emotional processes

Teenagers drinking and smoking

Substance Use & Abuse

Where the Road Divides.

The American Psychiatric Association describes addiction as, “A complex condition, and a chronic brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence”. There are many reasons why children & adults experiment with drugs and alcohol such as peer pressure, self esteem issues, as a right of passage in American culture, self-medication of mental health disorders and a need to deal with the pressures of their lives.  Supporting our youth to understand how substances impact their physical, emotional and mental development is critical as our communities deal with increasing overdoses, fatal car accidents, sexual promiscuity and a range of destructive behaviors.

This workshop will detail types of substances, symptoms of use, impact on development, current data and treatment options and practical supports & tools for those adults caring for young people who are in danger of substance use or are currently using alcohol and drugs.

student boy suffering of classmate mockery

Social Media, Bullying & Mental Heath

A 21st Century Dilemma.

Our rapidly changing world of technology can create challenges that go beyond our children’s ability to navigate. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube & Instagram have created easy opportunities for children to gossip, exclude others, bully, sexually act out and become victims of predatory behavior by others.

This workshop will provide education on the current forms of social media along with its pros and cons and will include explanation of the “New York State Dignity Act” which was signed into law in September 2010.  This state law is designed to provide safeguards in school culture to prevent bullying, discrimination against race, gender and sexual orientation.  Its main goal is to support equality, awareness and inclusion of all students in the school setting.

This workshop will give parents and educators the tools and shared support to effectively intervene and educate our children about the rapidly changing world we live in.

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Stress Reduction, Mindfulness & Meditation

Understanding Stress for Children and Adults.

What is it about our lives that cause us anxiety, irritation, happiness, rage, relief, depression, boredom and hope? Can we embrace our “stress” and use it for personal growth or are we destined to go from one pressure filled crisis to the next?  How do children differ in the way they manage the challenges of their lives?  Can we really do anything about the high-speed connection required to keep up with modern life, the pressure to achieve and the constant media images that dictate everything from the clothes we buy, to the car we drive, to the food we eat?   This workshop will include engaging group discussion, fun exercises designed to identify personal stressors and those of our children and concrete ways to reduce the negative aspects of stress and embrace the positive potential.