Mary Determan MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Pathological Demand Avoidance

As I start my journey to understand PDA and how it impacts my clients, I have found some wonderful resources to help others: First I found a workshop (see link) https://courses.jentaylorplaytherapy.com/courses/pathological-demand-avoidance-play-therapy called Pathological Demand Avoidance and Play Therapy (4 Hours) 4 APT Non-Contact Credits from The Treehouse, APT Approved Provider 21-65. I found the information …

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Children’s Emotional Awareness and the Role of Parents

The important role of the parent As a parent, you wear many hats in caring for and nurturing your child. You may feel you have to ‘be strong’ for them by concealing your own emotions during times of stress. However, you’re one of the most influential role models your child has, and speaking openly about …

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Disaster Activity Book for Kids – Free Download

Too Much Weather is an activity book to help children cope with natural disasters such as hurricanes. Too Much Weather is designed to be completed with a parent, teacher or adult helper/provider. The activities for this book were created by Drs. Anne Stewart and Danielle Budash, both Registered Play Therapist – Supervisors and faculty in the Department of Graduate Psychology …

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The 5 stages of children’s friendships

Based on systematic interviews with children of different ages, psychologist Robert Selman offers a very useful 5-level framework for understanding developmental trends in children’s friendships. Each of these levels is described below. LEVEL 0 Friendship—Momentary Playmates: “I Want It My Way”  (Approximate ages: 3-6 years) Children at this stage view friends as momentary playmates, and …

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What is Digital Play Therapy?

Digital Play TherapyTM is a modality that utilizes highly motivating, immersive activities to incorporate the therapeutic powers of play into the play therapy process to deepen relationships, gain mastery and skill development, psycho-education, mindfulness, decrease anxiety and so much more. Video games may provide an opportunity for exploring important themes in a child’s life, in …

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What kind of 504 Accommodations does your ADHD child need as they return to school?

504 ADHD accommodations Checklist A 504 plan is an individualized document created to help a child gain better access to learning opportunities and environments. Listed in the 504 document are reasonable accommodations or changes that the teacher can make to help your child learn more effectively within the regular classroom setting. Your child may benefit …

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Parents supporting children with anger management issues

Anger management is a learning process that teaches kids how to channel their anger healthily and safely. It teaches kids to identify signs of anger and find ways to calm down and productively take action. Please note that anger management is not denying how you feel. It is not about holding or repressing your anger. Anger …

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