Question: I’m in high school and everyone sees me as happy and perfect. Really, I have symptoms of an eating disorder, pretty bad self image and have cut in the past. I can’t tell anyone because I don’t want to let anyone down – especially my friends and family. How can I get the help […]
Continue ReadingDaily Herald Interviews Our President On Temper Tantrums!
Our founder and president, James Smithers, was interviewed by the Daily Herald last week on the topic of temper tantrums . As an experienced child and adolescent counselor and expert in his community, James shared his thoughts on when temper tantrums are more than just a normal part of child development, how to be proactive […]
Continue ReadingADHD – An Epidemic?
Recent studies show that an alarming 11% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. These statistics raise legitimate concerns regarding the over-diagnosis of this mental health disorder and, in turn, the over-prescribing of psychotropic stimulant medications for children. Positively speaking, these numbers represent an increase in awareness among parents and professionals […]
Continue ReadingPolaris Welcomes Two New Counselors!
Polaris Counseling is pleased to announce that Julie Barbosa and Jennifer Loughran have joined our team! Julie Barbosa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Although Julie tailors her approach to the needs of each client, she finds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Family […]
Continue ReadingMarilyn Recommends Reading…
Marilyn Andrew Recommends: The Me I Want to Be – John Ortberg 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens – Sean Covey Inside out and Outside In – Berzoff, Melano-Flanaghan & Herty The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman Crucial Conversations – Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler Boundaries – Henry Cloud Co-Dependent No More – Melody […]
Continue ReadingLisa Recommends Reading…
Lisa Banner Recommends: Teens Who Hurt – Hardy & Laszloffy Cutting – Steven Levenkron Recollections – Viktore E. Frankl 7 Days to Confidence – Rox Taylor Mindfulness and Psychotherapy – Germer, Siegel & Fulton The Bodacious Book of Succulence – Sark Coloring Your Prayers – Carolyn Manzi Theraplay – Jernberg & Booth On Grief and Grieving – […]
Continue ReadingSpending Time With Dad Improves Self-Esteem In Teens
A recent study from Pennsylvania State University found that teens who spent more time alone with their fathers had higher self-esteem and the more time they spent with their dads in a group setting, the better their social skills. The study, published in the Journal of Child Development, found that kids spend less and less […]
Continue ReadingCan You Sign Up Or Go To Sessions On Your Own Without Being 18 Years Old?
Good question. In a nutshell, if you are under the age of 12 you must have parental consent to receive counseling services. If you are between the ages of 12-17 years old you can receive up to 8, 90 minute counseling sessions before parental consent is legally required. The minor’s parents shall not be informed […]
Continue ReadingPolaris Welcomes Two New Counselors!
Polaris Counseling is pleased to announce that Marilyn Andrew and Lisa Banner have joined our team! Marilyn Andrew is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has extensive experience working with children, families, adolescents, and adults with diagnosis of Depression, Anxiety, Attention Deficit, Oppositional Defiant, trauma histories, and Adjustment Disorders. She uses a relaxed, relational, client centered […]
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