Welcome to Alcove Child and Youth Resources
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 …
I love the activity idea that I am going to share with you today. It is simple, low-cost, appeals to a wide age range, and can be used for children dealing with any number of emotional challenges. The idea was actually first shared with me by a parent who uses it with her son. The craft is a coping pillow …
We all know mental health issues do not exist in a vacuum, but are developed, maintained, and managed within people’s network of social relationships. Children’s mental health concerns are no exception. Kids are surrounded by parents, siblings, teachers, friends, and other members of their communities who have a powerful impact on their well-being. Because of the very real impact …
If you are looking for a fun and simple craft to do with your child and adolescent therapy clients, these painted rocks are fun, look great, and can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes ranging from assessment, to emotional expression, to teaching mindfulness. You Will Need: A selection of small rocks Acrylic paint Paintbrushes Steps: 1) Select your …
The weather may be chilly, but I am dreaming of warmer days out on the patio and leaves rustling in the breeze (wishful thinking I know). But with that thought in mind, here’s a fun wind chime craft that kids and teens will enjoy making during therapy sessions, even in these winter months. It is a little more interesting than …
If you are looking for a way to encourage your child or client to work on building social skills like manners or making friends, you can use the popular Elf on the Shelf dolls this holiday season. The idea is to pick a social skills area that the child needs to work on. You can pose Elf in different locations …
Here’s a craft that school-aged kids and even teens will enjoy. Plus, it is perfect for the chilly fall season, where nothing feels as good as curling up with a warm drink. Make an affirmations mug, and as you do so, talk about helpful and unhelpful thoughts. Discuss how negative thoughts can creep up on us and how they lead …
Visualizing and goal-setting is such a powerful tool when counselling any client, child or adult. This is why solution-focused therapists ask the miracle question and why narrative therapists help their clients picture their stories in new ways. With that thought in mind, here is an activity that is fun for kids or teens of any age that will help them …
