West County Psychological Associates

ARTICLE: “Practical Strategies for Decreasing Children’s Back-to-School Anxiety” by Heather Hanvy, MA, CRC, LPC

Many families are experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions as they prepare for a new school year. In this article, WCPA therapist Heather Hanvy shares practical advice for decreasing back-to-school anxiety.

https://conta.cc/3PWuPDt

The loss of an influential person is painful. As we process our grief, reflections on legacy surface, leading us to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in our own life. In this article, therapist Bryan Duckham shares life lessons from his mentor.
https://conta.cc/3anrq0w

For many families, summer break is hectic as they juggle kids' activities, work, and time for relaxation. Here are 5 tips from therapist Katelyn Siebert to guide parents through a fun and fulfilling summer!
https://conta.cc/3NbtR4B

ARTICLE: “Re-booting: Helping our Children Re-Establish Balance with Technology After the Covid-19 Pandemic”

Our relationships with technology have been challenging for everyone during the pandemic, but this has been especially true for parents. With students learning full time from home or in a “hybrid schedule,” already over-stretched parents had to manage even more of their children’s time while also trying to get their own work done. For many families, this resulted in an increase in the amount of time children were spending in front of screens. Now that we are moving back into more normalcy, many of us are struggling with how to find a more healthy balance. This article by our therapist, Tony Tramelli, addresses this challenge and offers some suggestions. For the full article, click the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to www.wcpastl.com.

Link: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J_E1moe_Hdm7NZXSBQ75uy3ronuMfIBA6FnCbPFiMg85rk8NPLEKIZs0bEN0JL0sYQ2cHVRdAG9TeQjmnWv-5GckKYbJiuA80tOi0JMHxP5QjpnA7M_V2vUbf8by-6fQ_U2oqnN3VCRwu-o4PluhgQ==&c=dEc-tXba2-gz70gCmFT0Ht8UM3pA8jF3UlujWgEkU2M3tPaAwdCC5A==&ch=TdHYgHoEJOr7I4sftK6uDHlCBlQUvlWc32Qk8DSGy_cESiq7j4NU0w==

West County Psychological Associates - West County Psychological Associates West County Psychological Associates is a comprehensive mental health and consulting service provider. We are a unique, experienced group of caring menta...

ARTICLE: “Navigating Difficult Conversations”

In our therapy practice, one of the themes that we see with many clients is a fear of having hard conversations. Why do we fear the opportunity to engage with an individual that has a different point of view from our own? There are many reasons why people fear these conversations, but some examples include a desire to avoid conflict, a fear of looking bad, or concerns around the impact on the relationship. Regardless of why, it’s worth exploring why we leave difficult topics left unsaid. This article, by our therapist Taylor Kennedy, explores this topic and offers some helpful tips to face this challenge. For the full article, click the link below. For a full listing of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link to article:
https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001en57s5ss-Oeci01jvBJ89ol-awBcVYzxcdfgUJEWDu5Vf0MdUs_63vG7OboHy7MtCJZmVvfjiuYbT1cCqp-35qeieEXLPx6-3O71ehD_6sole61t4lBGL-wRhi5SzbuClG_I5ptOlaeUwbI35e7ifQ==&c=t-fb1GNoABseGrhx9mCn1qK_gUt_kCSpGA6YUzxyeq-PWb8PWN4yYg==&ch=EOU1fo1bw3KSF7q6p4S9HMBuxLt1VTruFiRSR-XoqlR_4eB4_THoKw==

ARTICLE: “Add Grief to Your Guest List this Holiday Season”

Our hope and intention is always for the holiday season to be a time of celebration and happiness. We may go through the unavoidable moments of stress, but all in hope and preparation to gather together with loved ones and experience the “Joy of Christmas.” Unfortunately, for some who are grieving, joy may not be at the forefront of their holiday plans. This article by our therapist Katelyn Siebert, addresses this very real issue and shares techniques to help. Click below for the full article. For a full listing of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001iV65IaTAx6Djlr5p0AM9wpk0YmtAVaDvpvRV2ibc7dmnt6G3JS9NXAxGRLR2MRXQyB-UEDs7KTs3Hcj3u_csXzx0Kmbt-ZgXzULudi6MSmBNjISoUkFSjek8dX4nMCIirhqp0HvdYCyKqAcaPNVnlw==&c=kl_gi6adhs7z6nrVDaW3FM8USPf5BjKs5nnlz2U22FNvIL-dPBp1ig==&ch=_yq6Amz5CFE5MamfEWF4I4Sr_Po3cTVl5rxMKLStOjK3B3nAheFe3g==

ARTICLE: “Re-Booting: Re-establishing Balance with Technology”

This past year and a half has affected so many aspects of life, but one of the aspects that has been largely impacted is our relationship with technology. For a variety of reasons, we found ourselves using technology far more than we were pre-pandemic…we were learning online, working, engaging with friends and family, and celebrating holidays, all online. Though this increased use was necessary and even healthy, it resulted in an overdependence on technology for many families. This article by our therapist, Tony Tramelli, discusses ways we can begin to adjust and find balance with our technology, now that things are returning to a more normal state. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001C5Ogr15GV5lM3K6lKPLT7Bux7L1B2xT7NIOUoELC20afvfFhbGhP1wu0QokDIlYfxd6U3OvMBiNyiPVtYBT-yQQRBbaGBYTZzVh9q_oBoan9NmhTnxfw2U-Kz4Ttkjo8JgYPfVWlm4ncrDBB03eHYA==&c=qgiMOmT4buhnWqiTXGWR3c0qqmbPV-3g8ceVsEaAMDO_VH8va_FN8w==&ch=OAvLJguNXxJbJIrL7xcTQ8bl_BQMYsbk5G-iRTUyxf0WLCFRoEEr7A==

West County Psychological Associates - West County Psychological Associates West County Psychological Associates is a comprehensive mental health and consulting service provider. We are a unique, experienced group of caring menta...

ARTICLE: “Good Grief!”

Living through the pandemic has brought on a myriad of emotions, but one thing that most of us have experienced - on some level - is grief. This article, by our therapist Amy Neu, delves into the complicated grieving process and provides wonderful insight into how we grieve. For the full article, click on the article below. For a full list of our articles, please go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001fNZyG0FvxeZ-7cd8Yuo8L650wMrSlx9adQbhi1mwVUAwWHXn7pJ54e9jsRrKdph2u3dkHZqqg-kBFqdRmMZOQvz1wyTGvaH52LhuP3gG75tjvLOJ4bWK_PvtR1VfhS4KQSFmv_2sa_GJ6XX_hKkJzw==&c=R5VkvamX00wok9c0oZQrN3PuexbRbAanjTWSzFdX8YFrUdbEPA5jqw==&ch=HPEXEFR8yaO4aTsY3KOqOUzcs6SikhzlE2kw32TzyFKpg56qydUouA==

West County Psychological Associates - West County Psychological Associates West County Psychological Associates is a comprehensive mental health and consulting service provider. We are a unique, experienced group of caring menta...

ARTICLE “Stress During a Constantly Changing Social Climate”

Let’s be honest, life has changed significantly since the start of COVID-19. The average American’s fast pace of life was forced to slow down. Settling into a slower, more private, way of life became a shield against the extreme stress, change and anxiety all around us. But now, as communities are transitioning back to a busier pace of life, many are finding that they are apprehensive to go back to their old pace. This article by our therapist, Taylor Kennedy, addresses this issue. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full listing of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001iPTU2C8-m9c_GampzXcYgOvVsh38fGiCh-g-P9NVLJj8wDe0avI6WDFEjPxqVOrDW7OQnSnv6rjgJhD_r8TlOsiwHGkjWZ_gfjqR7qojEt9ze6uXV0bDeopCS-nAeI8P8SVnQeg2gHr3CxsnjMsMHg==&c=JtDYjmjyJs6YWLiUsw05fMcA9m0dPPkxXmQhUoGflYn60JEwCECE7g==&ch=TNXNu66BUkUoi6Qw6IX0ygoZfI_8MS553uCoD9VCD74r7AursKaJXA==

West County Psychological Associates - West County Psychological Associates West County Psychological Associates is a comprehensive mental health and consulting service provider. We are a unique, experienced group of caring menta...

Check out this article by one of our therapists, Cari McKnight, on the crisis of perfectionism in our teens. Something has changed dramatically over the past several years, and it’s gotten out of hand. Increasingly, teens are showing up to therapy, paralyzed by the pressures and stress that they are facing. This article addresses this issue, and talks about what we can do to help our youth. Click link below to read full article, and feel free to share! To see our full list of articles, please go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

https://conta.cc/2rVDj7S

West County Psychological Associates - West County Psychological Associates West County Psychological Associates is a comprehensive mental health and consulting service provider. We are a unique, experienced group of caring menta...

ARTICLE: “Olympians Have Their Limits, Too”

Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast, has been all over the news recently for displaying mental toughness in a way that isn’t often associated with athletes of her standing. Simone is known for shattering expectations and is a role model to all, young and old. She pushes limits and encourages us to put in hard work, believe in ourselves, and join together as a team. Which is why she likely shocked us all when she announced she would be withdrawing from several events to focus on her mental health.
This article by our therapist, Jacqueline Siempelkamp, discusses this issue in an even broader context - prioritizing our mental health, no matter the setting. For the full article, click the link below. For a full listing of all of our articles, please go to www.wcpastl.com.

Link to article: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bxRuhGcqkUPXMJmGCThs5o25gqbeUEdqCJUYKgWYrlTILzkTPYYXzvunfbmlZQpvwBeBSuQ1ixjcogPFMnU4rVHrP1bDeZomrzXkFSjmyw7a4Sw8ooFAlx_KDTJGegqtmaM5O5zbiiJFJ1xC8xdqlw==&c=AsqfdO2qucz-oSjwa6JgDfwitAjhsXe1BHYhxUBZQBhY55cBKuJh9w==&ch=-zi6rxEcBoC2RBjLuVs9GAaDJv9gkQ6dQdKntxui07sGOR5Ha7MBeA==

ARTICLE: “Supporting our College Students’ Mental Health”

College is an enormous transition for young adults. This season in life brings excitement, change, and hope; but it can also bring uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. This population is at risk for real mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and even su***de. College students have a lot on their plates — it’s important for us to put ourselves in their shoes and understand all they’ve got going on. This article by our therapist, Jacqueline Siempelkamp, discusses ways that we can help. Click on the link below for the full article. For a full listing of all of our articles, please visit our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Supporting-Our-College-Students--Mental-Health.html?soid=1105032251307&aid=acdVZhiE0p8

Wanted to share a CEU opportunity.
Legal involvement can be scary for therapists. This training will take the fear out of subpoenas, depositions, working with GAL’s and other aspects of court involvement. Please feel free to share.

Reducing Fear of Court Obligations: Seminar for Mental Health Providers Reducing Fear of Court Obligations: Seminar for Mental Health Professionals Live webinar: August 6, 2021 and August 9, 2021 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. both days A rec

ARTICLE: “Understanding Children’s Motivation”

Though we are moving away from many of the challenges of the pandemic, this past year of online school and independent study has forced us to take a harder look at what motivates our children. This article, by our director Dr. Mary Fitzgibbons, delves into this extremely relevant issue of why some kids really struggle with motivation, as well as how we can help create internal motivation. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full listing of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

https://conta.cc/3bxfcj4

WCPA is offering a group for adults who are trying to navigate life with anxiety and depression. Please pass this along to anyone you think this may be helpful for.

Depression & Anxiety Support for Adults At West County Psychological Associates Monday, July 12, 2021 at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time

ARTICLE: “ Misshapen Perception: Changing Unhealthy Body Image”

Body image can be a sensitive topic for many people—plenty of men and women can remember feeling insecure about their bodies starting at a young age. In 2018, 79% of Americans reported feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their bodies at times. This is a real issue and it can be tough to shake. This article, by our therapist Jacqueline Siempelkamp, discusses some new ways of thinking that can be very helpful when dealing with body image concerns. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vdtTozzclYIBWK3qX9SfJEtwfbH41BxuWGGm7ROqreaTGPb0eIgO7ofo1qr3sjusLME9U1KLkIs7tvqU6_o7GZ8WuBDqhn0QyfzKCeYr6mEQWnVyHGTMUvSYsH7nKisSu7_2vUJajJ8akI1aKl9xHg==&c=IuxZ5S2sPzer3t9_4DL18a_vOn8AGStbO0S3QbqQCa6NtokETBPY6w==&ch=XYZjhfkGWmHw8qM2l1oCUcKJpQj3NmDBZ8OIWXlDupYgxV9Mcv9y5Q==

ARTICLE: “Boosting a Child’s Self-Esteem: Helpful Tips across Age Groups”

Positive self-esteem has a powerful influence on mental health. It can help us seek healthy relationships, boost self-confidence, and feel secure in our abilities to make decisions. On the flip side, having poor self-esteem can contribute to having problems with addiction, depression, and anxiety. This article, by our therapist Jacqueline Siempelkamp, discusses ways that we can boost our children’s self esteem and give them a good foundation. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full listing of our articles, please go to www.wcpastl.com. Feel free to share!

Link: https://conta.cc/39rTXhr

ARTICLE: “Shame and Aging”

Shame is too often intertwined with aging in our culture. On TV, we hear taglines such as, “Growing old is optional” and, “You can reverse the aging process,” which lead us to believe that our naturally aging bodies are vessels to be fought against. The underlying message is clear: If you just try hard enough, you can remain healthy and youthful. As a culture, we are enticed by this idea. However, many older adults internalize this message and assume that its counterpart must also be true: Those who age and decline in health must not be trying hard enough. This article, by our therapist Amy Neu, explores the feelings of shame that many of our loved ones feel, as well as ways to help overcome these shameful feelings. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017DM9Gkp_2Mg5R3BNB_aJC8zgdI8Bbu6BvElAdYbca4ejQo08Jnn_8RUBbn8OBa8HhqYaZBDgSUGVhWXmZ4tf6V7mK3NR280cRxNjud1El-lsASzA37fSHMlnEWZ3X0VfjwtWh887W6vqufQXHVXfPQ==&c=CCmVGO9HD08-nyZ1XErka6PNkcp9r5UBSeZYetBDjmINvgq9hLA8Yw==&ch=fo--Mmt1Q1j5QovUTJVs8fjElIG52KkOBqkQMnjWoVfEcmA0x1J9hQ==

ARTICLE: “When Life Throws Us a Curveball: Redefining Ourselves Through Unexpected Life Transitions”

There are times in every person’s life where one is faced with transitioning into a new phase of their journey. For some, these are planned or natural transitions such as school, marriage, children, career advancements, etc. However, there are also many times when we are forced to face unforeseen, unplanned, and often difficult, life changes. This article, by our therapist Katelyn Schaefer, discusses how these transitions can impact us, and also talks about ways to cope with the stressors that these transitions bring. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NYDrR3rZttajh2w_DtP7e7blhkhJVMSDQmCJoEBP5tSkraeHVobWGCV2RKE2sqfj86MovcHnwa3_a_I2Kmxh7pcnE8QQJnxeZ0acorg4hoQJ7BeZ84akUBYqpINOV0AWz2UT-wD14O59RCRdxplv-g==&c=w8nJ11SUju0KkFIJT78-gHmVstoulHEdOT42zFxgef34Asd4WqIUXA==&ch=lyowdwK1BNz_D5hWpJj4ICtMeik2yObH-rS4KA6hTJJr8eWg3MGPLQ==

ARTICLE: “Considering Depression Through a Relational and Spiritual Lens”

As a society, we often have a narrow understanding of depression. Viewing depression through only a biological/medical or faulty-thinking lens can eclipse other important ways of understanding and treating depression. This article, by our therapist Bryan Duckham, explores the complexity of depression and offers some interesting perspectives. To read the full article, click on the link below. For a full listing of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gGJ34fM2TvZtvD17iZtqm84VXpqv03lw_x0vEylXa13-Cmu9bFU4yT5MwSCW2Oi-dv3ey5lv43xT08NPlb_FbokwiL5xXQ6NZWUhuTwPFXl4ZmEqFPB0ApsnBfwHzQ8wShGi0nJ5hiCMCBthkWZs-Q==&c=W-9A5DOJO4-XbzG7KZd5p3k2___pKYuX9-RX2GfqR2DK4fsSg5mNyA==&ch=62O2VjfiBRtk6QYhxIVzAR8A35qUlwXoPqDjk56RYUW4sOmm4g3yTQ==

ARTICLE: “Preventing Youth Su***de: How to Protect the Kids You Love in the Age of Covid”

Rising su***de rates among American youth are nothing new, and the climb in these numbers didn’t start with Covid-19. For adolescents and young adults, death by su***de is now the second leading cause of death, exceeded only by accidents. This article, by our clinician Amy Maus, delves into this issue, and discusses ways we can help prevent youth su***de. Click on the link below for the full article. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001emkQMK49wxYoAA3KM-NBXb6QDMbPsZrGi7SXe5dSnVQg22Foh6u2ahCQQEReHsrx56k2wTyWK78kUc-RnJFNcZT9o3nk-_dJTHMxqzZY8O2XURgVeMjNxdTk5viplNhlakyh3G2dI8_yszjm56c9Tg==&c=uFt_q8jA77yVdUWsU2JYTXvdbiccA-ZyJ8F0X0SYl5CXkDcAY_znOA==&ch=FYjjDk4DFbeLNQx0OQD0PWjNbkdniF8SoU0OzHhghWDByCojd0o1JA==

ARTICLE: “You Are So OCD!”

People get accused of “being OCD” if they are overly clean or excessively cautious when it comes to safety. But it’s not a personality description – OCD is a serious mental health issue. Without proper treatment, OCD can be debilitating and drastically decrease one’s ability to be happy. This article, by our therapist Angela Cook, helps to shed some light on what OCD actually is, to help break down the stigma, so that sufferers will be more willing to reach out for the help they need and begin their journey to more peaceful times. For the full article, click on the link below. For a full list of our articles, go to our website at www.wcpastl.com.

Link to article: https://conta.cc/3rjWAt6