Community Counseling of Bristol County’s Post

This week marks six years since the Second Edition of A Short Introduction to Attachment and Attachment Disorder was published. The book is still full of need-to-know information about caring for and working with children and young people who cannot be safely cared for at home and/or are recovering from a tough start to life. Would I do a third edition? The answer is yes, and like the changes from the first to the second edition, I would be looking to add substantially to the chapters on therapeutic care and psychotherapy. It might be in danger of the title being a misnomer - no longer short. In any event, I do hope to be writing for publication again next year (2024), including in peer reviewed journals (my last peer reviewed journal article dates back to 2010 - in the BPS Journal Educational and Child Psychology - Special Issue on Attachment). Some of my commitments will change, and I think there continues to be a need for experienced practitioners in the #childprotection #childwelfare space sharing knowledge gained across long careers (mine is in its 29th year as a practicing psychologist). As was discussed in conversation with a team I supervise recently, experienced practitioners may not have the time to do the research and submit the journal publications, but they know what are the important questions that need to be answered. #childwelfareleadership #fostercare #kinshipcare #socialcare #traumainformed

**THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE PLANS** As child therapists, we often take the therapeutic lead to support other systems involved in the child's care (e.g. parents, schools) to respond therapeutically. In doing so, we become a leader. Therapeutic Response Plans are a focussed way to support parents, caregivers, schools etc. to promote healing and growth promoting experiences in those specific setting. In contrast to traditional behaviour management plans, Therapeutic Response Plans promote development and recovery in line with the child’s therapeutic goals. The goal is to extend therapy beyond the therapy room – to create many repetitions of the reparative experiences children require for recovery and/or development. If you missed our "Developing Therapeutic Response Plans" Masterclass it's not too late to catch up! Register to access the recording via this link: https://lnkd.in/dDCZTAZF I facilitate a highly practical workshop to help you clearly articulate highly individualised and realistic Therapeutic Response Plans that will support you in your role as therapeutic lead. #pd #workshop #psychology #childpsychology #childtherapy #playtherapy #psychologyandplay #psychologyandplaytherapyaustralia

So happy to be able to share my thoughts on this subject!

ThinkHeroSM and ThinkWarriorSM, Magellan’s DCBT programs for anxiety-related symptoms in children and teens, help close treatment gaps, divert treatment to less expensive options and decrease behavioral health risks in adulthood. Learn more: #magellanhealthcare #emotionalwellbeing #cbt #childhoodanxiety #teenanxiety #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #youthmentalhealth

I have all the feels ... my chapter on Neurodivergence Dougan, L. (2023). Neurodivergence. In T. Hanley & L. A. Winter (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Counselling & psychotherapy (5th ed., pp. 56–61). Sage Publications Ldt. has been cited in Megan Lewis MBACP article: An exploration of the ways in which person-centered counselors’ diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can challenge or support their practice https://lnkd.in/eGNsUf_H

The UK Government has published new guidelines for all mental health inpatients when discharged. It sets out how Health and Care Systems should support people when discharged, to transition into the community. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #psychology #clinicalpsychology #forensicpsychology #mentalhealthnursing

Are you puzzled by your child's behavior? Sometimes, the reasons behind actions like avoiding certain activities or reacting strongly to changes aren't immediately obvious. Functional assessment, a key part of psychological evaluations, delves deep to uncover the triggers and purposes of these behaviors. By understanding what's driving them, we can create targeted strategies that help your child thrive. Five Reasons to Consider Early Functional Assessment: 🕵️ Early Detection: Identifying behaviors early can lead to more effective solutions. 🧩 Customised Support: Tailored strategies ensure that interventions meet your child's unique needs. 🛠️ Skill Enhancement: Early assessments help develop crucial coping and social skills. 🤝 Consistent Care: Provides a roadmap for families and educators to offer structured support. 🔄 Better Outcomes: Early intervention increases the likelihood of positive long-term development. Meet our team at PsychtestingMatters, https://lnkd.in/giRj4XJt, an initiative of BodyMatters Australasia. With an experience in both testing and ongoing developmental support, our paediatricians and psychologists are ready to assist. We're currently open for new assessments. Book your assessment today: https://lnkd.in/gRStGY8k or email us at info@bodymatters.com.au.#mentalhealth #Neurodiversity #childdevelopment #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting

I am deeply concerned by reports of NHS Trusts removing the diagnoses' of adults with ADHD or Autism diagnosed through the Right to Choose Pathway. While the rise in Right to Choose assessments requires investigation, revoking existing diagnoses creates significant challenges for these individuals: Loss of Self-Understanding: Diagnoses often provide clarity and validation, impacting self-esteem and self-worth. Revoking them can be detrimental. Increased Distress: This decision may exacerbate existing challenges and potentially lead to crisis situations. Strained Resources: Individuals may seek private diagnoses abroad (often at a significantly lower cost) further straining healthcare systems both domestically and internationally. It's crucial to address the root causes of increased Right to Choose assessments, while ensuring continued support for those already diagnosed. Additionally, ongoing education for mental health professionals is vital to improve recognition of complex presentations and co-occurring conditions. The causal relationship between the rise in Right To Choose assessments and the lack of NHS access must be addressed. Some trusts do not have adult assessment pathways or have had closed their waiting lists to new referrals! #NHSAccess #AdultNeurodiversity #DiagnosisEquity

“Embracing neurodiversity not only benefits practitioners but also creates a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare environment.” Dr. Ricardo Mitrani, D.D.S., Spear Resident Faculty Member, opens up in our latest Digest article about the challenges he faced before his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. He shares how self-awareness and a strategic approach, post-diagnosis, have allowed him to create a working environment that leans into his strengths, helping him approach challenges more effectively and build more empathetic relationships. Neurodiversity within the workplace will continue to increase as society becomes more self-aware and accepting. Has a recent diagnosis or self-reflection changed how you engage with your team members and patients? https://bit.ly/3x5fM5T #MentalHealth #NeurodiversityAwareness #SpearDigest

We hope to see you there! Join us for our upcoming community training: Motherhood in the Mirror: Psychotherapy for Clients Navigating Body Image and Matrescence 🪞👩🍼 🗓 Date and Time: August 29th, 2024, 1pm-3pm 📍 Location: Virtual Training 🎓 Facilitators: Danelle Rhoades, LCPC, PMH-C and Olivia Taylor, LCSW, PMH-C of Wildflower Center for Emotional Health 📚 Training Details: Navigating body image and physical changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period can be complex and challenging for clinicians. This training will explore how body image distress manifests during matrescence and discuss evidence-based interventions to help clients achieve body acceptance during this critical time. 👥 Who Should Attend: Mental health professionals 💡 Learning Objectives: Examine challenges related to body acceptance during the perinatal period. Understand the cultural and societal factors influencing expectations of body changes throughout matrescence. Identify interventions to help clients reduce distress related to body image. Discuss considerations regarding eating disorder symptoms during the perinatal period. 💵 Cost: $45.00 🎓 Continuing Education: 2 CEUs for social workers, clinical professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical psychologists. 2 hours to obtain or renew the PMH-C. 🔗 Registration: Register Here 📧 Questions? Contact Eden Himidian, LCSW, PMH-C, RYT at ehimidian@wildflowerllc.com Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills in supporting clients with body image distress throughout matrescence! 🌼✨ #MotherhoodInTheMirror #WildflowerTraining #MentalHealth #BodyImage #Matrescence #PerinatalMentalHealth #ContinuingEducation #TherapistTraining