MLA Counseling Services

03/22/2024

Still spots available for our groups! Starting next week! Contact mlacounseling@gmail.com 🌸

03/09/2024

03/07/2024

Last night was the final meeting for Mindfulness Through the Senses! We discussed favorite activities (glitter jar #1) and how to use these techniques in daily life. Each participant received a special gift after hearing the story of someone who utilized the mindfulness technique of mandala making. Thank you The Painted Mandala for your story and your creations 💜

03/07/2024

As loving, committed, great parents, there is nothing that feels right about moving our children closer to the things that increase their anxiety. But - every time our kids or teens avoid the things that make them feel anxious (but which are SAFE), the amygdala (the part of the brain that scans the world for threat and initiates anxiety) learns that the only way to feel safe in this situation is to avoid.
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This will make anxiety more fierce next time because the need to protect will be greater. The huge relief that comes from avoidance will drive the same response (avoidance) in the future. ⠀⠀

One of the hardest things about anxiety is that the only way through is through. The only way for the amygdala to learn that a situation is safe is by experience - by moving towards that situation little step by little step until the feelings of anxiety ease, which they always will.

This might look like a little closer each time, or for a little longer each time. For example, you might start with 5 minutes each day or each time for a few weeks (of not being with you, or of the swimming lesson, or the new thing, or the new person) then bumping up to 10 minutes for a few weeks, and on from there for example.

This doesn’t have to happen all at once and it doesn’t have to happen quickly. It’s okay if this happens gently and if it takes as long as it takes. The important part is moving them towards brave behaviour.

It’s why understanding where anxiety comes from and why it feels the way it does (which is all explained in Hey Warrior) can be so powerful. This takes the fear out of the fear just enough so they can be brave enough.
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The question for our kiddos then, is, ‘I understand this feels big and I understand it feels scary, but what can you do to move towards [the situation], which is a little more than last time, but which feels okay enough.’

This will start to create a different story - that they can feel anxious, and be brave. Anxiety is a warning sign, not a stop sign, and most often it is a call to be brave. .

03/06/2024

Outdoor play 🌳💚

You know outdoor play is a good thing for your children—but do we know all the physical and mental benefits this wonderful activity can provide?

02/28/2024

Don't forget, this Friday at 7pm, John Halligan will be doing a talk for parents at VRHS in the Library/Media Center.

02/28/2024

We are less than one month out from our Babysitter Training with CPR and First Aid Certification class! For kids 12+, you can register them below!

https://tritownys.org/evrplus_registration/?action=evrplusegister&event_id=180&recurr=1710115200

02/28/2024

Late postings on our Mindfulness Through the Senses. Week 3 was Taste 👄...it's a challenge to eat chocolate slowly. Week 4 was Sound 👂 with guided meditation and rainsticks. Today was Week 5 with Smell 👃 and hand-sewn lavender sachets 🌸

02/28/2024

And another new group! 🎨

02/27/2024

NEW GROUP!

02/07/2024

Mindfulness Through the Senses Week 2
Touch

02/02/2024

Power of Play!

... And practical tips for putting those secrets into action.

01/31/2024

Mindfulness through the Senses: week 1 SIGHT 👀

01/31/2024

WELCOME to our Group Room. Waiting for our first guests 😊