Welcome to Alcove Child and Youth Resources
No matter our age, we all need to feel safe. Safety is so vital for our lives that it’s at the very base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, only one step up from physiological needs like food and shelter. After we are fed and clothed and housed, we need to feel safe before we are able to pursue other needs …
One of the most common problems clients will bring to therapy is anxiety. Estimated to afflict as much as 33.7% of the population at some point in life, an anxiety disorder can be a debilitating issue to endure. Cognitive behavioural therapy continues to be the standard approach for working with people with anxiety disorders. In this model, clients learn coping …
Today’s post is not a therapy or educational resource – but it is a positive reinforcement tool to help very young children learn bathroom skills. We are working to potty train a toddler in our house at the moment. While we have been using lots of positive reinforcement in the form of praise, she has been very sporadic in her …
Summer is winding down! Cue the sweaters, the scarves, the fuzzy socks, and of course the Back-to-School rush. While I am not exactly keen on shorter, cooler days, the changing of seasons does provide a great opportunity to bring some seasonal touches into the classroom or counselling office. One way to do that is with some Fall-themed feeling faces. I …
Clients with a history of severe trauma often need help overcoming symptoms of post-traumatic stress that can arise unexpectedly and overwhelm them. Once triggered, these individuals can feel that they are reliving a traumatic event all over again. They may experience flashbacks to the traumatic event, have nightmares, panic, or dissociate from the present moment and their own bodies, as …
Finding items to re-purpose is one creative and cost-effective way to come up with new therapy activities, so I’m always on the lookout for something that I can take and put to new use. During some spring (or maybe last fall) cleaning, I came across a small seashell collection from my childhood that I had been storing in my basement …
I spend a great deal of time with clients working on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts. Teens and adults alike can really benefit from understanding how their thinking affects their moods and their behaviours. Children can also benefit from this type or work. However, working with little people on the “C” part of cognitive behavioural therapy can be challenging. Young …
My first car was pretty basic – no frills whatsoever. Cruise control: nope. Bluetooth: forget it. My steering wheel featured a horn. That’s it. Today’s cars have so many gadgets, and in many cars you can control them without ever taking your hands off the steering wheel. Music, cruise, phone calls – all at the push of the button. That’s …
As a part of therapy, I regularly ask clients to make some kind of wellness plan or coping plan using their favourite coping skills. Strong emotions from anger, to depression, to anxiety, to stress all benefit from the use of coping skills. At the same time, it can be hard to think of strategies in a moment of intense emotions. …
The last session is a time for wrapping up loose ends, for saying goodbye, and for helping to equip clients to continue with life after therapy. This craft is great for instilling confidence of reminding clients of their strengths and supports that they can rely on as they go forward. Plus it’s a great activity for the Spring season! Many …
