An empty classroom full of desks. There is writing on the chalk board and a map hanging on the wall.

How to Talk to Your Child about School Shootings and Violence

Posted Posted in Anxiety, Children, Kerry Isgur, Parents, Teens, Trauma

High profile acts of violence, especially school shootings, can be frightening and confusing to children. Even well-intentioned safety measures like ‘active shooter drills’ at schools can also amplify intense worries in children who fear their friends or loved ones’ safety.  Step 1: Reassure your child that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. […]

Image of a yellow old style alarm clock with two cups of coffee behind it. Parenting Advise Scotch Plains, NJ, Parenting Help in Scotch Plains, NJ, Parenting Counseling in Scotch Plains, NJ | 07076

Tired of Sleepless Nights? Parenting Advice Can Help

Posted Posted in Adults, Children, Elaine Harrison-Yau, New Moms, Parents

Tips to help your child sleep through the night. We’ve all been there as parents; bedtime comes and the nighttime routine is complete. You slowly make your way out of the dimly lit room and just when the door is almost closed you  hear it. “MAMA/DADA!” Your heart sinks and the pattern starts: “I need […]

Three girls horses in a field. All three girls are wearing black riding boots, white pants, collared shirts and black riding helmets. The horses are brown and white.

4 Ways Equestrian Coaches Can Prevent Bullying

Posted Posted in Children, Equestrian Mental Health, Lisa Weiss, Parents

The words “you are now being judged” echo over the loudspeaker and all eyes are on your rider. You’ve worked tirelessly to get them where they are today. You’re there to cheer them on no matter what happens in the arena. You’re there supporting them alongside their parents/guardians. Is the rest of the team showing […]

Dog hiking with owner in the forest. Grief counseling nj can help you cope with pet loss and grief in scotch plains nj here.

Why Pet Loss Is So Painful: How You Can Help Yourself and Those You Love.

Posted Posted in Adults, Children, Elaine Harrison-Yau, Grief, Parents, Teens

Let me introduce you to Jess* and Bosco… Jess was 12 years old when she got her beautiful pet rabbit, whom she named Bosco. To her, Bosco was perfect with his gorgeous black fur and little twitching white nose. Jess would spend time snuggling and playing with her rabbit. She loved him very much. However, […]

A group of kids huddle in a circle as they smile at one another. Contact a child therapist in Scotch Plains, NJ for support with child therapy for anxiety, EMDR therapy for children, and more!

Four Reasons Why Your Child’s Therapist Wants To Meet With You

Posted Posted in Children, Kerry Isgur, Parents

When elementary school-aged children begin child therapy, many parents wonder how involved they will be or should be in their child’s treatment. Here at Brave Minds, you can expect your child therapist to build a relationship with you and communicate with you directly. There are several reasons for this. 1. Child Therapists can Provide Validation […]

school age girl looks out the window and seems happy representing the peace kids can feel after EMDR for children in Scotch Planes, NJ with a teen therapist

EMDR for Kids: How a New Jersey Therapist Uses EMDR in Child Therapy

Posted 5 CommentsPosted in Children, EMDR, Fawn McNeil-Haber, Trauma

Last month, we discussed a valuable therapeutic tool used at our Scotch Plains, NJ counseling clinic, EMDR. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and it can be used to help clients of all ages, even children! In fact, EMDR is especially great for children because it requires less talking and is a relatively quick therapeutic […]