Parenting Course. Michael Van Dam, LCSW

Coming Home.  Parents Make the Difference

Please join Michael Van Dam, LCSW, in a group where parents will further their vision on how to make home a place where the family can THRIVE.  The following concepts will be addressed:

1) Through the eyes of a child.
2) Coming to ourselves (prioritizing, simplifying)
3) It's the relationship that counts.
4) Parenting Principles and practices.
5) Creating meaningful family culture

Thursday Evenings, 7-8:30 PM, February 7- March 7 at Resilient Solutions, Inc, Ste 3, 1355 North Main, Bountiful, Utah.

Contact Michael Van Dam at 801.815.6152 to register. Cost is $150 for the course.

Talking with your Children

Thank you Dr. Lydia Mays who sent me the following:

In response to the possible need to talk with children directly affected by, or halfway around the world who hear about, the devastating shooting in the Connecticut Elementary School the below email is from a well-respected colleague and includes information that some of you may find helpful and/or may want to share with other parents, teachers or educational stakeholders. 

I’m sure you’ve probably heard or read by now that there was a school shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. You may get parents or teachers asking what to do in light of this. I got this list from my son’s school (Friends School of Atlanta [FSA]), and I thought it was worth sharing with you and, if you wish to disseminate, with the teachers we serve.

FSA offers the following suggestions:

• Shelter younger children from graphic media reports
• If your child/student asks about it, try to stay calm, and choose a quiet place with few distractions
• Stay as calm as possible; children pick up on the feelings of others
• Focus on your child/student's feelings and thoughts, without judgment or suggestions
• Reassure your child/student, and try to help find ways of coping, such as discussing how your student is protected, and what positive actions your student might be able to take
  • Talk about safety measures being taken; the National Crime Prevention Council publication shown below might be helpful for this discussion
  • Talk about your family's safety rules and plans
• Maintain routines and structures; they are reassuring during times of stress
• Provide facts, in keeping with your child/student's age and maturity
• Open a way for your child/student to communicate new thoughts and fears as they arise
• Give plenty of hugs and attention, even if your child/student does not show outward signs of distress
• Take advantage of organizations providing help:
  • The Lucy Daniels Center gives age-specific suggestions
  • Mental Health America also offers suggestions, along with a list of signs that indicate a child may need help
  • The New York Child Study Center has published a report, "Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death: A Guide for Parents and Professionals"
  • The National Crime Prevention Council offers "Stopping School Violence: A Dozen Things..."

The National Association of School Psychologists offers "Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers"—this publication provides a helpful list of talking points.

Caitlin McMunn Dooley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Early Childhood Education Department

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

If you would like to speak to a therapist in our office in Bountiful, Utah - visit our website or you can contact them directly.  

Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441

Monica Forsman, LAPC, 801.604.5040

Melanie Holt, LAPC, 801.718.9840

Lisa Steed, LCSW, 801.231.8914

Micahel Van Dam, LCSW, 801.815.6152

Cultivating Gratitude

I recently attended an interesting conference on Cultivating Gratitude Through Mindfulness and Self-Reflection.  The presenter, Gregg Krech, indicated that this reflection can not only be helpful in cultivating gratitude but in conflict resolutions, finding our purpose, and working through challenging times.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we know many are going through difficult times.   I am grateful to work with some incredible colleagues/therapists.  If you need to reach out to a professional at this time, please contact one of our therapists.  The following have availability at this time:

Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441
Monica Forsman, LAPC, 801.604.5040
Melanie Holt, LAPC, 801.718.9840
Trisha Jensen, LCSW, 801.541.4944
Lisa Steed, LCSW, 801.231.8914
Michael Van Dam, LCSW, 801.815.6152

Grief Retreats

Finding our Resilience in Grief.

Come join with others who are grieving a loss in a beautiful setting - St. George, Utah. To be held at the beautiful Coral Springs Resort

2013 scheduled dates:  February 3, 7 pm - February 6, 11 am.
                                    March 6, 7 pm - March 9, 11 am
                                    April 14, 7 pm - April 17, 11 am
                                    May 1, 7 pm - May 4, 11 am (Mother's Retreat)

For more information, contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883 or email:  becky.lpc@gmail.com

Women's Divorce Group

Women’s Divorce Group

Facilitated by Melanie Holt, LAPC

801.718.9840

Divorce and separation are filled with grief, pain, confusion, fear, stress, role change, and many other expected and unexpected feelings and experiences.

This is a time when many people feel isolated and have a lot of questions about things they have never faced before.

The group experience offers an opportunity to learn and share ideas, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive forum with others in similar circumstances.

Tuesday Evening, 7:00-8:30

October 23- November 27

6-week group/$150.00

The group will include education on grief, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, and changing thoughts through the application of positive psychology.  The group will take time to process information as it relates to individuals each week.

Resilient Solutions

1355 North Main, Suite 1

Bountiful, Utah

A Course on Strengthening Families

“Come Home”

A course on Strengthening Families

This course is geared toward parents, single parents, grandparents and any others seeking to fortify and secure their homes and families, recognizing the concern that family foundations are being eroded by external pressures and corrosive influences. The group is designed to be both educational and experiential such that group members will have vision and enthusiasm for what is possible for them to create in their own homes. The principles outlined will be explored through the application of music, literature, and group discussion.

   Reinforcing principles of:

1)     Seeing Things as they Really Are

2)     Creating Simplicity (Prioritizing)

3)     Securing Family Relationships

4)     Practicing Christ-like Parenting

5)     Creating Family Culture

Thursday Evenings at 7:00 – 8:30 pm

October 25 – November 29

Cost: $150

Please contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW for details

801-815-6152

Resilient Solutions, Inc.

1355 N. Main, Ste 3, Bountiful

A Mother Shares

Our mom's group (for mom's who have had a child die) meet Mondays - 11-12:30. The following was shared today by one of the moms: BJ's flowers teach lessons on loss, grief, healing and love | ksl.com When a friend took the flowers off the table decorations after a funeral and planted them in her yard, she began a lovely tradition of bringing a bouquet of those pretty yellow flowers each year to the family who lost their 16-year-old son to cancer. For more information on our mom's group, call Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883.