🎉🎓 Congratulations to all the new high school graduates! 🎓🎉

As parents, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s transition into this exciting new chapter of their life. Here are some ways you can help your graduate thrive:

✨ Celebrate their achievements – Recognize their hard work and accomplishments to boost their confidence.
✨ Offer encouragement and reassurance – Transition periods can bring uncertainty; your support can make a big difference.
✨ Promote open communication – Listen actively and create a safe space for your teen to share their hopes and concerns.
✨ Encourage independence – Support their efforts to take on new responsibilities and make decisions.
✨ Help set realistic goals – Whether it’s choosing college, a job, or a gap year, guide them in planning their next steps.
✨ Prioritize self-care – Remind them to take care of their mental and physical health during this busy time.

Remember, your ongoing support and understanding can empower your teen to embrace their future with confidence! 💙

Happy Parenting,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

#HighSchoolGrad #ParentSupport #ChildhoodMemories #Graduation2025 #ParentingJourney

As a child therapist, I believe it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs of trauma in children. Early recognition can make a world of difference in their healing journey. Here are some key signs to look out for:

Changes in Behavior: Sudden shifts in mood, aggression, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed can indicate emotional distress.

Sleep Disturbances: Frequent nightmares, trouble falling asleep, or excessive sleepiness can be signs of anxiety related to trauma.

Regressive Behaviors: Younger children may revert to behaviors they had outgrown, like bedwetting or thumb-sucking, as a way to cope.

Physical Symptoms: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints can often have emotional roots.

Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing at school or in activities may signal that a child is struggling internally.

Hypervigilance: An increased startle response or being excessively alert to perceived threats can be a sign of trauma.

If you notice these signs in a child, it’s important to seek support. Therapy can provide a safe space for them to express their feelings and begin the healing process. 💛

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out!

Alicia M Crum, LPC-S
Owner, Parakeleo’ Counseling LLC

#ChildTherapy #TraumaAwareness #HealingTogether #MentalHealthMatters

In today’s digital age, online therapy is becoming a favorite for kids and teens! Here’s why:

Comfort of Home: Kids can connect from their safe space, making them feel more relaxed and open.

Engaging Formats: Interactive tools, games, and activities keep sessions fun and engaging!

Flexibility: With options for scheduling, children can fit therapy into their busy lives.

Anonymity: Many feel less pressure discussing their thoughts and feelings when they’re behind a screen.

Accessible Support: No travel means support is just a click away, making it easier to seek help when needed.

At Parakeleo’ Counseling LLC we’re dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging online environment where children can thrive. 💚✨

If you’re interested in learning more about our online therapy services, drop us a message or visit our website!

#OnlineTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #KidsWellbeing #TherapyForChildren #SupportFromHome

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond with your child and create cherished memories together. Here are some fun and meaningful ideas to celebrate love and connection:

Craft Together: Spend the day making homemade Valentine cards or decorations. Let your child’s creativity shine!

Cook a Special Meal: Involve your child in preparing a heart-shaped pizza or baking cookies. Cooking together fosters teamwork and joy.

Nature Walk: Take a stroll in a nearby park. Collect leaves or flowers to make a nature collage when you get home.

Storytime: Read a book that emphasizes love and friendship. Discuss the characters and their relationships to spark meaningful conversations.

Acts of Kindness: Spend the day doing simple acts of kindness together. Whether it’s making cards for neighbors or donating toys, it teaches compassion and empathy.

Memory Jar: Start a memory jar where you both write down your favorite moments from the day. Open it on a future Valentine’s Day to reminisce!

Remember, the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and create a sense of belonging.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖🌈

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

#ValentinesDay #ChildPsychotherapy #CreatingMemories #ParentingTips #LoveAndConnection

As the New Year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our parenting practices and consider how we can create a healthier environment for our children. If you’re a parent seeking to foster emotional well-being and resilience in your kids, here are five common parenting habits to avoid as we step into the new year.

1. Over-Scheduling Activities

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fill our children’s calendars with extracurricular activities in an effort to provide them with rich opportunities. However, over-scheduling can lead to stress and burnout for both children and parents. Instead, prioritize quality time together and allow for unstructured play, which is crucial for creativity and emotional development.

2. Using Negative Language

Words have power, especially when it comes to how we communicate with our children. Using negative language, such as criticism or harsh reprimands, can damage their self-esteem and hinder their emotional growth. Instead of labeling behaviors as “bad,” focus on positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.

3. Being Overly Protective

While it’s natural to want to shield our children from harm, being overly protective can prevent them from developing resilience and independence. Children need the opportunity to face challenges, learn from their mistakes, and build confidence.

4. Neglecting Emotional Check-Ins

As parents, we often focus on physical needs and academic success, but neglecting emotional check-ins can leave children feeling isolated or misunderstood. It’s essential to create an open dialogue where they feel safe expressing their feelings.

5. Comparing Children to Others

Every child is unique, and comparing them to their peers can create feelings of inadequacy and frustration. This habit not only harms self-esteem but can also strain relationships within the family.

As you prepare for the New Year, take a moment to reflect on these habits and consider how you can create a more nurturing and supportive environment for your children. By letting go of these detrimental practices, you can foster a more positive family dynamic that encourages emotional growth and resilience in your children.

Here’s to a new year filled with understanding, patience, and connection! 🥂

Happy Parenting!

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

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#childtherapy #onlinetherapy #newyear2025 #parentingtips

In today’s fast-paced world, accessing mental health support has never been more critical. Online therapy offers a flexible, effective, and convenient way for children and adolescents to receive the help they need. Here are some key benefits of online therapy:

1. Accessibility
With online therapy, your child can attend sessions from the comfort of home, eliminating the need for travel. This is especially beneficial for families in remote areas or those with busy schedules, ensuring consistent access to mental health support.

2. Comfort and Familiarity
Many children and teens feel more at ease in their own environment. Online therapy allows them to engage in sessions where they feel safe and comfortable, which can lead to more open and honest conversations.

3. Flexible Scheduling
Online therapy provides greater flexibility in scheduling sessions. Parents can find times that work best for their family, accommodating school schedules, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.

4. Continuity of Care
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or travel, online therapy ensures that your child can continue their sessions without interruption. This continuity is crucial for maintaining progress in therapy.

5. Diverse Therapeutic Approaches
Online therapy platforms often offer various tools and resources that can enhance the therapeutic experience, including interactive activities, creative exercises, and educational materials tailored to your child’s needs.

6. Increased Engagement
Younger clients may feel more engaged and willing to participate in therapy when it’s conducted online. The use of technology can make sessions feel more dynamic and relevant to their lives.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality
Online therapy sessions are conducted through secure platforms that prioritize confidentiality. This ensures that your child’s privacy is protected, allowing them to express themselves freely.

8. Parental Involvement
Online therapy can facilitate easier communication between therapists and parents. Parents can stay informed about their child’s progress and collaborate with the therapist, ensuring a supportive environment at home.

Contact us today to learn more about how online therapy can make a positive difference in your child’s life!

Happy Parenting!

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

#childtherapy #onlinetherapy

As parents, we all want the best for our children and sometimes that means seeking help outside of our immediate family. Therapy can be a great option for children who may be struggling with mental health issues or simply need someone to talk to.

If you’re considering therapy for your child, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with them about it. Here are a few tips to help make that conversation go smoothly:

1. Normalize therapy: Let your child know that therapy is a common and normal way for people to work through their problems.

2. Explain the benefits: Talk about how therapy can help your child feel better and give them tools to cope with difficult situations.

3. Be honest: If your child is feeling nervous or hesitant about therapy, acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to be unsure. Reassure them that therapy is a safe and confidential space.

4. Involve them in the process: Ask your child if they have any questions or concerns about therapy, and involve them in choosing a therapist if possible.

Remember, therapy is not a sign of weakness, but rather a proactive step towards better mental health. I hope these tips help you have a productive conversation with your child about therapy. Let’s continue to prioritize our children’s well-being.

Happy Parenting!

-Alicia Crum, LPC-S

#ChildMentalHealth

What is Pet-Assisted Therapy?

Pet-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates animals into the treatment process to enhance emotional, psychological, and social healing. This form of therapy utilizes the presence of trained animals, often dogs or cats, to help clients feel more at ease, reduce anxiety, and facilitate communication.

The benefits of pet-assisted psychotherapy include:

🐶 Improved Emotional Support: Animals can provide comfort and companionship, helping clients feel less isolated.
🐾 Increased Motivation: Interacting with pets can encourage participation and engagement in therapy.
🐶 Enhanced Communication: Animals can serve as a bridge for clients who may struggle to express their feelings verbally.
🐾 Stress Reduction: The presence of animals has been shown to lower stress and anxiety levels, promoting a more relaxed therapeutic environment.

Overall, pet-assisted psychotherapy can be particularly effective for children dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, and other mental or emotional challenges.

Alicia Crum, LPC-S
Owner/ Parakeleo’ Counseling LLC

#childtherapy #childtherapist #petassistedtherapy #servicedogs

As our teens venture into the world of dating, it’s essential to provide guidance and support. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this exciting yet challenging time:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your teen to talk about their feelings and experiences. Listen without judgment!

2. Set Boundaries Together: Discuss what healthy relationships look like and help them establish boundaries that feel right for them.

3. Teach Respect: Emphasize the importance of mutual respect in any relationship. Teach them to value themselves and others.

4. Be Informed: Stay updated on trends in teen dating—understanding their world helps you connect better.

5. Model Healthy Relationships: Show them what a healthy partnership looks like through your own actions and relationships.

Remember, every conversation is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and guide your teen towards making positive choices.

If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help.

Happy Parenting!
A. Crum, LPC-S

#TeenDating #ParentingTips #HealthyRelationships #TeenSupport #MentalHealthMatters #parakeleocounseling

Affirmations are powerful tools that can significantly enhance a teen’s mental health and overall well-being. By regularly practicing positive affirmations, teenagers can cultivate a strong sense of self-worth, resilience, and confidence.

These statements act as gentle reminders that they are capable, valued, and deserving of love and respect. In a world where teens often face immense pressure and self-doubt, affirmations can serve as a crucial anchor, helping them to stay grounded and focused on their strengths.

Encouraging teens to integrate affirmations into their daily routine can foster a more positive mindset, reduce anxiety, and empower them to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and optimism. Here’s a few examples:

1. “I am worthy of love and respect just as I am.”
2. “I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.”
3. “I have the strength to overcome any challenge that comes my way.”
4. “It’s okay to ask for help when I need it.”
5. “I believe in my ability to achieve my goals.”
6. “I am proud of who I am becoming.”
7. “Every day is a new opportunity for growth and happiness.”
8. “I am surrounded by people who support and care about me.”
9. “I deserve to take time for myself and prioritize my well-being.”
10. “I am capable of handling whatever life throws at me.”

If you have a child or teen that struggles with low self-esteem/self-confidence, please reach out to a local mental health professional for extra support and guidance.

Happy Parenting,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

#childcounseling #childcounselor #familytherapy #affirmations