Superior Counseling LLC

04/18/2026

Sometimes what looks like defiance… is actually fear.

When a child pushes back, refuses help, or shuts us out, it can feel frustrating, confusing, even personal. But underneath that behaviour is often a young person who feels overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to trust what’s being offered in that moment.

They’re not rejecting the support because they don’t need it.

They’re rejecting it because their nervous system is telling them it isn’t safe yet.

When we understand this, everything shifts.

Instead of meeting defiance with control, we meet it with curiosity. Instead of escalating, we regulate. Instead of pushing harder, we slow down and build safety first.

Because children don’t need better behaviour.

They need to feel safe enough to accept the lifeboat.

If this resonates, save it for the hard moments — and share it with someone who needs to hear it today.

04/09/2026

Hello! We are excited to welcome Mikayla of Mikayla Kruschkee LLC to the Superior Counseling team. She brings valuable experience supporting individuals navigating end-of-life care, medical trauma, aging, grief, and chronic illness.

Please feel free to reach out if you believe she may be a good fit for your needs or for someone you know. Mikayla@superiorcounseling.org

02/25/2026

10/30/2025

Hello! We are two days away from families not being issued food support. If this is impacting you, and your family is in need, please let your provider know when you come in and we can send you home with a food bag. They were made with kids in mind, so they are kid friendly foods. ❤️

*No questions asked.

"There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope"

05/27/2025

Quote of the Day

We continue with our theme of EMOTIONAL REGULATION. Be sure to FOLLOW for valuable content over the coming week.

05/27/2025

Ever feel like your child goes from zero to meltdown in seconds?

It’s not sudden – it’s a cycle. And once we understand it, we can support them far more effectively.

This visual breaks down the Emotional Overwhelm Cycle – a common pattern many children go through when they experience big feelings like anger, frustration or anxiety.

Let’s take a closer look:

Trigger – Something small or significant sets things in motion. It may be a build up of triggers which are masked (for instance, a child who masks during the school day)

Big Emotion – Feelings like anger or panic rise.

Dysregulation – The child becomes overwhelmed (meltdown, outburst, shutdown).

Misunderstood Response – Often, adults react with punishment or dismissal.

Shame or Fear – The child now feels worse, not safer.

Suppression or Escalation – Emotions are pushed down… or build up again, restarting the cycle.

But here’s the good news:
With understanding and calm connection, we can break the cycle and guide our children toward regulation – not repression.

Save this for next time your child is struggling. Compassion always leads to connection.

02/08/2025

Do you have a child that seems consistently inconsistent? Maybe struggles with hyperactivity? Impulsivity? Behaviors? Your child could have a sensitivity to food dye. Want to know more?! Here is a great free Ted Talk.

Dr. Rebecca Bevans is a professor and a researcher. She uses her PhD in cognitive neuroscience and her Master’s in child development to teach undergraduate a...

01/25/2025

We currently have in-person and Telehealth appointments available! Reach out today. Www.superiorcounselingllc.com or 218-464-7674.
*We accept most commercial insurance and MN state plans.

Superior Counseling LLC is a provider of psychotherapy services in Duluth, Minnesota. We are more than happy to hear from you at 218-590-9556.

01/16/2025

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Thanks,

11/01/2024

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