An important distinction in the world of treatment is the question of therapy vs therapist: which one works? The simple answer: Both are important. First, let’s talk therapy. As I have said many times over, not all therapy is the same — and not all therapy is treatment. Some therapy simply feels good and look better. Take facials. Many will tell you that facials are treatment, and although they are less thought of in this way vs. physical therapy — you might call facials useful treatment.

That said, one therapy for mental health is said to be most effective for most people, and that is cognitive behavioral therapy. However in breaking that down, dialectical behavior therapy or DBT is an further defined approach to cognitive behavioral therapy that helps the individual reconstruct their own impaired behaviors and personalities that effect their relationships with others and themselves. EMDR is an adjunct therapy, and not necessary or useful for everyone. There are actually many types of mental health therapy that exist for trained and licensed therapists.

The truth is that you cannot stop arguments around the two terms therapy and treatment, as these are not protected terms — meaning, ice cream licking is treatment for those with problems extending their tongue — perhaps (tongue-in-cheek).

So, what is important in selecting a therapist? Consider one most selective variable, that of training in determining the degree of knowledge and experience in working with a qualified therapist to learn the application of therapeutics to the appropriate population. So what does that mean. If your teenage is to go to therapy then, it’s your responsibility to be certain that therapist and their delivery of appropriate therapy is proper. Do you have to do this — really?

No! We are here to help you with this decision by recommending only therapists and coaches either within or outside of programs who fit the bill ; meaning that their approach and choice of treatment is appropriate for the age of the client and their issues. We can also help you decide whether therapy outside of a program (ie., outpatient therapy) is the way to go, or if a program offering specialized therapy is a better choice.

How do we do this? Through assessment by a licensed educational and clinical mental health professional who is _knowledgable in working with at risk behaviors. We recommend only therapists and coaches who meet our criteria for training and experience, and are appropriate for your family member. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help you. Our calling card are the hundreds of families, therapists, coaches, and programs we have used over four decades. Inspired to pursue perfection of providing the most beneficial options available to families in need — we are here for you! 877-571-2524 or choice the little ‘pop up’ to right side and fill in your details.

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Unrest is the operative word in these days of uncertainty. However, one principle is in place: do the right thing for your family, and your family will prosper. That right thing may or may not involve us, but it will be providing the right emotional and physical safe treatment options for a loved one. And your decision will be a concrete investment in that person’s future.

We’ve helped countless individuals throughout decades of service; our calling card is word of mouth. We are licensed and registered around the globe: meaning we bring ‘rest’ to ‘unrest’ in being there for your family. Count on us — we know school / work, treatment, and placement options. Leave your contact details to set up a call.

Years ago I remember my mother and me in the Hilton Cairo hotel when a 3 day ‘unrest’ broke out. No one was to go in or out and of course no one knew how long the unrest would last. Fortunately, it did not last long and life returned to normal.

Not so with COVID. Things will look different for the next decade as we consider the challenges to this virus, but to others that could crop up and the need to stay vigilant. Still the world is not standing still, and life is not over. In uniquely different ways, I believe it will open up with a vengeance in overseas travel.

Each placement is unique. This month, I have had three international placements, between the UAE, Europe, the UK and the US. All involve young people with unique needs that can’t be met in their home country in a meaningful therapeutic way. In putting in hours upon hours of consult, I know the concerns parents are experiencing during this time in thinking “what am I doing sending my child away to a boarding school.”

That’s why I am here to support. In living years overseas where I attended boarding schools myself, I know first hand the challenges and the excitement, and I do believe the schools with whom I’m referring are taking the necessary steps to keep the kids moving forward while keeping them safe.

Schools are operating within a ‘range of normal‘ with classes resuming and learning returning with alterations in such things as sports and activities with other schools. Administration is stepping up safety measures while teachers provide exceptional teaching. It is an excellent time to consider boarding, particularly with developing children who only have this time to meet their developing needs. Let us know of how we can help figure out how to maximize your child’s potential in an academic and therapeutic setting. Email or call today!

If you visit njvu.org and type in top-10-advantages-and-benefits-of-distance-learning you’ll readily witness that New Jersey promotes online learning for college. However, what if you’re a kindergarten student having graduated from a stimulating preschool filled with blocks and activities to now be shown thanks to COVID your next year long education experience: A computer screen. (see side New Yorker image).

The Academy of American Pediatrics is clear that anymore than 2 hours of ‘on screen’ time can be detrimental to kids, and encourage total ‘turn off’ to learning if they are forced more screen time. Experts suggest screen time for kids leads to obesity, moods swings, even speech delays. In the end, it would appear that if all you exercise is eye and hand movement, other areas of development will falter.

Recently, a colleague and I were asked to ‘weigh in’ on ‘virtual’ as a replacement for ‘brick and mortar’ learning for an elementary age youth — you would think an opinion would be a no brainer.

However, when you add COVID-19 to the mix with a school board that amends regularly the rules and regulations in the face of changes in politics and strategy, you have an interesting conundrum — if the opinion is to return to school, how do you keep kids safe in a brick and mortar school to keep it as safe as a ‘virtual’ experience. The AAP provides guidelines as well as does the Association of School Superintendents in keeping kids within small groupings within ‘bubbles’ or ‘pods’ of learners. What other safeties need to be in place? Are you concerned as parents in what the immediate (and long term) future holds in education?

I have my opinion, and I’m interested in hearing yours in the comment section below.