I'm starting my second year with Outreach Concern, a non-profit agency that offers school-based counseling services for several districts in Los Angeles and Orange County. Since 1994 over 500,000 students and their families have been supported with educational or social skills training, emotional support, or community outreach through direct services.
Read moreVeterans & PTSD
I greatly admire and appreciate the work our men and women in uniform have done for this nation. These selfless individuals have devoted a lifetime to protect and serve. Some family and many friends have served, and continue to serve in the armed forces. I have a special interest in promoting quality mental wellness access and healing to returning veterans.
Read moreIt's Really Really Hard to Ask for Help
Life is hard! Sometimes it's easier to believe that we may not have a choice in life. That may be true for certain events--there is no way a person could control the weather or how damaging natural disasters can be--the event itself is uncontrollable, but what about our emotional responses to them?
Read more10 Benefits & 10 Negatives of Video Games
Online video games may assist people in gaining confidence, increasing leadership/team skills and trying out new identities. In Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs), collaborations can range from two to twenty players at a time. In order for mission completion, individuals must be able to communicate and carry out instructions as a team for mutual gains. Working together increases awareness of others as well as emotional regulation skills. When a group fails together, it may get frustrating, but success as a team also increases cohesion and a stronger sense of community. Being able to communicate effectively, especially through difficult situations, is an important skill that can be developed through online gaming.
Read morePlay: Is it Important for Children?
With our increased connection and dependence on technology, it may seem more of a hassle to make time for kids to play. A common perception of play is that it is a waste of time where academics or rote memorization would be more beneficial. Play, academics and memorization all serve a purpose, yet play is more beneficial than many may think. According to Siegel (2012) and Axline (1981) play is the natural language of children. This concept makes more sense when thinking of young children who are first discovering their worlds.
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