June 15, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Play Therapy
Teens benefit from play therapy because it allows them to deal with issues in a less threatening way. Typical “talk therapy,” can be boring or too intrusive for many teens. In play therapy, teens are able to explore feelings through music, art, dance, sand tray, imaginary play, etc. They get the opportunity to use their […]
Read more
Parent Guide to the Mysterious Teenager
July 7, 2017 / by JMCR Admin / Parenting Tips, Teens
The teenage years can be mystifying for parents. New research offers explanations for some of these mysteries. Once seen as a time for parents to step back, adolescence is increasingly viewed as an opportunity to be tuned in and emotionally connected. Research makes it possible to identify four important phases in the development of intellectual, […]
Read more
Music Was the Bridge that Allowed Him to Be Seen.
May 8, 2017 / by JMCR Admin / Teens, Thinking Errors
After I lost my son, it seems that my thoughts often centered around what I did right and what I would give anything in the world to do different. I have discovered over the last two years that a great deal of pain lies in the “should have’s” so I avoid them as much as […]
Read more
The Journey of The Heroic Parent
March 17, 2016 / by Dobson Paul / Parenting Tips, Teens
A couple of months ago, James Mason Centers for Recovery hosted an evening with Dr. Brad Reedy, author of “The Journey of The Heroic Parent: Your Child’s Struggle & The Road Home.” Our families enjoyed a catered dinner and shared the evening with other parents in the community. Dr. Reedy brilliantly shared his philosophies, tools […]
Read more
Back to School Thinking Errors
October 9, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Education, Teens, Thinking Errors
This time of year brings with it some very unique and interesting challenges for many school-aged children. Adolescents especially, are prone to finding themselves navigating through a proverbial mine-field of troubling thoughts and situations that can feel all but impossible to overcome. Once the newness of the outfits has faded and the excitement from seeing […]
Read more
Happy Birthday James!
August 25, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Parenting Tips
Happy Birthday Sweet James… Twenty four years ago today, you entered my life, a beautiful baby boy that would teach me a new definition of love. James, there was something about your pure innocence that caused me to spend many years experiencing what I came to know as an ache in my heart every time […]
Read more
Am I Making It Worse? – How our punishments are creating our problems
July 25, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Parenting Tips
How well are your current discipline techniques working? Do you find yourself using the same ‘tried and tested’ methods time and time again, expecting different results? Believe it or not, there is a reason those outdated punishments, consequences and restrictions aren’t getting you the results you think they should. Ross Greene is introducing a new […]
Read more
Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong
July 14, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Parenting Tips
When working with Adolescents, it is so important to remember that the behavior is only a symptom of the problem. Teens, like adults, yearn for connection. When they are making healthy connections, they are thriving…conversely, when they are cut off from community and bonding, they reach out in unhealthy and destructive ways. Johann makes a […]
Read more
Why Does My Teenager Hate me?
July 11, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Teens
How to Ruin Your Relationship With Your Teenager by Michelle Lehnardt One evening my sons came home with the same exclamation, “It’s amazing how many kids hate their parents!” We talked for an hour or so about why, and I’ve interviewed several teenagers over the last few months for further clarity. The good news: most […]
Read more
6 Easy steps to better communication with your teen
July 2, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Parenting Tips
Healthy communication is a worthy goal to aspire to in any relationship. Whether it is between friends, colleagues, spouses, or parents, we all strive to understand and to be understood. It isn’t until we have a breakdown in communication that we come to realize just how vital clear connections are to our sense of well-being. […]
Read more
Play Therapy for Teens
June 15, 2015 / by Dobson Paul / Play Therapy
Teens benefit from play therapy because it allows them to deal with issues in a less threatening way. Typical “talk therapy,” can be boring or too intrusive for many teens. In play therapy, teens are able to explore feelings through music, art, dance, sand tray, imaginary play, etc. They get the opportunity to use their […]
Read more