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Understanding Trauma: Exploring Its Impact and Responses
TRAUMA – as you read this word, what feeling does it evoke in you? Perhaps stress, fear, irritation, or curiosity? Many of you reading this term have encountered trauma or traumatic experiences and might react in a variety of ways. Trauma can leave an indelible impression and can cause effects that last for generations. Our…
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Private vs School Evaluations: Making the Right Choice for Your Child
It’s that time of year again, when youngsters prepare to head back to school. For families, it’s a busy season of supply-gathering, back-to-school haircuts, and anticipation of schedule or teacher announcements. It may evoke feelings of dread or excitement for kids and parents- or a mix of both! As the dust settles on the new…
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The Rise of Virtual Therapy: Insights on CBT and ACT
In recent years, at least somewhat influenced by the global pandemic, more people than ever have sought out opportunities for therapy or professional counseling. Clients of all ages increased by over 3 percent from 2019 to 2022 (9.5% to 12.6%) and those between the ages of 18-34 rose from 12% to 18.4% during the same…
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Beat Winter Doldrums: Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Tips for handling winter doldrums otherwise known as winter-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Prevalence Is the dreary winter season tempting you to withdraw and to hibernate? Many people’s moods are negatively affected by weather patterns. This is why there is a higher incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in dark and dreary locations, like Seattle…
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IQ Testing: Evolution and Controversies Explored
The concept of intelligence has evolved from Sir Frances Galton’s early hereditary theories to Binet’s IQ scale and Wechsler’s comprehensive assessments. The validity of these measurements is debated, especially regarding cultural biases and implications for minorities. Ultimately, intelligence is complex, and relying solely on IQ can be misleading in evaluating a person’s capabilities.
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Emotional Disability: Past and Present
Advancements in identifying and supporting students with Emotional Disabilities have evolved over time. Before the 20th century, harsh treatment prevailed, but improvements began with the efforts of reformer Dorothea Dix. The term ’emotionally or behaviorally disturbed’ was introduced in the early 1900s, and subsequent legislative actions led to protections and services for these students. Ongoing…
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Managing Test Anxiety
If you or someone you know experiences test anxiety, looming spring assessments (STAAR, EOC exams, or college boards, for example) may be causing stress. These tests can be valuable for data collection and determining personal proficiency in a variety of subject areas. However, the stress of performing can also cause a distressing and unwanted experience…
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Harried Holidays? Tips for Managing Stress
The holiday season is in full swing, and for many of us it is a time of joy intermingled with overcommitment. While juggling your holiday activities, consider gifting yourself time to engage in self-care. It is important to set aside time for self-care to avoid negative emotions during the holidays. It is well known that…
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Why Pursue Private Speech Therapy?
There are different options available for early intervention and school-based speech therapy for children and students with speech-language needs. If your infant is significantly behind on their developmental milestones, they may receive speech therapy as part of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services from birth to age three. Once your toddler ages past 3, they may…
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Selecting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) Provider
When you disagree with an evaluation completed by your local school district, you have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE). Parents are entitled to one IEE at the school’s expense each time the district conducts an evaluation if the parent disagrees. When selecting the outside evaluator, it is important to consider whether…