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How to Respond to the Growing Mental Health Crisis in Schools
According to both the American Psychological Association and the Center for Disease Control, there is an overwhelming demand for psychological services for school-age children.
This translates into millions of children with severe underlying issues that stem from many sources, not the least of which is the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
Many initiatives are underway to send more mental health professionals into our educational institutions. As someone who has worked in the field for many years, I know that there are not enough of them to meet the need.
School-based mental health specialists (psychologists, social workers, counselors, SEL coordinators) have traditionally been called on to provide services and consultation for all students. They and the classroom teachers are the first service responders students and parents encounter when difficulties arise. They are uniquely positioned to effect change and make a difference in mental health and wellness. This can only...
How Rudolph Became Psychologically Flexible and Saved the Day
My all time favorite holiday story is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The best rendition is the 1965 stop motion animated TV special. It is still going strong and shows us what we need to know to be psychologically flexible.
Rudolph of course is the young reindeer with the shiny nose. He wants to be like the other reindeer but his shiny red nose appears to be getting in the way of things. So what happens? His parents try to cover it up so he can fit in . It doesn’t work and the herd is not kind. Even Santa does not want to stamp his ticket.
It doesn’t get much worse than being rejected by the herd, Rudolph sets off on a journey. He is joined by Hermey, an aspiring dentist trapped in an elf’s body. They form a shared purpose and Hermey declares , “Let’s be independent together!”. They are two outliers out on an adventure, both realizing they want to be who they are. They go on a hero’s quest, meet up with prospector Yukon Cornelius, tangle with the abominable snowman, and end u...
