Technology: It’s become the fabric of American culture, yet it’s availability and influence on youth is more widespread than ever before. Children and youth spend an average of 40 hours per week in front of a screen, and more than 50% of surveyed parents report being concerned about the amount of time their child uses […]
Continue ReadingPolaris Counseling is Now Offering Teen and Parenting Groups!
Do you have a 6-12th grader that is struggling with low self-esteem, poor academic performance, acting-out behaviors, depression or anxiety? Are you at a loss about what to do, and how to help? If so, you are not alone! At Polaris Counseling, we understand the value of combining professional guidance with the support of your […]
Continue ReadingHow Can I Get The Help I Need Without Feeling Worse About It?
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 ReadingWhat To Tell Our Kids About The Sandy Hook Shootings
In the aftermath of the horrific events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week I felt it important to address how we as parents can help our kids process what happened to the 20 beautiful children and 6 teachers that lost their lives in this unimaginable tragedy. Our first instinct, as parents, […]
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 ReadingOur President And His Son Are Climbing Kilimanjaro!
To celebrate his son’s golden birthday (he is turning 12 on the 12th July, 2012!) our president, James Smithers, and his son are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Amani Children’s Home in Tanzania, Africa. They have climbed in New Zealand and South America and are avid backcountry campers. Kilmanjaro stands at 19, […]
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