Counseling & Therapy Newsletter November 2020

Counseling & Therapy Newsletter November 2020

Nov 23, 2020

newsletter, Counseling & Therapy

Hello and welcome to FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy’s Monthly Newsletter!

In each issue we will address a different topic surrounding mental health, highlight a treatment perspective from the field, as well as showcase a few of our own clinicians. Our hope is that this newsletter helps to raise awareness, begins conversations around tough topics, and instills hope.
 
 

As a result of COVID-19, FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy sessions are being done using tele-health video calls. To set-up an appointment please call 651-439-4840 or visit FamilyMeans.org. Click here to see COVID-19 updates.

 
Erin Rowlson 2020

Reflections from FamilyMeans Clinical Director
as we Near the Holiday Season with Covid-19

As I was deciding what to write for this month’s newsletter, all I could think about was the gratitude I have for so many people and things. This year has been the most challenging in every aspect imaginable. Our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health have been tested like never before. Yet I still find many things to be grateful for in my life.

My work as a clinical therapist has shown me that gratitude is powerful, and that expressing this thankfulness is important, now, more than ever before.

To all of our clients: thank you for entrusting your stories of struggle and perseverance with us. As clinicians we are honored to be a part of your journey, and to hold those struggles for and with you. Therapy is difficult. You have to be vulnerable, raw, and real with what you are working on. To all of you who ‘show up’ to do the difficult work I applaud you and support you. I am humbled every day to know how strong you truly are.

To the FamilyMeans clinical staff: thank you for supporting our clients through their challenges, and doing so with such compassion, empathy, and warmth. A lot is asked of you. This year has proved to be a challenge beyond challenges for you as you’ve had to process multiple events and circumstances beyond our control while also staying present and empathic with your clients. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, with your clients and for our agency.

To our support staff: thank you for all the tireless hours of support you provide to our clients and staff. You make everything a bit easier for all of us. There have been many changes and new things to learn throughout the year but you’ve met those changes and continued to provide great support for all.

To the larger FamilyMeans family, colleagues, and board members: thank you for standing by the Counseling & Therapy team to ensure that individuals and families in our community receive the mental health support they need. It is an honor to call FamilyMeans my place of employment and to know all the meaningful work being provided to our community by all of our programs.

Even though we may have to gather differently this Thanksgiving season, I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on what you can be grateful for in your life. Share your gratitude with others. It is powerful, and helps to support your mental health. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Erin Rowlson
FamilyMeans Clinical Director

 
Gratitude Quote

Simple and Fun Gratitude Activities

As we get ready for Thanksgiving, there are many activities to inspire gratitude.
Below you will find a few examples you can do either on your own or with your family.

  • Daily thankfulness practice: each night at dinner, have each person share one thing they are grateful for from that day.
     
  • Thank you cards: write a few hand written thank you cards to those who are near and dear to express something about them for which you are thankful.
     
  • Give back: as you think of things you are thankful for, and if able, give some of those things to others who may not be as fortunate. Example: thankful for food – make a meal for someone who can’t cook right now.
     
  • Gratitude scavenger hunt for kids: A great way to get your kids moving and thinking about things they are thankful for. Click here for printable guide.
     
  • Daily gratitude journal: Spend time each day reflecting on what you are grateful for, writing them down helps! Click here for printable prompts.
 

FamilyMeans Clinician Spotlight

 
 
Kari Kelcher 2020
 

Kari Kelcher, LMFT
School-Based Therapist

Kari is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving Stillwater schools. She often works individually with students to address a variety of concerns, integrating support for families and schools as needed. Kari has spent eight years providing mental health services, most often to children and adolescents. Kari hopes that in working with youth, mental health care is destigmatized for individuals and their families.  She is passionate about working with youth as therapy for children and adolescents can help shape their trajectory and encourage healthy coping patterns from their early years throughout adulthood.

 

 
 
Diane Cragoe 2020

Diane Cragoe, LMFT
School-Based Clinical Supervisor

Diane is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Most of her 20+ year career has been spent working with youth and their families through school-based therapy programs.  Diane works from a collaborative, strengths-based approach; assisting and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives.  She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.

Diane is the School-Based Therapy program supervisor and provides direct services at the Hudson Middle School.  She is also the coordinator of FamilyMeans’ Employee Assistance Program (EAP).