Are mental health interventions helpful for all children? What are the benefits of putting your kids in pediatric counseling services? Children’s therapy could be vital for patients going through developmental crises, and one technique incorporated is scrapbooking. Why would having scrapbooking skills be relevant in pediatric counseling?

Therapeutic Scrapbooking For Pediatric Counseling

Aside from parent-child interaction therapy, narrative counseling is considered a type of pediatric counseling.

Narrative counseling is created to help children or pediatric patients identify skills and values to efficiently brave through the countless difficulties faced.

Counseling for pediatric patients may be used as a form of mental health treatment and aims to help pediatric patients and their parents rewrite a new, fully functional narrative regarding patients through a thorough investigation of past qualities, including their mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, OCD, etc.) or mental health issues or disorders if they have any.

Counseling for pediatrics also encompasses pediatric counselors assessing children’s physical health, emotional health, problem behaviors, social interaction skills, and pediatric development as part of their child counseling services and applied behavior analysis.

They can do therapy for children (including cognitive behavioral therapy) and create a treatment plan aimed at helping children improve their well-being and help parents learn how to appropriately support their kids in confronting challenges in their daily lives.

Counseling for pediatric patients is confidential and it involves identifying and diagnosing any mental illness (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity ADHD, anxiety disorders) that children may have. Working with children and adolescents require cognitive behavioral treatment.

The utilization of narrative for such counseling workshops is usually with pediatric patients or children ages 9 to 12 years old.

Narrative Treatment – A Type Of Pediatric Counseling

Scrapbooking is combined with the fundamental principles of narrative therapy to support the child with an entertaining and friendly treatment program, which could help the pediatric patient find new outlooks and coping mechanisms, alleviate mental health issues, and foster positive relationships.

Pediatric counselors, along with LCSW and other therapists of the mental health team, are tasked with reaching out to kids and children adolescents who seek counseling when it is difficult for them to accept and face emotional disorders or other challenges.

The support that they get from the treatment plan and from pediatric counseling as a whole truly makes all the difference. Working with children’s mental health is a process.

Art Therapy Is Recommended By Pediatric Counselors

Counseling for Pediatrics involves several areas, including art therapy.

Art therapy is utilized often in counseling sessions to help pediatric patients listen and understand better.

Art therapy is recommended by pediatric counseling experts to help improve a child’s behavior or improve a mental health crisis such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder, among others.

Of course, it would help if kids exercise daily, go to regular therapy (behavioral therapy) or counseling, and spend quality time with their parents.

Scrapbooking For Mental Health

The aspects of scrapbooking have been transformed into an intervention that is being used by caregivers and parents of pediatric cancer patients.

The primary purpose of the counseling for pediatric groups to include art therapy for these children and adolescents in Psychology is to promote encouragement and mobilize internal strengths which thereby enhance the providers’ coping abilities, benefiting the pediatric patients.

Mental health professionals like pediatric counselors or mental health professionals may also be able to address the issues of these children and adolescents better when they can identify warning signs of self-harm, depression, emotional disorders, stress, suicidal ideation, etc.

The mental health concerns of these children are tremendously at stake.

Facilitators like social workers as well as pediatric counselors provide a secure and comfortable environment for children and adolescents to verbalize stories and also share their distress, and concerns, and probably ask questions in the counseling or therapy sessions.

Previous psychological research has demonstrated that the mere presence of loved ones — a partner, their families, peers, or friends — in children can help reduce one’s subjective experience of physical pain (for instance, during a medical procedure), versus experiencing similar pain while alone. — John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

1. Scrapbooking Relaxes The Mind

Pediatric patients who experience mental health challenges could significantly benefit from scrapbooking as a part of play therapy for its mind-relaxing effects. The play therapy processes work like magic in helping me get through with health care.

Pediatric patients and adolescents who are hustling with their schools, education, extracurricular activities, and social lives (even college students) could find it hard to pause or slow down.

Experts ensure that this form of play therapy enables children to develop their skills, improve their behavior, and alleviate depression, stress, or anxiety.

Children, teens, and adolescents can truly benefit from pediatric counseling and therapy.

2. Scrapbooking Increases Self-esteem

Children, teens, and adolescents have the most vulnerable self-esteem when anxious.

They can quickly experience stress, depression, and anxiety and feel low regard for themselves.

Extensive experience in scrapbooking is a useful tool in counseling and therapy to regain a positive sense of self through the development of art skills that promote self-expression.

Realizing that beautiful things can be accomplished and can emerge into positive results, children will increase their level of self-esteem and continue to improve their mental health.

Eventually, their behavior may ultimately improve.

Why bring in photos? It’s a revealing record of old family dynamics. It helps counselors know the characters of your life. — Ryan Howes Ph.D., ABPP

3. Scrapbooking Consoles In Moments Of Grief

Children, teens, and adolescents find it difficult to process loss.

Those who have experienced or are currently going through grief can find comfort in scrapbooking as part of pediatric counseling, especially during their bereavement.

Scrapbooking conveniently incorporates different forms of play therapy interventions related to art in a simplified, concrete setup and is applied to a young child who has anxiety, stress, and depression and is in the process of overcoming trauma and grief that is related to the death of a parent.

Children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral issues, and other disorders can greatly benefit from scrapbooking therapy as well.

Every art has an important role to play in our society, especially when it comes to children, kids, or adolescent who is undergoing pediatric counseling.

Developing scrapbooking skills is just one of the parts of the counseling processes that pediatricians and mental health professionals may significantly consider.

Counseling For Pediatrics is definitely beneficial for the improvement of children’s mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Will You Know That Your Child Needs Pediatric Counseling?

2. How will you know that your child needs pediatric counseling?
3. What happens in pediatric counseling?
4. Why would children need counseling?
5. What is a child therapist called?
6. What are some signs your child might need counseling?
7. At what age can a child have counseling?
8. What are the duties of a child counselor?
9. How do I get Counseling for my child?
10. What type of therapy is best for kids?
11. What is the importance of child counseling?
12. What are the benefits of child counseling?
13. What common issues can be found in child counseling?
14. What are helping activities in counseling?
15. What does anxiety disorder look like in a child?

 

 

Music is interpreted in a lot of ways and is used in magnanimous occasions for different reasons; no wonder psychiatry is also utilizing music as a therapeutic modality for mental illness.

…the experience that happens when you listen to a piece of music is like a snowflake—each one is it’s own unique phenomenon. Even if you listen to the same piece by the same performer, you and the performer come into the experience having “lived life” and maybe even learned something. — Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D.

But what does it mean when somebody utters “music therapy?” If you belong to the majority who find music as a vital element of life, then you would undoubtedly know that music can affect mood and emotions. Psychiatry has found a way to incorporate the art of music into psychological healing, especially for those who are anxious, depressed, or traumatized.

 

Music Therapy Sessions

 

During music therapy sessions, there are a couple of elements incorporated, such as listening to relaxing music, songwriting, and creating music. The goal of the music therapist depends on the condition of the patient. Some of these goals are:

 

• Encourage expression of feelings to relieve anxiety or stress
• Improve the person’s mood
• Enhance patient’s coping mechanism to better his quality of life

 

And the best part is, patients need not be musical geniuses nor do they need to have some background in music to benefit from the therapy.

 

 

Music Therapy Advantages

 

Music therapy includes passive methods that technically involve listening, active approaches that include singing or operating an instrument, or a combination of techniques that are connected with music.

When I listen to heavy metal, I feel the essential part of myself that responds to a strong beat. Even on the coldest northeastern days, certain bands conjure the feeling of the warm desert where I grew up. — Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT

Music therapy has developed so much over the years that it is currently one of the most favored treatment techniques used not only for mental health issues but also for patients who have cancer and disabled individuals. To elaborate further, below is a list of music therapy benefits.

 

• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Helps manage stress
• Improves communication and relationship with others
• Enhances memory through brain stimulation
• Strengthens social skills
• Keeps emotions at bay
• Enhances coordination and movement
• Helps deal with pain, either emotional or physical
• Reduces fear
• Improves immunity

 

Music Therapy For Teens

 

Teenagers are considered as one of the most stressed individuals of this generation. With all the things that they should balance – family, school, friends, social media, and a part-time job – teens, are becoming more and more worried and overwhelmed. Because of all of the responsibilities that teenagers have to fulfill, they are becoming more vulnerable to stress, and what’s worse is not knowing how to cope. Often, unhealthy coping strategies lead to anxiety and depression.

 

Music therapy is a non-invasive experience that helps teenagers in a way that therapists can easily integrate music into their daily lives mainly because the majority of teenagers listen to music. Therapists consider music therapy for teens to provoke a more relaxing and mindful experience while encouraging emotional absolution and reducing melancholia. Children these days are fond of self-expression which is why music therapy is a prime choice for therapists.

 

Use headphones or earbuds if that helps you focus or shut out external noise. Give yourself permission to only listen to the music, without simultaneously checking your email or refreshing your Facebook feed. — Maya Benattar, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Music Therapy Is For Everyone

 

Probably one of the primary reasons why music therapy has become increasingly popular, especially for children and adolescents is because of its approach, stimulating the part of the brain that invokes creativity.

 

Music therapy strongly enhances cognitive functioning for self-awareness, alleviation of negative thoughts and feelings, encouraging healthy communication, and supports self-expression. However, the effectiveness of this kind of therapy dramatically depends on the response of the patient. Still, one cannot deny that music therapy is one of the most relevant and engaging forms of psychiatric treatments that everyone can avail.

 

Santa was an original Bohemian, you might say. He was well known in his community as a toy designer and artist who crafted a variety of toys including wooden horses, paper kites, ceramic dolls, stuffed animals and one of-a-kind puppets. — Barbara ‘Basia’ Mosinski, LCAT, ATR-BC, MA, MFA

Of all the ideas I can remember from a psychology class I once took in college out of a whim, I can vividly call to mind the debate about nurture vs. nature. With the former, somebody’s skill isn’t innate in him or her – a lot of practice and education allowed the person to be good at what he or she does. As for the latter, people say you’re born with a particular talent, and you can roll smoothly even without proper training.

I believe the principle applies to everyone’s artistic abilities too. It’s effortless to expect individuals who have an actual Fine Arts degree to get super creative. But then again, there are also adults who surprise others and themselves after painting, writing, or drawing for the first time and realizing they may have a future with it.

Considering you have doubts about whether you are a natural artist or not, check out a few telltale signs below.

 

 

You Love Spontaneity

Gaining the liberty to do what you want and learning from it is the essential part of life, right off the bat. You are a free spirit; that’s why it may be difficult for you to handle a regular job at the office, doing the same tasks for days on end.

 

You Despise Competition

Although you are aware of your capabilities, you let others go above the ranks than contend with colleagues to obtain the top spot. It isn’t that you think they’re better than you; it’s just that you know how special you are with or without that kind of affirmation.

 

Publicizing Your Work May Make You Uneasy

Do you have artistic pieces at home that even the people closest to you can’t see? Such a lack of confidence is usual for creative minds, especially if your family and friends always thought of you as a mathematical or scientific individual.

 

You Sometimes Judge Yourself Too Hard

Whereas others only think of themselves as the best at whatever they try, you feel the need to critique every move you make. In a few instances, you may go overboard with the judgments, despite everybody else saying that your output is excellent. But that’s because you’re confident that you can do better most of the time.

Your creativity looks different than another person’s and it will manifest itself differently for you depending on your age, environment, and stages of development we go through (that is to say that your creativity will be differently expressed when you are 5 years old versus when you are 40). — Diana C. Pitaru, M.S., L.P.C.

The Craft Serves As Your Comfort Zone

Regardless of what job you manage to hold on to, your stress goes away as soon as you play some music, hold a paintbrush, or feel the weight of a pen between your fingers. That is much better than any drug or alcohol, for sure.

 

You Feel Sensitive Towards Others

Not having a hard time to create an emotional connection with colleagues or strangers is another sign that you are a natural artist. You may have a conversation together for less than an hour, yet you immediately understand all of their emotions, including the ones they don’t say outright. Often, you can also draw inspiration from them and use their experiences as the subject of your artwork.

 

 

Freedom Of Expression Is A Big Deal To You

Expressing your thoughts and feelings matters to you more than any material thing in the world. It gives you the energy to live life without inhibitions and avoid existing for money or other people.

There are many ways to make money from your art that you may not have considered, and a combination of income sources is ideal. It’s hard for many creative types to shift into a business mindset but it’s worth the effort to be able to fulfill a dream. — Susan K Perry Ph.D.

 

I never tend to hide the fact that I was – and still am – a scrapbooking enthusiast. Some of my old friends used to say, “Stop doing that. It’s an immature move, and boys won’t like you once they find out about it.” Others merely thought that I need to focus on more adult-approved hobbies, such as bar hopping or partying.

For sure, I know they are making an excellent point. Those folks want me to “act my age” so that the guys I meet the first time won’t think they’ll turn into cradle-snatchers by hanging out with someone who loves scrapbooks. But the thing is, how can I let go of a hobby that is therapeutic in various ways?

Here are the advantages of scrapbooking, just in case you wish to try it as well.

 

 

1. The Activity Makes A Fun Stress-Reliever

Believe it or not, a lot of health professionals recommend the art of scrapbooking to their clients to get rid of their anxiety. It is true as well with the elderlies and cancer patients who have much more issues to handle mentally and physically on a daily basis than a regular individual.

The reason I notice is that the hobby allows you to stop thinking about worrying stuff and concentrate on the craft. That results in a stress-free mind, of course.

Every time new photographs are added another piece of our lives is given a place of permanence. We are reminded of what we once looked like, the kind of lives we led. — Arthur Dobrin D.S.W.

2. Your Social Skills Can Develop Through It

This activity is undoubtedly not a solo thing. Unless you’re working on your selfies, it’s OK to bust out some paper scraps and ask your officemates or family members to make a scrapbook with you. FYI, not all adults will think it’s weird for a fully-grown woman (or man) to enjoy this pastime. The fair ones may see you as a very sentimental person.

 

3. You Can Look Back At Your Achievements

The purpose of scrapbooking is to become a better version of photo albums that you can effortlessly buy at the store and forget about after a couple of years. With each personalized portfolio, you may have an ongoing theme, such as your childhood or college memories. It’s also highly acceptable to scroll down a few quotes, statements or dates so that you’ll be able to remember the special events that happened when you took those pictures.

In the same way that we enjoy listening to our music on shuffle, for example, and find it almost impossible to tickle ourselves, our autobiographical memories are never so powerful as when they sneak up on us unawares. — Hal McDonald Ph.D.

 

4. The Creative Juices Can Run Wild And Free

Letting your creativity to take over you the entire time you’re working on a scrapbook is an absolute necessity. You can free-hand everything too and add more designs and colors as you go. Especially to folks who feel as if they’re living in a controlled environment, it is a great benefit.

 

5. It Improves Your Memory

The art is undeniably excellent for your brain health as well. Though you’ll only be able to hold on to your recollection for as long as possible, it won’t be so challenging once you have constant reminders of your past in the form of scrapbooks.

The scrapbooks have given us a vehicle for remembrance and emotional connection particularly important for a family that often did not know how to express its feelings. — Helen Davey Ph.D.

 

6. Seeing Your Finished Work Will Boost Your Mood

When it comes to scrapbooking, you won’t merely slap on random pictures or texts on the papers. Some even go as far as collecting loose sheets and binding them on their own to achieve the full experience. Thus, you can’t help but admire the end-product and get a lasting sense of happiness sweep throughout your body.

Source: pixabay.com

Are you of the sentimental sort but find yourself creatively challenged? Do you want to preserve memorable moments but are on the fence on how to convey those moments visually? How can you do it? There is only one word for it – scrapbook! And who knows? Scrapbooking may be the thing for you if you just try it!

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(Scrapbooking Happiness)

 

Do you love taking pictures or do your parents have tons of your baby pics?  For sure, those pictures are starting to pile up.   Well, time to bring those photos out and turn your bare and boring walls into one fantastic original wall of art.

 

 

Using your creative talent and instinct combined with the energy you’re wasting just lying around watching TV or browsing your social media account, turn your room into one big memory lane.  Gather up all your photos – childhood pics, photos of your travel, birthdays, parties, whatever you got in there – and start to harmonize and turn your space into your own haven, as if you’re going down memory lane.

Adding objects that silently communicate who we are as a person to our homes and offices reduces both our own stress levels and those of the people who view them. — Sally Augustin Ph.D.

Create Your Personalized Wall Clock

Take some of your photos and create your DIY photo wall clock from it.  You can choose photos that best describe each stage of your life and memories that are timeless as well.

You can decide whatever shape of clock you want. It can be heart-shaped, round, square, whatever you think suits you.  This scrapbook wall is undoubtedly a good idea for your living room or dining room for your visitors to see.  Let them look at those photos with amazement.  They will indeed serve as a good conversation starter.  What do you think?

 

 

Word And Letter Art

Another creative way to decorate a wall is to decoupage letter art for the wall.   It could be your name or words that are of significance to you.   You can choose any color and design of scrapbook paper that matches the room or the theme you want to create, and in each letter, you can put on the pictures you want to display.  It will surely be cute to put this scrapbook wall into a baby’s room or girl’s room.

In making a collage, you don’t have to go through the agony of drawing something realistic and are spared the feeling of embarrassment that your pictures look like a 10-year-old drew them… — Cathy Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT

The Board Wall Photo Exhibit

You can use square boards to create wall art that you could install into your room, the guest room, or even in the hallway leading to each room.  You can use extra wood panels, any excess from your previous DIY projects, cover them with colorful scrapbook papers or if you have bright-colored or even plain black cloth.  You may design it however you want so that your boards will look attractive.  Glue on the board some photos of family vacations, parties, and other memorable occasions.   It will give your house a real homey feeling.

 

Joyful Thoughts

Scrapbooking can give rein to your creative side.  It can enhance your memory.  Just merely looking at the pictures takes you back in time, stimulates your brain to recollect the event, allows us to experience the joy all over again.

Memory can be an enrichment and is only harmful when it becomes more important than the present. When past and present are accepted as one piece, you are ready to welcome tomorrow. — Arthur Dobrin D.S.W.

Wall scrapbooking can also be your family’s bonding activity.   Fill your home with laughter while you put out those old photos. Sort them out with thrill and tell beautiful stories behind those smiles and crazy looks.

 

 

No need to follow any techniques or any trends, just be confident to put up the photos you love.   Displaying memories that bring you joy will turn your space into something that is genuinely yours, a spot that will undoubtedly make you happy, something you will be proud to say, “This is the haven that I created.”