emotional learning, school counseling, relaxation coping skills for kids, social skills, and more!

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness as a Self-Care Tool Teachers and Students in the Classroom

Whole Child Counseling

Feb 289 min read

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness as a Self-Care Tool Teachers and Students in the Classroom

Self-care is essential for anyone who experiences stress on a regular basis, and that includes teachers, school counselors, school social...

593 views

Using Coloring for Self-Regulation and Teaching Children About Feelings

Whole Child Counseling

Feb 28 min read

Coping Skills

Using Coloring for Self-Regulation and Teaching Children About Feelings

Social-emotional learning involves five key areas: self-awareness (acknowledging one's emotions, values, strengths, and weaknesses),...

2,676 views

23 Creative Termination Activities for Ending Counseling with Children

Whole Child Counseling

Oct 15, 20228 min read

Social Skills

23 Creative Termination Activities for Ending Counseling with Children

Our culture doesn’t give us many opportunities to say goodbye in healthy ways. Termination in counseling is a great time to practice...

84,530 views

5 Art Therapy-Inspired Activities for Calming Behaviors and Building Resilience by Erica Curtis

Whole Child Counseling

Oct 6, 202211 min read

Coping Skills

5 Art Therapy-Inspired Activities for Calming Behaviors and Building Resilience by Erica Curtis

Asking a child to talk about a problem, explain their behavior, or come up with solutions when they feel disconnected or upset is often...

15,107 views

Successful Calm Corner Ideas for Classrooms

Whole Child Counseling

Jul 22, 202211 min read

Classroom Social Emotional Learning

Successful Calm Corner Ideas for Classrooms

What is a Classroom Calm Corner? The Calm Corner is a designated spot in the classroom where students can go when they are feeling...

23,999 views

Anxiety Triggers: Coping Without Avoidance

Whole Child Counseling

Mar 1, 20227 min read

Anxiety

Anxiety Triggers: Coping Without Avoidance

Children (like the rest of us) may have certain anxiety triggers that set off their big or uncomfortable feelings. These triggering...

2,687 views

Whole Child Counseling

Jan 16, 20227 min read

Coping Skills

Coping Skills Craft Activities

There are so many developmental and emotional benefits of doing craft projects with kids — especially coping skills craft activities!...

11,309 views

CBT with Children: Helping Kids Change Unhelpful Thoughts with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Whole Child Counseling

Nov 25, 20217 min read

Skills for Big Feelings

CBT with Children: Helping Kids Change Unhelpful Thoughts with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective psychological treatments when it comes to addressing a variety of...

11,012 views

Everything You Need to Know About Tension, Stress, and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®)

Whole Child Counseling

Jul 24, 202112 min read

Self-Care

Everything You Need to Know About Tension, Stress, and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®)

I recently went through a medical event that was traumatizing. In some ways, the experience reminded me of having anaphylactic shock,...

11,073 views

Helping Children Sleep Well and Cope with Nightmares

Whole Child Counseling

Jul 13, 202114 min read

Coping Skills

Helping Children Sleep Well and Cope with Nightmares

So often, when children start kindergarten, by mid-afternoon, many of them look EXHAUSTED. It’s a long day to learn to adapt to! And if...

5,678 views

Anxiety in Children: Symptoms, Signs, and How to Help

Whole Child Counseling

May 24, 20217 min read

Anxiety

Anxiety in Children: Symptoms, Signs, and How to Help

As educators and mental health practitioners, it is important to understand the symptoms of anxiety in children. According to the CDC...

3,958 views

Creating a Coping Skills Plan: with a Free Printable for Kids!

Whole Child Counseling

May 12, 20205 min read

Coping Skills

Creating a Coping Skills Plan: with a Free Printable for Kids!

We all have different feelings that come and go all of the time. Some children, teens and adults may become overwhelmed with BIG...

23,480 views

Whole Child Counseling

Mar 22, 20204 min read

Coping Skills

Helping Kids Cope in Uncertain Times

It is no surprise that there is an increase in global anxiety and stress for many people because we are dealing with a worldwide pandemic....

5,115 views

Creating a Mindful Moment Relaxation Room

Whole Child Counseling

Mar 7, 20206 min read

Classroom Social Emotional Learning

Creating a Mindful Moment Relaxation Room

In the Winter 2017 issue of NEA Today Magazine, some of my work was featured in an article entitled This is Your Student's Brain on...

4,771 views