Figuring out how to talk to your kids and handle emotions around recent school tragedies can seem like a weighty task. We at River Root Counseling aim to support families throughout our community with their mental health. Recent tragedies across our nation and especially in our schools can be very unsettling for parents and kids.
So how do you cope with thinking about these tragedies and what do you say to your kids?
- Don’t dwell on the tragedy. Acknowledging and staying informed initially can be beneficial, but re-watching or continuing to engage with news can hurt you emotionally.
2. Take action. Doing something concrete and physical can help us feel empowered. Whether it is sending condolences, saying a prayer, lighting a candle, contributing to honorary funds, or contacting your representative to enact change, taking action helps you feel more in control and empowered.
3. Talk to your kids. If you have children from 7 + (and perhaps even younger) pick a quite time to talk to them. First rehearse what you will say. When you sit down with them, or take a walk, or broach the subject on a car ride, ask what they know. Make sure to use language like emergency and situation rather than specific terms. Stress the safety plan for them at school and for your family, review it. Make sure they have a safe person to talk to if they hear something or feel unsure. Then do something to take action if they’re feeling like they need to engage further. Draw a picture, write a card, or if old enough have them help you contact your representatives.
4. Get back to doing things you love. Engage with family and friends and share in summer fun.
As always if your anxiety level, or that of your child, is reaching a level that is affecting day to day life seek help.
Additional news from River Root…keep reading to learn about our new offerings and location.
***Group therapies sessions forming***
Here at River Root Counseling, we love groups! We have seen firsthand how beneficial groups are, and how group members can help change lives. Group therapy can help with a variety of issues, and can often-times be more powerful and life-changing than just individual work. The sense of belongingness, the connections you make with others who have a shared experience, and the support you give and get from the group members can truly be inspiring. At River Root Counseling, our groups, like our clinicians, are geared for the perinatal population. We offer group counseling for individuals who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or within the first few years postpartum and adjusting to parenthood. All of our groups are held at our office in Uniontown, Ohio. The group for new and expectant moms will start Wednesday, June 13 at 9 AM and meet every Wednesday at that time. Contact us for information.
***We moved!***
We’ve moved and our new location opened Monday, 6/6/2022.
Our new address is 2930 Edison St NW Uniontown, OH 44685. It is across the street from Rolling Greens Miniature Golf. Our suite is the one on the left side.
In health,
Danielle Older, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP
Danielle is one of our maternal mental health therapists and the founder of River Root Counseling. Her therapeutic style is individual, evidence-based, and unique to best serve each individual client. Danielle will work with you, at your pace, cheering you on and empowering you as you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Danielle values the therapeutic relationship and works to make each session beneficial and helpful for her clients. Danielle is a mother herself and understands the roller coaster that parenting, and motherhood, can sometimes feel like.
Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (Ohio) – I.2002068-SUPV
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Bachelor’s of Social Work – University of Akron
Master’s in Social Work – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
For information and appointment call River Root at 330-595-4563.