La Jolla Therapy Center

Shout out to my mom, I would not be a child/teen therapist in without her. I think she deserves her own office at now because of it 😊

🌙 Is your child struggling with anxiety at bedtime?

You’re not alone! 25-30% of kids struggle with increased anxiety around night time. This can be particularly tough for kiddos with separation anxiety disorder, but even kids without a clinical diagnosis may experience increased worries at night.

With a few simple strategies, you can help your child feel safe and secure. Swipe through for tips to create a calming bedtime routine and support your little one in overcoming their nighttime fears.

Remember, patience and consistency are key!

👉 Have you tried any of these strategies? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s support each other in helping our kids find peace at bedtime.

Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below to learn about her early training as a therapist, developing resiliency, and choosing her career 👩‍🎓

You can read the whole article here:
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-kelly-mccullough/

Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below for her journey (and struggles! yes, lots of struggles!) starting 🏢

You can read the whole article here: https://sdvoyager.com/?post_type=interview&p=279388

Teaching mindfulness to children is like showing them a superpower for managing big feelings 🦸‍♀️

And it is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1️⃣ Encourage kiddos to practice by sitting side by side and learning it together. Unplug from your phone and stay focused.

2️⃣ Model using the skill yourself independently when you are in stressful situations. Talk aloud while you do it. You may feel silly, but your child is watching you more than you realize!

3️⃣ Offer your child rewards for practicing these mindfulness skills to manage tough feelings.

As they practice, remind them that they can use these mindfulness superhero powers anytime they need to feel calm and in control. With a little practice, they'll be mastering this skill like true superheroes!

Comment below ⬇️ to let me know which skill is your favorite, and double tap this post ❤️ if you would like to see more content like this!

Coping skills are fine and dandy and all, but won't help anyone if your child or teen doesn't ACTUALLY use them 🤨

Parents, you are my biggest ally in helping children and teens incorporate coping skills into a consistent part of their daily lives. Monkey see, monkey do!

See my 3 easy steps below:



1️⃣ Encourage kiddos to practice by sitting side by side and learning it together. Unplug from your phone and stay focused.



2️⃣ Model using the skill yourself independently when you are in stressful situations. Talk aloud while you do it. You may feel silly, but your child is watching you more than you realize!



3️⃣ Offer your child rewards for practicing these mindfulness skills to manage tough feelings.

 Be sure to offer lots of labeled praise (especially for the young kiddos) when you notice them practicing.

As your child or teen practices, remind them that they can use these superhero powers anytime they need to feel calm and in control. With a little practice, they'll be mastering this skill in no time.

What issues do you face trying to get your child or teen to practice coping skills? Comment below ⬇️ to let me know what keeps getting in the way, and double tap this post ❤️ if you would like to see more content like this!



Check it out! Our very own is back in print!

Well, digital print that is 💻

Read her whole story below for her thoughts on self-care, how she started , and what it takes to be successful in today's modern world 🌏

You can read the whole article here: https://boldjourney.com/meet-kelly-mccullough/

INSTAGRAM please help! I love my headshots so much I can’t decide between them! Please vote by writing the # of your favorite headshot in the comments below! ⬇️

I could not be happier with how they turned out. Giant thank you to for helping with my new headshots! They totally nailed the look I was going for, and not going to lie, I even had fun on the day of the shoot. Thank you! 🙏🏻

Nothing is worse than seeing our upset child, but NOT knowing what to do or say. And then also feeling paralyzed because we are afraid of saying the WRONG thing 🚫

Parents, we have all been there. Yes, I've been there too 🙋‍♀️

The most important thing to say is to both validate the child's feeling ("I see you're scared"), while also expressing confidence in their ability to do the scary thing ("and I know you can do this") 💪

You can also model and prompt your child to practice coping skills. It works better if you turn it into a game, and if you do it with them. Follow me to learn more about how to turn coping skills into games with kids 😀

Parents, you play a huge role in helping your child or teen learn how to self-regulate and cope with anxious thoughts. You got this 🙌

PS: These strategies work with teens too, you may just need to switch up the lingo a bit ("You got this 100 girl, slay!") and the way you teach coping skills.

May is mental health awareness month 🤍

I want to take a moment to appreciate every mental health provider out there who has dedicated their career to supporting others in their mental health journey. Wherever you are in your training (student, intern, practicum student, resident, attending, or licensed clinician), know that you are already making a difference ✨

And I especially want to acknowledge the courage and bravery each and every client demonstrates when you show up week, after week, after week to work on yourself. Thank you for doing the hard work and allowing us the honor to accompany you on your journey 👟

And a special shout out to those of us that fit into both of the above categories 👆🏻 One of my favorite supervisors at my very first internship site noted “we are all wounded warriors.” 💪🏻

Hi! We are finally up and running on Insta! Scan the QR code below to follow us and stay in touch with La Jolla Therapy Center 😄

Behind the scenes at CICAMH 2024!

1️⃣ Hit up registration

2️⃣ Moderated Abi Weissman’s incredible presentation on working with LGBTQ youth and families

3️⃣ Prep for my presentation on providing telehealth to young kiddos

4️⃣ Chit chat with colleagues and friends! Hats off to .carriejackson for another successful year! Can’t wait for 2025!

(Not pictured: coffee, coffee, and more coffee!)

Morning Mindfulness Tips:

🌳 Take an intentional moment to notice the different shades of greenery the morning sun creates. Use this greenery to ground your morning.

🌳 Allow yourself to breathe deeply while mindfully attending to what is around you.

🌳 Notice any distracting thoughts that may enter your mind, and allow them to pass as leaves fall off the tree.

Hi there, nice to meet you! 🤗 We are a group of based therapists who work with families, adults, and couples 🧑‍🧒‍🧒

Get ready to engage with us in a whole new way. It’s 2024 and La Jolla Therapy Center is finally ready to join you in the digital world 💻

Coming soon to an IG feed near you: tips on self-care, self-realization, and a whole lotta self-love. Shoot us a follow to keep in touch and see what we have in store for you 🎥

CICAMH 2024 success! Honored to speak on increasing engagement with young kiddos (as young as 5!) via telehealth. Already looking forward to 2025 🤩

Pardon our progress; big exciting changes ahead! Get ready to say hello to our new upstairs space. Big reveal pictures coming soon!

🔨👷🔩

Wow! Say Hey San Diego featured us in their list of Best Therapists in La Jolla. Thank you for the shout out! 🎤

"One thing that sets this therapy center apart is its unique blend of evidence-based treatment and connection. They didn't just rely on clinical research; they understood the importance of building a genuine relationship with their clients. It's like they combined science with heartfelt compassion to create a powerful healing experience."

Aw shucks, I couldn't have said it better myself 🥰

Click the link below to read more:

sayheysandiego.com

Thank you, Fusion Academy, for inviting Kelly McCullough to speak on anxiety and resiliency in children and teens 👩‍🏫 So thrilled to see so many parents and educators joining in tonight to learn how to package evidence-based strategies including relaxation training, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring in child/teen friendly formats 👱

Want to learn more but missed the presentation? Message us for the recording 📲

Come join us as Kelly McCullough speaks on how to help your anxious child or teen build resiliency in the face of stressors. All are welcome to attend! 😄

Click the link below to register: https://fusionacademy.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ynSLfLLZSA6kPFagGMYs_A #/registration

State of play: How kids' outdoor playtime is changing In this series, KPBS explores how much time kids in San Diego and Imperial County spend playing freely and what that means for their health.

CICAMH 2024 registration is now open! Join us at the beautiful USD campus (with ocean views!) to learn about critical issues in child and adolescent mental health. Hope to see you there!

https://cicamh.ce-go.com/cicamh2024 #

❄☃🌨