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Home Archives for Peer Problems

Teen Girls Support Group – Expressive Arts Therapy

Posted on January 1, 2016 Written by Allison Spitzer Leave a Comment

Support Group for High School Girls

She’ll  express, examine, and learn to  transform those issues, behaviors or social patterns which have not served her well through relaxing and engaging art, crafts, drama, games and coaching. This is a safe, supportive forum for girls to process,  reflect, share experiences and gain wisdom and coping skills  while enjoying the creative process.

Saturdays mornings beginning mid January! Limited space available. For specific info on location, times, fees, please contact me, Allison Spitzer, M.A. at 203-218-2200

Filed Under: ADD/ADHD, Adolescent Issues, Alternative Therapies, Anxiety, Anxiety Treatment, ART Therapy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Behavioral Problems, Communication Breakdowns, Depression Therapist, depression treatment, Family Conflicts, Fears, Hopelessness, Immaturity, Introversion, Kids & School, Peer Problems, Social Media Anxiety, Social Problems, Stress Management, Teen Anxiety, Teen counseling, Teen Troubles

Sibling Rivalry or Emotional Abuse? When the Bully’s at the Dinner Table

Posted on February 17, 2015 Written by Allison Spitzer Leave a Comment

Do you have a sibling that “teased” you relentlessly? Were you bullied by an older brother or sister that still wants to hurt you?

The phenomenon has become a “diagnosis.” We carry those deep scars and the questions surrounding them into adulthood. That childhood bully, the brother or sister who teased you, smacked you, and actually brutalized you emotionally, needs to be seen for what he/she was. An aggressor.  A needy, damaged, hurting child left untreated. You were their closest target. images-2

“Bullying” creates fear, low self esteem, and worse, begins at home. In childhood, there’s no way to escape.  The parents, especially before bullying came into the public eye with the current school bullying laws, let things go.

They said “That’s how boys are.” Or, “She’s your sister, just ignore it.”

The brother or sister who relentlessly called you names, excluded you, frightened you, and in fact hated you, had true psychological problems your parents never addressed. That sibling shaped your worldview and self image.images

Now that you’re grown, you don’t have to take it! Or them.
If you’re parenting, put a stop to it. We are savvier today.
Everyone involved needs help.

#siblingrivalry #siblingabuse

Filed Under: Adult Children Issues, Anger, Bullies, Communication Breakdowns, Depression, Family Conflicts, Hopelessness, Peer Problems, Relationship Problems, Sibling Rivalry, Uncategorized

‘Tween Talk: Program for Building Social Skills

Posted on May 31, 2013 Written by Allison Spitzer Leave a Comment

TWEEN TIME !
Social Skills Group for Girls 10-12 yrs.

A special opportunity for girls who find making and keeping friends challenging.Four (FUN) sessions — art, drama, games, and chat on topics ranging from Netiquette (social media etiquette) to boys.This program will help girls build self-esteem, stronger relationships, develop clearer communication skills, and identify and utilize appropriate behaviors with peers. 
Girls will have an active forum to discuss and practice relating to peers during relaxed and playful therapeutic arts based programming. 
Parent Group (Optional) : June 20, 7:00 p.m. — Handling Hypersensitivity in your ‘Tween

 Saturdays 10:00-11:15 a.m. June 8, 15, 22, 29
 15 Lake Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611
Fees: $200 including optional parent night.

For more information or to register, call 203-218-2200, or e-mail allison@periwinklehealth.com
 

Filed Under: ADD/ADHD, Adolescent Issues, Awkwardness, Behavioral Problems, Immaturity, Lack of Confidence, Life Skills, Low Self Esteem, Peer Problems, Relationship Problems

Helping Kids Before There’s “Real” Trouble

Posted on March 7, 2013 Written by Allison Spitzer Leave a Comment

ctpost-3613As schools and mental health providers struggle to improve identification and delivery of services to children and adolescents with mental health issues, let’s not overlook the vital role of preventative care available to families whose struggles are “normal,” whose children may not need psychiatric help but may need assistance dealing with issues life presents.

The article in Sunday’s Connecticut Post, (“How to identify, help kids with mental health disorders), does not address those with normal struggles — struggles that if left unaddressed might very well develop into something more debilitating.

The first-grader who is shy becomes the third-grader a bit lonely. By seventh grade, is he isolated, and by ninth, bullied? What happens in senior year? Is she cutting herself? Is he aggressive? Are there drugs, academic troubles, and risky behavior which might have been averted if families had reached out before there was “trouble”? For children, teens and families stressed by today’s social and environmental factors, those without “mental health disorders,” it can be all too short a jump to labels and “problems.”

As a life skills therapist and communications coach who deals with stress management, I urge parents who wonder about their children, “Is something wrong?” not to wait. Take action. Better to take a pre-emptive strike on the difficulties our kids bury, even if they don’t seem monumental at the time. Like the homeland security ad on TV, “If you see something, say something” — if you think something’s off with your child, there probably is. Check it out. Make it right before there’s a crisis, diagnosis, file, label or doctor needed. It’s not “making a mountain out of a molehill”; it’s preventing that mountain down the road from spewing lava.

Allison B. Spitzer

Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Take-action-before-child-s-problems-worsen-4333854.php#ixzz2MuIHVT8f

Filed Under: ADD/ADHD, Adolescent Issues, Anger, Anxiety, Awkwardness, Back to School, Behavioral Problems, Bullies, Communication Breakdowns, Conflict Resolution, Coping Skills, Crying Spells, Defiance, Failure, Fears, Frustration, Hopelessness, Kids & School, Loneliness, Low Self Esteem, Motivation Problems, Parenthood, Parenting Problems, Peer Problems, Relationship Problems, Rudeness, Sadness, Social Problems, Stress, Stress Management, Teen Anxiety, Teen Troubles, Truancy, Underachievement

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