Mary Determan MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Breathing Techniques

Teaching kids mindful breathing exercises goes beyond just calming the mind, it equips them with the power of emotional regulation. These techniques enhance focus, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. By incorporating simple and fun breathing exercises into their daily routine, children can build a foundation for better emotional health, improved concentration, and …

Breathing Techniques Read More »

Types of Child Therapy

Understanding what type of therapy is best for your child can be overwhelming. This comprehensible infographic breaks down 6 common modalities used by child therapists: play therapy, family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Once you understand what might be the best …

Types of Child Therapy Read More »

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 …

Pathological Demand Avoidance Read More »

mother, child, together-6997830.jpg

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 …

Children’s Emotional Awareness and the Role of Parents Read More »

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 …

Disaster Activity Book for Kids – Free Download Read More »

hands, friendship, friends-2847508.jpg

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 …

The 5 stages of children’s friendships Read More »

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 …

What is Digital Play Therapy? Read More »

girl, english, dictionary-2771936.jpg

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 …

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