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THE VERY FIRST KATY MENTAL HEALTH NETWORKING MEETING
David Martin
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Friday, August 3, 2012
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11:30am until 1:00pm281-391-2149
Find other mental health folks. Form teams, solve problems. Hire. Be hired. Dream big. Make promises and keep them. Talk about Katy. Talk about helping others. Invite your friends. Reinvigorate yourself. Invigorate someone else. Discover how small the world is. Remind yourself how big the world is. This meeting is for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Kris Kerlin, LPC-S and David Bueno Martin, LPC are co-hosting the mental health networking luncheon in Katy, Texas. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $10 and space is limited to the first 45 registrants. To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by July 27, 2012 by contacting Kris Kerlin at 713-471-9977 or e-mail David Bueno Martin: david@houstonlpc.com.
David Martin
Click on his name to learn more about Jon Kabat-Zinn. How are you learning to surf the big waves in your life now?
Full!
David Martin
This is a guest post by Patti Hatton. She is a counselor in private practice. You can learn more about Patti here and follow her on Twitter.
Full! My gas meter registers full and that means I can drive around for days without having to think of whether I should stop now or later at the dreaded gas station. I don’t enjoy pumping gas. The hand pump is nasty and it makes my hands smell, the weather either makes me sweat or the wind messes up my hair. And I worry some stranger is going to try to grab my purse from the front seat, hand me a business card laced with a dangerous drug, and the list goes on. I just don’t like it.
I wrestle between doing what I dislike, and further postponing the inevitable by trying to outsmart the low-fuel warning light. The pressure on my decision-making heats up when the low-fuel warning light turns red and I start calculating the number of miles to my destination versus the number of miles I have in fuel. Is there a gas station on my route or can I make it home and still have enough gas to do this dreaded task first thing in the morning?
How much emotional energy have I wasted in years of wrestling with this inanimate object? Of course, the real battle is not between the car and me. The battle is within me - I put off the things I don’t want to do for as long as possible, stopping for gas, cleaning my messy desk (that I will organize soon), going to the gym to workout (that can wait another day), picking up the clothes at the dry cleaners, etc.
There is an antidote to this procrastination: devise a plan and decide in advance how you will handle those specific tasks that you tend to put off until the unknown later. Setting a goal or establishing a plan orders your time and energy and creates a structure to get a job accomplished. This is a process that once learned can apply to almost any situation, and the great news is - it works!
Imagine you have piles of papers on your desk that you want to go through and organize. The thought of tackling the project all at once is overwhelming and there is not enough time to start and finish the project in one sitting, so you put it off until later. The antidote: determine a time of day that you will schedule a 30-minute period to only organize your desk. You could choose Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. before your favorite TV show to work on clearing off your desk, doing only what you can accomplish in that time period. This small, specific and measurable goal is something that is easily accomplished and leaves plenty of time to focus on other more enjoyable projects. Scheduling a specific time during the week to accomplish the tasks that you tend to put off until later is a great way to manage your time and get the job done.
But what about putting gas in the car? Well, I decided to follow my own advice; I devised a plan that helps me avoid that danger zone where my emotions intensify over the low-fuel warning light. Now, when the gas meter reaches 80% empty, the plan beats my dysfunctional system; I either stop for gas just before driving home, or allow time for it as the first task the next morning. Those are my two choices, no exceptions. When I take action and refill my tank before the low-fuel warning light comes on, I feel on top of my game and in control. The gas meter registers full, which lifts my mood every time and I don’t have to deal with that internal struggle (or worry about wrestling with my SUV over who is the boss). Not only am I the boss of my car, I am the boss over my time.
Rather than let my procrastination drive me nuts, I choose to create structure through setting small, specific and achievable goals. Then my time and energy are ordered and I get a boost of self-esteem.
David Martin
David Martin
MHA Annual Meeting 2012 in Houston, TX
David Martin
RSVP by Monday, June 18th with Melissa Mitchell:
713-523-8963 x 246 or mmitchell@mhahouston.org
Mental Health America
of Greater Houston
2211 Norfolk, Suite 810
Houston, TX 77098
Join us at the Annual Meeting to:
• recognize vounteer professionals in the MHA Pro Bono Counselors
• hear about the Mental Health Court from Judge Krocker
• recognize retiring board chair, William L. McClain and other retiring board of directors members
• meet the new board chair and new board of directors members
• network with MHA members, board, staff and friends
• learn more about MHA programs and initiatives
Kids Camp at The Council
David Martin
You’re Invited to the Kids Camp at The Council Open House
Meet Kids Camp counselors!
Come enjoy light refreshments, games, and tour the facility!
Wednesday, May 30th 6-7:30 pm
303 Jackson Hill, Houston, TX 77007
Parents, Kids, Professionals and Anyone interested in Kids Camp are welcome!
Do you have a story to tell?
David Martin
Are you a blogger? Would you like to publish your blog on HoustonLPC.com? E-mail me at david@houstonlpc.com
CONTENT
Your post must be on one of three topics:
- Counseling
- Career Coaching
- Social Media
Your post cannot be an advertisement for your product or the equivalent of a sponsored post.
GUIDELINES
- Your post must be original and not previously published either on the Web or in print.
- You agree not to publish it anywhere else.
- You may provide up to three byline links: one for your blog or Web site, one for your bio or About page, and one for your Twitter username (optional).
- Your post should be at least 300 words long and no more than 800 words.
TOP 5 QUESTIONS ABOUT PLAY THERAPY ANSWERED
David Martin
This is a guest post by Kim Peterson from Kim's Counseling Corner.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I get a lot of questions about play therapy, from both clinicians and the public. Below are the top 5 common questions asked about this ever-growing trend in counseling with our youngest population.
1. What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach to counseling, specifically aimed at helping children with emotional, social, and behavioral problems. Play therapists use a child’s natural means of communication, play, to foster a safe and accepting environment for the child to heal and grow. Toys in a play room are carefully selected to allow the child opportunity for creativity and imagination, mastery of skills, nurturing, and real life processing through play.
2. What would a play therapy session look like?
I like to describe a play therapy session by using an analogy of adult therapy. When most people think of an adult getting counseling, they imagine someone sitting on a couch, talking to a therapist. The therapist may point out patterns in their life, help reframe certain ideas, reflect feelings, and even teach the client therapeutic techniques for their symptoms. The client feels they have a safe place to express themself, talk about intimate details of their life, and process events that have, or are currently, happening in their life.
When a child comes to play therapy, it is very much the same. Sometimes the child uses words and other times they use play or art to communicate and express thoughts and emotions. Similar to working with adults, the play therapist will reflect the child’s feelings, point out patterns, likes, and dislikes they notice. They may also teach the child techniques to help them identify feelings, cope with their anger, or socialize at school. And most importantly, the play room is set up to be a safe place for the child to express themself and process various things in their life. And as in adult therapy, a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship is key to the client’s success in therapy.
3. Who can be helped by play therapy?
Play therapy is intended to help children with a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral problems. These include adjustment to trauma or major life changes, hyperactivity and attention disorders, anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and social skills. The techniques in therapy will vary, depending on the age of the child, so often there is no age limitation for those who can benefit from play therapy.
4. How long will my child need to be in therapy?
The length of therapy varies for every child and there is really no way to judge how long the process will take. Many factors can play a role in how long an individual will require therapy or benefit from therapy. These include willingness to participate in the therapeutic process, consistency with attendance, past and current environmental factors, support systems in place, and the nature and duration of the symptoms.
5. What qualities should I look for in a child therapist?
Knowledgeable:
Your therapist should be knowledgeable in child development, as well as in the problems and concerns you present. Specialized training in working with children, such as a certification in play therapy, is also important. Children are a very special population and require a treatment approach geared towards their developmental level.
Loves Children:
This sounds obvious, but it is too important not to include. A therapist who claims to work with children should love children! Trust me when I say that your child will know if their therapist is not enthusiastic about them or their play.
Parent Involvement:
Your child’s therapist should show a willingness to communicate with you regularly. This communication can include feedback from the child’s treatment, parenting techniques, and suggestions for helping the child outside of the session. Parents should also feel open to asking the therapist questions and sharing regular updates on how things are going at home and at school.
Coordinates Care with Other Professionals:
Children who attend school or daycare are likely exhibiting their behaviors in the classroom. In fact, many parents seek counseling because their teachers have expressed concerns and want help as well. It may also be important to communicate with your child’s pediatrician, especially if medication is involved. A willingness to collaborate with your child’s teachers, doctor, or other providers can further foster their success outside of the play room.
Establishes Good Rapport:
Just like any other relationship, you will connect with some therapists and not with others. Especially in a field when you are entrusting this professional with intimate details of yourself and your life, you want someone you are comfortable with and trust. Your child will feel the same in their sessions so be sure they enjoy being with that individual.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I believe in the power of play to foster a child’s growth and healing. I have witnessed the benefits and encourage parents to seek out a play therapist if their child is struggling. For more information on this and similar topics, please visit www.kimscounselingcorner.com!
Culturally Modified Interventions For Hispanic Families
David Martin
I will be speaking about this topic tomorrow.
Here is the presentation.
Get Out of My Life
David Martin
Someone recommended this book to me yesterday.
Have you read it?
Do you know of any other good books on the topic of raising teenagers?
NICE OFFICE SPACE IN KATY/CINCO AREA
David Martin
REID Counseling Group has single office available.
Space is 10’x11’ opening to hallway. Shares bathroom and waiting area with 2 other offices. Single entrance. Small sink/kitchen area included. Will need furnishing. Usage 7 days a week (Lessee will likely share space
with 2nd therapist) HV/AC included.
Call for more info and pricing options:
Dan Johnson @ 713-410-7702
Urgent Need On-Site Counselors
David Martin
The Pro Bono Counseling Program at Mental Health America of Greater Houston (MHA) has an immediate and urgent need for bilingual, Spanish-speaking therapists to conduct individual and/or group counseling sessions at the Airline Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Clinic.
As a Pro Bono Program counselor, you will provide onsite counseling to mothers who are of low income and identified as either at high risk for or experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. Mothers with low incomes often have the fewest resources for mental health care, placing them at the greatest risk of experiencing perinatal mental health complications. By volunteering your time and expertise, you will help to fill a critical need to care for a segment of Houston's mothers who might otherwise forego quality mental health care.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER AT AIRLINE WIC CLINIC:
- Bilingual, English/Spanish
- Current Professional Counseling License
- Provide 1-4 hour(s)/week of group and/or individual counseling
- Commit to providing 6 weeks volunteer service
- Note: Most counselors volunteer more!
While this request is for a very specific collaboration between Mental Health America of Greater Houston and the City of Houston WIC, we are also seeking Spanish- and English-speaking counseling professionals interested in volunteering their time with individuals and/or groups in their offices and/or at other locations throughout Greater Houston. Clients are pre-screened for eligibility and referred through the MHA Pro Bono Counseling Program.
We look forward to your participation and encourage you to forward this email to organizations and colleagues currently working in the field and to those retired. As part of the selection and placement process for the MHA Pro Bono Counseling Program, we will contact all interested professionals with more information and details.
For more information, please contact Debbie de la Riva, Program Manager at ddelariva@mhahouston.org or 713-523-8963 x 235. Thank you for your generosity and help.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston appreciates the recruitment assistance of the following professional organizations:
- Houston Psychological Association
- National Association of Social Workers/Texas Chapter - Houston Branch
- Texas Mental Health Group
Sandtray Workshop presented by Dr. Linda Homeyer
David Martin
Dr. Linda Homeyer will be coming to do a workshop “Integrating Sandtray Therapy into Your Work with Children and Families” on Friday, March 2, 2012 at Gay Caldwell Roper Center at Houston’s First Baptist Church. You can read all about the details and register online here.
Friday, March 2 @ 9a-4p
7401 Katy Freeway, Suite 602,
Houston, TX 77024
Mary Ring
2012 Play Therapy Workshops in the Houston Area
David Martin
Cosponsored by Gay Caldwell Roper Center for Counselor Education
And LifeSpring Counseling Services
Friday, January 13, 2012 – Overview of Theraplay
Presenter: Mary Ring, Certified Theraplay Therapist and Trainer
Tuesday – Friday, January 24 – 27, 2012 – Level One Introductory Theraplay
Trainer: Mary Ring & additional trainer from Theraplay Institute
Friday, March 2, 2012 – Integrating Sandtray for Children and Families
Presenter: Linda Homeyer
Wednesday – Friday, March 7 – 9 Intermediate Theraplay & MIM Training
Trainer: Mary Ring & additional trainer if needed (must have completed
Introductory Theraplay training 3 months previous to this)
(Possible May Training to be posted later)
Friday, June 8, 2012 – Family Play Therapy – Presenter: Mary Ring
More worshops are planned to help get the 150 hours training for RPT certification and
will be listed in the near future. They will be scheduled in conjunction with
The Theraplay Institute in Chicago due to credentialing of CEUs.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
David Martin
FROM NEWWAY MINISTRIES (LARRY CRABB):
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
A few thoughts on one verse:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you", your Father will give you everything you need (Matthew 6: 33).
Can I wish Merry Christmas to my recently divorced friend? Can I wish Happy New Year to another friend just diagnosed with cancer, to another who enters 2012 unemployed? Or is the meaning of those holiday greetings appropriate only for my "blessed" friends?
Three days before Christmas, Rachael and I enjoyed a sleigh ride through fields of Christmas lights with our three Cleveland granddaughters. Our Christmas is merry. And with our 45 years of strong marriage, two godly sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and five healthy grandkids, our new year promises to be happy.
BUT! Why does Jesus begin His call to live well with the word "but"? Look back at verse 32. He has just told us that hopes for a good life of blessings "dominate the thoughts of unbelievers". I like my good life of blessings. But does my desire for those blessings to continue dominate my thoughts? Is that my deepest wish, my highest hope for a merry Christmas and a happy new year? Is there a greater good?
Only one Person fully knew the kind of merry and happy life that comes from putting first things first, the kind of secure rest that depends on trusting our Father to give us everything we need to live a truly "good" life. To the degree Jesus is formed in me as I celebrate Christmas 2011 and enter 2012, my richest thoughts, my highest ambitions, my deepest desires will center on knowing God and making His nature known to others by the way I relate. I will die to self, live for God and in the process, discover who I really am. Is Jesus really formed in me?
In Bethlehem, God declared war on Satan and his ways. Self-centeredness appeared in the cross-hairs of divine love. Sweet baby Jesus (who probably did cry in the manger) became the Divine Warrior who, by incarnating God's kingdom for 33 years and securing its reign in our lives through His crucifixion and resurrection (Easter is coming), knew what it meant to wish us a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Whether you're in a hospital bed or on a sleigh ride with grandkids, whether you're negotiating a divorce or kissing your spouse under mistletoe, whether you're praying for people you love as you celebrate Christmas alone or gathered at a family Christmas dinner, you can relate like Jesus - suffering without complaining, enjoying blessings without feeling entitled to them, revealing God by relating like God. Then, "you will have abundant joy", His kind of joy, and peace "which exceeds anything we can understand" (John 16: 24 and Philippians 4: 7), a divinely merry Christmas and an unconquerdsly happy new year.
On behalf of Rachael, Andi, and Kep, as I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, am I praying that you will enjoy the good things that dominate the thoughts of folks who don't know Jesus? Well, yes! Second things are good!
BUT: Knowing Christ is better. Entering the war against self-obsession, beginning with the battle raging in our own souls, is better. Loving like Jesus in our circle of friends is better. Knowing the joy of seeking first God's kingdom is better. Yielding to the Spirit's plan to form us more like Christ in 2012 is better.
So, until the best will be ours to fully enjoy forever (He is coming!), I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Warmly In Him,
From the "little team" at NewWay
Early Bird Registration for Infant Mental Health Advocacy and Award Conference ends December 2nd! Register today!
David Martin
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Register today for the 2012 Infant Mental Health Advocacy Award & Conference at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre January 6-7, 2012 with special guest keynote speaker, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. Early Bird registration closes December 2nd--be sure to register now to receive the discount!
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Little Kids, Big Questions—ZERO TO THREE’s New Podcast Series
David Martin
As more and more parents “plug in” for information on how to raise their young children, ZERO TO THREE is meeting the need with our new parenting podcast series Little Kids, Big Questions, generously funded by MetLife Foundation. Little Kids, Big Questions is a series of 12 podcasts that translates the research of early childhood development into practical parenting strategies that mothers, fathers, and other caregivers can tailor to the needs of their own child and family. Topics include brain development, social-emotional development, sleep issues, feeding issues, and more. Click here to listen to or download the podcasts.
Click here to access the podcasts on iTunes.
Have you already listened to the podcasts? Let us know what you think.
Using Art in Family Play Therapy
David Martin
Friday, November 18. 9:00 am-4:00 pm
7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024- Suite 602
Led by Mary Ring, MARE, MAMFC, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S
Family play therapy serves as a great modality to help families as young children do not have the verbal skills to benefit from discussion of family interactions. Art is a modality in which all family members have the opportunity to give expression to emotions and perspective of family interactions while at the same time providing a playful and enjoyable way to interact. The art activities used and discussed in this workshop promote the process of family play therapy and give each family member the opportunity to be a part of the experience.
Objectives - Participants will:
1. View art activities that help facilitate family play therapy interactions
2. Have opportunity to experience and practice the family art activities
3. Understand how to facilitate family interaction to enhance relationship building through the process.
COST $100 - Professional Rate / $50 - Student Rate
or CONTACT 713.335.6466 for more information.
Hosted by Gay Caldwell-Roper Center for Counselor Education and LifeSpring Counseling Services