Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Uncovering Happiness

Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
In seven simple steps, Uncovering Happiness uses cutting-edge mindfulness and self-
compassion techniques along with innovations in neuroscience to release natural antidepressants in the brain. Dr. Goldstein shows people how to take back control of the mind, mood, and life. One of my take aways from the book was a one minute mindfulness exercise: Just BE. BE stands for Breathe and Expand. Just take a minute to take a few deep breaths and expand attention throughout the body feeling it as it is in the moment.  Dr. Goldstein recommends posting signs in the environment that say "Just BE" as a reminder to practice.  This is the sign hanging in my counseling office.  I try to take a minute between sessions as a self-care strategy to avoid compassion fatigue. Another neat idea in the book is to take self-compassion breaks to allow understanding and self-love to build acceptance.  The trigger suggested for this is simply putting your hand on your heart.  I highly recommend this book for all counselors.


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Virginia 2015 Elementary School Counselor of the Year

I learned over the weekend that I have been selected the 2015 Elementary School Counselor of the Year by VSCA.  Our school psychologist made this sign for my office door this morning. I am deeply honored.  My students want to know if I get a medal and how much money... I am very thankful to all of those who supported by nomination.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Resources for Teasing, Name-Calling & Bullying

These 4 books could serve as the basis of bullying and name calling education in grades 2-4.  Free Spirit Publishing has free  /leaders-guide-to-nobody  and a-leaders-guide-to-the-weird-series/ They really teach kids the power of words like "weird" and "nobody." They could also be used for Unity Day Wednesday, October 21 or No Name-Calling Week January 18-22, 2016.

Friday, May 8, 2015

I Wish You More

This is another terrific resource for counselors by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld.The book was just published in 2015.  It is a perfect book to read the final session of a small group and then do an activity where members wish one another well.  I am also using to wish students well that are being moved to a new school to relieve overcrowding at my school in June. 

Monday, May 4, 2015

May is Mental Health Month

This is the bulletin board hanging outside my offfice this month to highlight mental health awareness. NAMI has lots of good ideas and facts to raise awareness nami.org/Get-Involved/Raise-Awareness Several staff and parents have told me they don't feel comfortable with this board but I say that means it is doing its job to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Our state, Virginia, has a big campaign for awareness about mental illness in young people. This site aslos has good resources for school counselors http://1in5kids.org/