Hopeful Hipo Wellness Therapy

07/19/2022

If you could build anything, what would it be and why?
I am often taken by surprise in play therapy sessions by what is built, how they built it, and why. May you take time to check in with your heart and mind by asking yourself the above question.
Draw it, imagine it, use some legos, or blocks to built it. Share it with someone trusted and safe.

May you take time to dream
May you take time to heal
May you take time to play

01/16/2022

Play Therapy works! I can't imagine applying any other techniques with younger children than play therapy. Play therapy allows them to process, gain insight, learn and problem solve in a safe, welcoming, and trained environment setting. It may be processing bullying with dolls or cars. It may be working out ways to express needs and wants to their caregivers. It may be using the sand-tray to regulate their nervous system and then show me their perception of their family. Play Therapy, you amaze me 😋

11/10/2021

What is important to you? Before establishing boundaries, I often find it helpful to identify values and then discuss what type of boundaries need to be put into place. Boundaries help protect those things that are so important to us.

May you establish your values.
May you learn and protect your values by creating healthy boundaries.

10/25/2021

You are not alone! It has been a rough few years in general and then when you add the blessing of a new role like parenting in the mix, well it feels unbearable at times. Here are some tips to help reduce burnout.

To become a parent is such a blessing. This new role of being a "mom" or "dad" is wonderful and full of adventures. This new role is also exhausting, stressful and there are moments where I feel incapable. When I also take into consideration the past few years and how these events have impacted pare...

10/11/2021

Go get your nature on! There are so many benefits to being in nature.When there are big decisions to be made, when the amount of stress feels overwhelming, when you feel down or when you are doubting yourself go outside! Go for a walk. Go take your kids to explore. One of the many things I love about MN is the fall season and all the amazing nature trails available.
Serotonin is a key hormone that stabilizes our mood. It can provide a feeling of happiness and it impacts our whole body aka brain 🧠 too 😉

09/28/2021

When things are difficult, when things are painful and when things change, I often hear and see kids and teens isolate and/or destructive behaviors appear. If your child is struggling to communicate and connect with you or has completely shut you out, it's ok to ask and seek wise counseling and professional help. Try asking your child direct questions. Even when it feels and seems like your child may want nothing to do with you, continue to express your love and be interested in their world. Most of all love your child cherish your child, and find the courage to ask for help when needed.

08/07/2021

Go connect and have fun! Here is a list of some fun activities that can further bond the relationship between children and their parents or with any other caregiver in a child's life. Especially when life can feel so overwhelming it is so necessary to make the time to have fun and connect with your child. It might just be exactly what was needed😉
May you have fun with your child.
May you take time to connect and create memories.

07/07/2021

It takes awareness, acceptance, and willingness to practice the art of relaxation; and it is so worth it! 🙂 I love exploring and teaching children and parents how to relax and the importance of doing so. Guided body scans are one of my favorite ways to grow awareness and there are some kid friendly ones out there on apps and YouTube. There are so many health benefits when we practice relaxation techniques. When we establish healthy ways to slow down, we teach our mind and body a valuable lesson.

May you grow awareness of any tension in your body.

May you give yourself permission to practice ways to relax.

May you continue to learn the art of relaxation.

06/18/2021

There is beauty within you and around you! When I take a moment to be still and notice the colors and sounds around me, I become in awe of the beauty. It has been a learning experience to also accept the beauty within myself. I hope that you take moments to notice the beauty around you and within you. May it bring hope, delight, and goodness your way.

06/17/2021

What exactly are worried thoughts? I like to think of them as leeches or annoying bugs. Worries are unpleasant thoughts that are in our head and sometimes become stuck causing distress. It is normal to notice some worried thoughts. It becomes an issue when our worried thoughts get in the way of life and when they start to create unpleasant emotions more often and increase avoidance.
I want you to know that there is HOPE! If you notice the above happening to you, please go seek out wise professional counseling.

06/07/2021

Play Therapy. I can't imagine any other way to do therapy with young children. It just makes sense! If you would like more information about play therapy I recommend checking https://www.hopefulhipowellnesstherapy.com/
And visit
https://www.a4pt.org/page/WhyPlayTherapy