HHC Blog

A Perspective on Teens and Young Adults in Counseling (Part 1)

A Perspective on Teens and Young Adults in Counseling (Part 1)

A Quick Story of Realization I remember early in my counseling career I was assisting a client through a break-up. While I was asking questions about the split, he smirked and said, "It's way harder breaking up these days. When you were in high school, it was easy." My first reaction was to wonder how old he thought I was, and my second thought was, "Breaking up was still brutal back then!" But I soon realized he was spot on after we further explored his thoughts: high school breakups in 2020 are much more difficult to navigate. When I had conflict with anybody, whether it was a friend, crush or significant other, I only had to awkwardly pass them in the hallway or make sure I chose a seat on the other side of the room. I didn't have to worry about blocking them on social media, and if they would find out that I blocked them, and--if they did find out--getting a "snap" or text from one of their friends almost instantaneously. I didn't have to worry about unfavorable texts, tweets Read more [...]
When It Might Be Time to Seek Counseling

When It Might Be Time to Seek Counseling

There is NOTHING wrong with seeking counseling. When we go the gym, we are praised for taking the initiative to work on our fitness. When we are physically injured, we are advised to take the necessary steps to heal-- rest, ice, heat, stretch, etc.  Yet, when we are struggling with an emotional or mental health issue, we might feel funny about telling people (ironically, a battle with a mental health concern can cause some serious physical manifestations). It's almost inexplicable how little we have valued our mental health as a society throughout...well...ever!  It's not until recently that people in the community, including celebrities and athletes, are having serious and rich discussions about mental health.   One of the first questions I ask a prospective or new client is, "Have you ever been in counseling before?" and regardless of a "yes" or "no" response, I follow it up with, "How long have you been thinking about getting in to talk to somebody?"  To my surprise, Read more [...]
The Do’s and Don’t of Supporting Your Child Through Their Therapeutic Process

The Do’s and Don’t of Supporting Your Child Through Their Therapeutic Process

Providing therapy for kids and adolescents is something I look forward to everyday that I come into the office. Sadly, many therapists miss out on that opportunity. And, if many therapists are being open and honest, a part of the reason they turn away minors is because they don't want to have to manage the parent(s) on the side. However, I find that just about every parent is great at letting me do my job as long as we establish the boundaries and expectations of their child being in Therapy with me. Many parents ask me, "What should I ask after session?" or "Should I say anything at all about the therapy?" It can be a helpless position--Investing money into the process and then having to be a bit in the dark for a stretch of time. The good news--you'll eventually get feedback in regards to the case and we always begin the process with a parent meeting. But waiting for the feedback requires patience and trust. A parent needs to allow their child the time and space they need to let the Read more [...]
Being a teen in 2024: How to Understand and Help our Preteens and Teens (Tips and Tricks at the end) — Josh Jostock

Being a teen in 2024: How to Understand and Help our Preteens and Teens (Tips and Tricks at the end) — Josh Jostock

The young generation has it tough in a variety of ways. While I could spend the next 5,000 words explaining why, I’ll temper my explanation down to a small vent session. Then, I’ll provide some brief details on how we go about treating kids at our practice before finally giving some communication tips and tricks for home.  It’s 1998. It’s not going well with your girlfriend. After school, the two of you meet by the bleachers and you make a really hard decision — “It’s not you, it’s me.” You break up, you cry, your parents hopefully rub your back that night and tell you it’s going to be okay. You dodge school for a day telling your mom that you have a horrible headache in the morning and maybe she lets you stay home or maybe you grew up in one of those households where you were going to school unless the spiritual leader was reading your last rites. Eventually, you face the awkwardness of having to still be in math class together. Perhaps some gossip spreads Read more [...]
Seven Strategies for Coping with Triggers and Cravings During the Holiday Season

Seven Strategies for Coping with Triggers and Cravings During the Holiday Season

The smell of turkey in the oven; the roar of the football game on TV; twinkly lights on the trees; and the anticipation of grandparents coming to visit. Ah yes, the holiday season is arriving and for most it’s a time of joy, love, laughter, and the sharing of embarrassing family stories around the dinner table. However, for those in recovery, it’s possibly a time of anxiety, dread, fear, overthinking, isolation, and avoidance. Whether this is the first holiday in sobriety or the thirtieth, the holidays are the few months of the year where triggers, cravings, and relapse are at their highest. First, if you are clean and sober, I want to congratulate you! You are one of the few who has managed to overcome the cunning, baffling, and powerful disease of addiction. 1 day, 30 days, 1 year, or 40+ years - any amount of time is to be celebrated and acknowledged. Why is maintaining sobriety so challenging over the holidays and what are some strategies to cope with triggers and cravings? Read more [...]
Thoughts on Treating Trauma: Unpacking Self-Hatred

Thoughts on Treating Trauma: Unpacking Self-Hatred

I’m aware that there is no perfect way to write a short blog on the topic of trauma without evoking some big feelings. I also understand that as delicately as I might handle my writing and words, not everyone will agree with my observations, wonderings and reflections. The last thing I would want to do is make a person reading this feel small, de-valued, not seen or hurt. Trauma, and how it plays out in a person’s life, is very unique. Moreover, talking about the topic can be challenging and tender. So I approach my blog today with love in my heart knowing that many of us are simply trying the very best that we can. If you are a victim or survivor of trauma, and you’re reading this.. thank you. Thank you for continuing to fight in the face of immense adversity.  So much has been written about Trauma. The landmark book in my mind is “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk; though, there are many great pieces of literature on the topic. In his book, Dr. BVDK shares Read more [...]
The Power of Counseling: Unlocking the Benefits for Elementary Kids

The Power of Counseling: Unlocking the Benefits for Elementary Kids

Elementary school is a crucial time in a child's life, where they develop essential skills, build friendships, and begin to navigate their emotions. However, not all children sail smoothly through these formative years. Some may encounter challenges that affect their well-being and hinder their overall growth. This is where counseling steps in as a powerful tool, providing elementary kids with the support they need to thrive. Let's explore the benefits of counseling for these young minds. 1. Emotional Well-being:Elementary children often struggle to express and understand their complex emotions. Counseling offers a safe space where they can freely explore their feelings and learn healthy coping mechanisms. By working with a trained counselor, kids develop emotional resilience, becoming better equipped to handle stress, anxiety, anger, and grief. This emotional well-being lays a solid foundation for their future mental health. 2. Improved Academic Performance:A child's emotional state Read more [...]
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