Counseling
Development Across the Lifespan: Late Adulthood
We have arrived at the final stage in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Every stage has highlighted a key aspect of identity and personality development. This stage, which typically covers ages 65 and older, is more about storytelling and reminiscing than discovery. In this blog, we will explore what it means for individuals in this […]
Learning to Love Yourself
Self-love: We all struggle with it. There are some days we wake up and look back at our reflection in the mirror, unenthused. Maybe it’s an off day. Typically this passes, and we move on, feeling great about ourselves the next day. However, for some of us, this pattern looks much more consistent, and can […]
How Do I Ask My Counselor to Incorporate Faith?
Seeking counseling is a courageous step toward healing, growth, and emotional well-being. For many people, faith is also a central part of identity, values, and decision-making. If your faith is important to you, it’s completely reasonable to want them included in your counseling journey. Yet many individuals feel unsure about how to bring up faith […]
Development Across the Lifespan: Middle Adulthood
We are now reaching the final sections of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This second-to-last stage is referred to as middle adulthood and covers ages 45-64. Each of the eight stages highlights a different psychosocial conflict that affects personality development. While identity is largely formed by this stage, growth and development continue. In this […]
Next Steps: Proactive Self-Care
In my last blog, How to Survive Survival Mode: The 3 Components of Basic Self-Care, we explored bare-minimum self-care–useful in times when we just need to make it through the day. I clarified that this is not a normal state to be in, but that it can be unavoidable at times. If feeling stuck in […]
Development Across the Lifespan: Early Adulthood
Following Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development has led us to early adulthood. Each of the eight stages highlights a psychosocial conflict that influences personality development and early adulthood is no different. You may think that play has nothing to do with this stage, but as we explore these concepts, I’ll also reframe what “play” […]
8 Tips to Manage Your Anger When Working With a Teen
Time with teenagers can be deeply rewarding! As a former middle school counselor, I relished the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Adolescence is a powerful stage of growth, and working with teens allows us to be part of a critical time in their lives as they discover who they truly are. And let’s be […]
Development Across the Lifespan: Adolescence
We are officially out of the childhood stage of Erik Erikson’s journey through psychosocial development and onto a stage marked by rapid change, exploration and growth: adolescence. eight stages highlight a psychosocial conflict that influences personality development. As a play therapist, I’ll apply Erikson’s concepts to help support your teen’s brain and identity development while […]
TIPP Skills: 4 Practical Ways to Utilize Temperature
Today we will be taking a deep dive into the temperature component of TIPP skills. TIPP skills are a group of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills that are utilized to improve emotional regulation. When trying to emotionally regulate, an individual is attempting to effectively manage and decrease the intensity of emotions and symptoms, during a difficult […]
Development Across the Lifespan: Late Childhood
Our next stop on Erik Erikson’s journey through psychosocial development takes us to late childhood. Each of Erikson’s eight stages highlights a core psychosocial conflict that shapes personality development. As a play therapist, I’ll apply Erikson’s concepts to help support your child’s brain and personality development, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life. Join me […]