Plum Tree Psychology

Volunteer Participants Needed:
Our very own Saba Mahmood is working on her Ph.D. and she is conducting research on individuals with Autism, ages 15-30 years old. Participating in this study may improve your self-awareness of your self-esteem. For more information click the link below or in our IG Bio. . .https://www.theplumtree.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Research-Project.pdf . .

Parents of Students with Dyslexia:
We will be offering Take Flight beginning September 2024. Take Flight is a comprehensive intervention for students with Dyslexia. Take Flight is a two year curriculum based on The Orton-Gillingham Approach and written by the education staff of The Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders At Scottish Rite for Children. Register at the link in this post or in our IG Bio. . .
https://www.theplumtree.net/take-flight/
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Just another day on the job. Ivy says, “We got this buddy!” Want to know more about the furry friends who help out at our office? Click their links below or our IG bios. . .
🐾 Our therapy dog, Ivy Joy. ( ): https://www.theplumtree.net/ivy-joy-meyer/
🐾 Our office dog, Jeanie: https://www.theplumtree.net/jeanie-curry/ . .

Did you know we offer Autism Evaluations without a referral?
Plum Tree offers an Autism Evaluation for children ages 3-7 years old. This assessment is designed just to test for autism. It does not cast a net for attention problems, learning disorders, anxiety, or other psychological problems.

An early diagnosis of autism opens the gates to evidence-based treatments that are critical in a child’s long-term outcomes. Kids who get support when they are young have a better chance of success in social, emotional, behavioral, and academic areas. . .
We can help you give your child the best possible start. More information at the link below and in our IG bio.
https://www.theplumtree.net/autism-evaluation/ . .

College Prep Coaching Series: July 30, August 2, 6, & 9
The College Prep Coaching Series is a two week, four session group series designed to help students feel socially, emotionally and organizationally prepared for college. Bring your computer, school login credentials, a notebook and a positive attitude. This group is for students with learning, attention & social hurdles who are preparing to enter their 1st year of college or returning to college after a long break. No students over the age of 21 yrs. . .
Registration link below and in our IG bio.
https://www.theplumtree.net/college-prep-coaching/ . .

Teenagers are commonly given a bad reputation for being unnecessarily angry. It is important to remember emotions are not bad or wrong. Teens’ brains are still growing. As they grow, they are still learning how to cope with their emotions in a positive way. To learn more about how to develop those skills, click the link below or in our IG bio. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/teens-coping-with-anger/ . .

“Navigating Post-Divorce Dating”
This time post-divorce is a period of self-discovery, reconnecting with internal values, and the excitement of meeting new people. However, for parents, especially those with kids, some unique considerations and responsibilities come into play. Here are some recommendations for parents stepping into the world of post-divorce dating: . .
Link in IG Bio and below:

https://www.theplumtree.net/navigating-post-divorce-dating/ . .

This past Friday, our Lunch and Learn speakers were Mac and Goose from Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A) . B.A.C.A. exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children, empowering them to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. To learn more about this great organization check out the link below or in our IG bio. . .
🔗https://bacaworld.org/
☎️B.A.C.A Helpline # (331) 303-0601
🧠 . .

Recently, we were visited by Ashley Anderson from at our Professional Development Meeting (Lunch & Learn) to talk about nutrition and the vagus nerve. You are probably thinking, “What is the vagus nerve?”.

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and serves as a communication pathway between the gut and the brain. Learning how to activate this nerve can have a positive impact on children’s (and everyone’s) ability to calm their nervous system. To learn about the importance of this nerve and how to activate it, click the link below or in our IG bio. . .
https://www.theplumtree.net/the-vagus-nerve/
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Because of the importance of sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has put out guidelines to educate parents and practitioners to ensure children get the correct amount of sleep for their age and development. Is your child getting enough sleep? To find out, click our blog link below or the link in our IG bio. . .
https://www.theplumtree.net/the-vital-role-of-sleep/
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Chill Chat and Challenge, a Twelve Week Process Group For Teens
📢Calling all teens between 16 and 19 years old who are looking to strengthen relationships and find a sense of belonging. This peer group will meet once a week for twelve weeks. Talk with alike peers, find positive support and connection, and challenge negative thinking with the facilitation of a Plum Tree therapist in a welcoming environment.

💬Group registrants will be contacted and vetted to help create the best possible group dynamic.

📋The information you provide is confidential and solely for preparation and screening purposes. . .
Link in IG bio or below:
https://www.theplumtree.net/chill-chat-and-challenge/ . .

Thank you, Dr. Jeanane Ferre for presenting at Plum Tree’s weekly staff meeting. Your annual visits are a highlight! 🦻🏼

So many kids have undetected auditory processing problems…and are mistakenly labeled with ADHD, Autism, or Oppositional Defiant. 😳

It’s critical that mental health providers know when/how to refer for evaluations…auditory, visual, language, speech, medical, educational, and psychological.📝🎧👀🩺📚🧠

Medicine is never the first step! . .
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Blended Families Series Part 4: Aftereffects of Divorce on Children
“Divorce is normal and it can be healthy. But it’s still a tragedy for a child. The United States is a ‘Leader’ in family change with a high increase in divorce, followed by an increase in non-marital birth with or without collaboration. Some experts feel family instability is a major public health problem, while other experts argue divorce is relatively innocuous and in some cases can be a positive change (See Research Study Below). Through therapy and positive communication with your child, it’s possible to mitigate or even prevent the negative effects divorce can have on them.” Click the link below or in our IG bio for the full blog post. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/aftereffects-of-divorce-on-children/ . .

Blending Family Series Part 3: Co-Parenting in Divorce
“Given the challenges of transitioning between households, actively contributing to creating two consistent and positive environments is key. Here are some suggestions for successful co-parenting to promote your child’s well-being.” . .
If you need support to navigate divorce as a parent, we are here to help. We offer family-parent therapy to help you create strategies to ensure stability or navigate co-parenting conflicts.

https://www.theplumtree.net/co-parenting-in-divorce/ . .

Blended Families Series Part 2: Kids Adjusting to Divorce
Research shows kids adjust to divorce better when parents meet certain conditions. During the process of divorce, many factors feel out of control. However, parents can control how they react to and talk about their co-parents around their children. It is pivotal that parents commit to being respectful toward the other parent for their child’s wellbeing. Click the link below or in our IG bio to read the full blog post. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/kids-adjusting-to-divorce/ . .

In addition to child and adolescent counseling, we also offer coaching. Coaching is a treatment that focuses on the present and the future. We don’t spend time looking at past issues, feelings, thought patterns, or relationships. Instead, we work where the rubber meets the road! Bring your backpack, your planner, your hopes, and your dreams. Using strategies, tools, and activities, a coach helps clients unlock the potential that already exists within them. During coaching, student clients will receive support with their organization, time management, self-advocacy, homework/project management, future planning, and cognitive flexibility. To learn more about coaching, or make a coaching appointment for your child, click the link below and in our IG bio. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/adhd-and-life-coaching/ . .

Blended Families Series: Blog link below and in IG Bio.
One of the most important things you can model for your child is how to have loving & supportive relationships. While this is well-supported by research, many parents worry getting divorced is worse than staying in an unhealthy marriage. Let’s clarify this important topic so you can make wise relationship decisions that will benefit you and your child. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/blended-families/ . .

Parents, safety changes for teens are coming to Meta social media platforms. Here’s what you need to know:
Click the link in our IG bio or below!
https://www.theplumtree.net/changes-for-teens-on-meta-social-media-platforms/ . .
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Plum Tree is a collection of practitioners who provide therapy and medication management for kids. We conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing for academic, diagnostic, and clinical disorders. Our team includes specialists for Tourette’s, PTSD, Suicide/Self-Injury, ADHD, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Developmental delays, impaired self-esteem, grief, academic under-performance, and family struggles are all within our purview to support. Services also include ADHD Coaching and Transition Support from high school to college/career. Our team also includes experts that can help parents understand school support systems and how to advocate for their child in both public and private school. We help kids control behaviors, understand feelings, and manage thoughts. Call and schedule to learn how Plum Tree can help your child. 630.549.6245. . .

We hope you’ll join us for this great cause! Together we can make a difference. For more information and to register click the link in the post or in our IG Bio. . .
https://www.theplumtree.net/trot-the-fox-to-fight-tics/ . .

Multiple support group opportunities are coming up at ! For more information and criteria for registration, click the group links in our IG bio or the website link below and select the “groups” tab. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net . .

Self-Care for Parents Series, Part Two: Taking care of yourself is good parenting. You’re modeling self-care. So, your kids are less likely to develop anxiety and depression. You’re increasing expectations that your child will be interpersonally flexible, easygoing, and adaptive. Click the link in our IG bio, or in this post, to read the full blog post. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/self-care-for-parents/

We are one practice with two locations, Sprout & Bloom. This means we can help more children reach their full potential. We are now accepting new patients without a waitlist! For more information, go to the link below or the website link in our IG bio. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/

“ADHD is Your Workplace Superpower”
An exciting study on the beneficial traits of employees with ADHD was done by . While often the struggles of people with ADHD are the focus, in reality, there are many beneficial traits of ADHD. These ADHD traits are superpowers and can lead individuals with ADHD to have productive professional lives and benefit any organization they work for. Click the link below or in our IG bio to learn more. . .

https://www.theplumtree.net/adhd-is-your-workplace-superpower/

Optimize Feeding Your Child: From Stress to Success, with !

🙋🏼‍♀️You will understand more about your child’s development and nutritional needs at various stages
✅You will practice strategies to help your child eat veggies
🍽You will know how to build balanced meals your whole family will enjoy
👍🏻You will support your child’s immune system and increase fiber intake for healthy stools
☮️You will understand how to promote a healthy relationship with food for your children–and for the rest of your family
🙅🏼‍♀️And once and for all, you will banish picky eating!

Register at the link below or in our IG bio:
https://feedingyourchild.myabsorb.com/ #/online-courses/938a03a3-9df2-4d43-9e90-4f91fa6c0553 . .

Optimize Your Child’s Intelligence and Social Skills: A Free Presentation by a Pediatric Expert in Intelligence and Personality, Dr. Ann Weller.
*Strategies for Parents of Kids Ages 2-12*

Register at the link below or in our IG bio:
https://www.theplumtree.net/iq-and-eq-registration/ . .

We are excited to announce our second office expansion is complete! We can now accommodate NEW patient therapy appointments without waitlisting. Individual therapy appointments are now available! To make an appointment, click the link below or in our IG bio. We look forward to supporting you and your child.
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https://www.theplumtree.net/schedule-appointment/ . .

Teen Dating Series: Set your standards, and talk to your child about maintaining their personal values when dating. To learn more, read our blog post at the link below or in our IG bio. . .
https://www.theplumtree.net/teen-dating/ . .
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Social Skills for ADHD
(A Five Week Social Skills Group for Kids)

Group Description: ADHD can be a superpower. Kids with ADHD keep things exciting. They’re brave. They know who they are. They are creative, enthusiastic, and fun. But, problems paying attention and/or having too much energy creates problems, socially. This group will teach kids how to “play the game in such a way that kids will ask them to play again.” This includes: how to take turns, how to notice when self’s behavior doesn’t fit the situation, and how to calm the body and mind. Learning this in a group format is super helpful. RESEARCH IS CLEAR; THE BEST INITIAL AND ONGOING TREATMENT FOR CHILDHOOD ADHD IS SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING.

Goals: Increase self-awareness. Comprehend how the self affects other people. Cope with extra energy. Effectively communicate wants/needs. Show respect to others and self.

Is This Group For Your Child?: All genders welcome. Must be 8-11 years old. Must have ADHD symptoms or ADHD diagnosis. Must have a current therapist or doctor at Plum Tree Psychology.

Sorry, You Can’t Attend If: They have been psychiatrically hospitalized, expelled/suspended from school, or acted on suicidal or aggressive impulses in the past three months (since June 2023).

The information you provide is confidential and solely for preparation and screening purposes. . .

Sign up at the link below or in our IG Bio.
https://www.theplumtree.net/social-skills-for-adhd/ . .