We’ve all experienced the student who hides inside his hoodie in class and ignores the lesson. It’s easy to assume that this student is disrespecting us and to react with anger. But in reality, this common classroom behavior is not about us at all. The student is overwhelmed with a negative emotion and is trying […]
Art Therapy Improves Mental Health & Behavior at School
For schools looking to support students’ emotional wellbeing and improve classroom behavior, art therapy can be an effective intervention for students of all ages. Here’s a primer on art therapy for mental health, how it works in schools, the benefits you can expect, and how to get started bringing the practice to your school or […]
Reducing Out-of-District Placement: A Guide for Educators
Is your school district spending a fortune on out-of-district placement? In many parts of the country, the cost of tuition plus transportation is $150,000+ per student. This staggering expense is particularly painful because it’s a large piece of the budget supporting a very small percentage of the student population. The worst part is, expensive out-of-district […]
The Magic of Play Therapy for Children & Teens
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach to mental health therapy that helps children and teens (and even adults) to heal, build self-confidence, and better understand the world around them. Play therapy is an intervention that’s often misunderstood. Many assume it’s “just playing.” And sometimes that is exactly what we’re doing, but playing can make amazing […]
Unpack the Emotional Backpack to Improve Mental Health at School
Our “emotional backpack” holds all sorts of feelings, beliefs, and experiences that impact our mental health at school and capacity to function effectively. Here’s how school staff can manage their own backpack, as well as support students who are so overloaded that they struggle to learn. Students and Staff Carry Emotional Baggage That Hinders Learning […]
Why You Need a Clinician Instead of a School Mental Health Counselor
Every school district is feeling the pain of soaring student mental health issues: declining academic performance, disruptive classroom behavior, and an enormous burden on school staff. Some districts are trying to solve the problem by placing more social workers as mental health counselors in schools. Unfortunately, that isn’t likely to help. A licensed clinician can […]