Profile Photo

While I typically reserve this blog for therapy related topics I am going to take this opportunity to share my experience of having a profile portrait taken.  Like many people I do not enjoy having my picture taken, and then once I see pictures of myself I can immediately point out all the things I don't like about myself.  We are typically our own worst enemies and critics.  Despite all of this I want to share with you what a fun and easy experience Jill Mettler made this for me.  

This profile photo was taken by Jill Mettler from Jill Mettler Photography.  Jill did a fantastic job of making me feel comfortable during the photo shoot.  She has a natural ability to make you feel comfortable in your surroundings, and encourages and allows you to be yourself, despite the fact that you have a camera lens in your face.  Following the photo shoot Jill was quick to send the proofs for my review.  Once I choose the picture I wanted, Jill was once again quick to retouch the photo and send it back to me for my use.  From the time of the photo shoot to the time that I received the final photo it had been less than 48 hours!  Find more of Jill's work and her contact information at: www.jillmettlerphotography.blogspot.com

Thank you Jill!

You can... versus Can you...?

"NO!" 

The one word that can engage most parents in a power struggle with their child.  You've simply asked them to complete a task that needs to be done; Can you go brush your teeth?  Or Can you go make your bed?  However, your beautiful child has let you know they have no intention on completing the task you just asked them to do.

This may be one of the most frustrating situations you face as a parent.  You are only attempting to instill good manners by asking your child to complete a simple task, but yet you are met with determination and strong will, and you are left feeling disrespected, and in some cases when a power struggle ensues you may be left feeling defeated.

How to avoid your child telling you "NO"? 

During situations when you want your child to simply do as you told them to, or to complete a task, or during times that a negative response is not acceptable- instead of asking them, Can you...(do something) use the statement You can...(do something).  For example: Instead of "Can you put your cup in the sink?"  tell them, "When you are done with your drink, you can put your cup in the sink."  Or simply, "You can put your cup in the sink, now that you are done."

It is important to keep your statements clear, precise, and do not engage your child in negotiations.  Follow up with positive praise and acknowledgment that they did as you asked and you appreciate it.  Using You can statements instead of Can you questions helps clarify the expectations for your child, which will lead to a more positive interaction between the two of you.

The Listening Program

Exciting news... I have been blessed with the opportunity to take the certification course for The Listening Program to become a Certified Provider for The Listening Program.

For those families looking to supplement their child's therapy with The Listening Program I will be certified within the next 60 days.  For further information regarding The Listening Program please visit the Advanced Brain website at www.advancedbrain.com.

This is exciting!

Step by step, my ducks are lining up. To date I have learned more than I ever thought I needed to know about starting a business. It is always easier to read and study subject material than it is to apply it. I am now taking the opportunity to apply my minor degree in Business Administration to help develop what I hope and dream someday will be a thriving business. Still left to be completed is: the web-site, and accounting system. I am forever grateful to God for this opportunity and those family and friends who are assisting me throughout this process, without my them I would be making slower progress.

Coming soon....

Coming soon- upon your request- to your door step: The Candid Therapist!

If all goes as plans The Candid Therapist will be accepting new clients in June of 2010. The Candid Therapist in short is a company providing in-home speech therapy to the pediatric population.

Further details can be found on the web-site, which will hopefully be on-line in June.