The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2505 Child Therapy Group for Children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-13 who struggles with school, friendships, or siblings? Do they easily become frustrated, worried, or angered? Are you looking for a group to help your child learn new positive behaviors?

ART THERAPY GROUP is Now Forming!

Using Art To: ★ build confidence ★ learn positive ways to communicate ★ develop friendship skills ★ manage frustration & worries In this supportive art therapy group  children participate in structured art therapy activities designed to help them identify and express their feelings, connect with peers, enhance their social and problem solving skills, positively communicate, increase self-esteem, re-direct negative thinking, and help them to make positive choices. Ages 9-13 Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm October 25th- November 29th Call Dr. Laura Dessauer (941) 504-8498 for more information and to register! Therapy groups for children in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch area. Space is Limited Call to Register Today or Email laura@thecreativityqueen.com with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs,  your phone number and email and the best time and way to reach you. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups/feed 0 Anxious Child? Here’s a Creative Solution http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:02 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2494 Did you know that children's mental health statistics suggest as many as 1 in 10 young people may have an anxiety disorder? Did you know that 8 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder?  The National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms commonly emerge around age 6. However, of the children who experience symptoms of anxiety, only 18 percent received mental health care.  And if you are a parent who is anxious, studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their parents have anxiety disorders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Stress, worries, anxiety, fear- it's all part of life. Yet, if we are not given the opportunity to express our fears and realize that it's okay to feel scared (worried, etc) and learn tools to manage these feelings we may develop an anxious disposition. Part of it may be biological, just the way we are hardwired. However, it is believed that genetics only shapes us by 50%, the remaining 50% is environment, situations, people, and perceptions. So we have control over half of our worries and can learn the tools to manage these feelings. The interesting thing about anxiety is that it is often overlooked, yet it has lasting impacts. If a child is anxious they often internalize their feelings and they do not get the attention that a child who is acting out gets. However, this internalization may lead to feeling of inadequacy, self-criticism, and may trigger addictive and self-harming behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that, “studies on treating childhood anxiety disorders found that high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), given with or without medication, can effectively treat anxiety disorders in children.  One small study even found that a behavioral therapy designed to treat social phobia in children was more effective than an antidepressant medication.” Essentially, if your child suffers from anxiety, they can be helped in therapy, and they can learn strategies to reduce their anxiety. Okay- so what's a parent to do? Here's a creative solution. Ask your child to create an image of what is bothering them. So if there is a certain situation (like homework or going back to school) or person (like a classmate) that triggers their anxiety and worries ask them to make a picture of it. Allow them to create without censorship or judgment. Ask them if they would like share what they created ("no" is an acceptable answer). Here's the important part, listen to what they say without offering your perspective. Instead be empathetic and validate their feelings. After listening without offering advice ask your child questions about what the person in the drawing could do or think differently so they feel more in control and less worried. Allow your child to be creative in their responses. Allowing flexible creative divergent thinking helpings your child re-pattern their brain neural pathways helping your child think in terms of what's possible. There are other specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies we will be teaching in our art therapy group to help your child reduce the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress. Even if your child has normal worries about homework and friends this fun and creative group will give your child some cognitive and behavioral tools to tackle worries when they arise! If you have a child between the ages of 9-13 in need of more support we are offering a children's therapy group in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice area . We’ll be offering an art therapy  group and teaching some very cool art therapy strategies to help your child feel more confident and happier. You can learn more about the group by sending an email with your child’s name, age, what support your child needs, your phone number and email (and the best time and way to reach you) to laura@thecreativityqueen.com We’ll get back to you with the group details and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here .]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/anxiety-child/feed 0 Setting Up Children for Success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee:
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 Child Depression: 3 Creative Art Therapy Coping Strategies to Help Your Child with Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:28:52 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2449 [/caption] As featured on  PBS This Emotional Life Depression in children and adolescents impacts 11.2 percent of children 13 to 18 years of age in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and 3.3 percent have experienced seriously debilitating symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a mood disorder, with girls being diagnosed more frequently than boys and that treatment works for depression. Children's depression can look different than adult depression. Depression in children Symptoms of child depression: your child is not acting like him/herself, if he/she is lethargic and have lost interest in activities that once made them happy, if he/she is overly clingy, frequently reporting feeling sick, refusing to go to school or get in trouble at school, sleeping excessively or is excessively moody, there may be something more happening with your child. So what course of action or treatment should you take if your child is suffering from depression? The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The latest research suggests therapy and medication may be the most rapid form of effective treatment for childhood depression, although over time therapy alone is just as successful. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) therapy alone, medication alone, combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy treatment and placebo (sugar pill) treatments for adolescents 12 to 17 with depression. The combination of medication and therapy worked the most rapidly, although therapeutic treatment alone over months has a similar impact to the combination of therapy and medications.  What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) evidenced-based mental health treatment for children? How can it help your child to overcome the challenges of depression? CBT treatment for depression is a therapy that teaches an individual how to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through education while testing new behaviors and assumptions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment may include learning how to set realistic and positive personal goals, encourage participation in pleasant activities, discourage negative thoughts, solve social problems, negotiate and compromise when conflicts arise, and foster assertiveness. If you feel that your child is just starting to demonstrate signs of depression and you’d like to begin the process of helping them manage their feelings, try any of these three art therapy coping strategies. Depression is serious, so consult a professional if your child is exhibiting signs of depression. 1. Design a creativity journal. Go shopping with your child and pick out a journal they like, or go to the arts and crafts store and find a blank artists journal and create an individualized cover using magazine images, old greeting cards, wallpaper samples, or scrapbook papers. Embellish with unique words and images that represent your child. Let your child know this is a safe place for them to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling like they have to censor words and images. 2. Create a feelings box. Something as simple as a shoebox can be decorated with images or words that feel empowering. Allow your child to use the box as a safe place to put their worries, anger, anxiety, fears, and frustrations. Cut up slips of paper and add words or images of things that bother your child, and then have your child add these to their feelings box and "close the lid" as they let those feelings go. This teaches your child to respectfully acknowledge their feelings and let them go. 3. Make a mask. Go to the arts and crafts store and find a papier-mâché mask, or for younger children you can use a paper plate or craft paper and cut out a mask shape. Ask your child to create an art image of what they choose to show other people on the outside of the mask, and what they keep to themselves in the inside of the mask. Younger children may need to have this modified by asking them to create on the inside of the mask what makes they sad or choose a color that represent how they feel when they are sad and on outside of the mask choose images or colors of feeling strong, brave, or happy. Often children and teens feel like they have to mask their feelings so they do not upset others. Allow your child to create their masks without censorship. Ask your child to tell you about it if they choose to, then listen without judgment. Seeking professional help is essential for a child who is experiencing depression. As a parent look for therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents, and who utilize cognitive behavioral therapies that teach your child appropriate ways to positively express their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Children and teens respond positively to art therapy and an art therapist can help your child manage their depression, especially if they use cognitive behavioral therapy in art therapy. If your child is depressed and you are in need of child therapy in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Florida, art therapy can help. Schedule your complimentary Support Consultation here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/child-depression/feed 2 Do You Rescue Your Child? http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:54:58 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2441 [/caption] If you have a relationship of any kind, with a spouse, friend, parent, or child, then you have encountered someone else making a decision you would never dream of doing. There is pain seeing that person making a choice your know in your heart is just not the "right" decision for them. Ironically, the closer we are to the person, the more we believe we know what's right for them, and often we will make comments or demands upon them, based upon our knowing what's best. We would never dream of telling our co-worker what they are wearing is wrong and they should change, yet it becomes almost a duty to be hypercritical about what our spouse or children are wearing or doing. Often when tasks that are delegated to those in the household are not completed, we jump in to do it.  Heaven forbid your child wear wrinkled clothes to school because they left their laundry on the floor. Most parents who rescue fear what others might think or that things won't get done exactly right, or if they don't control the situation their child may fail or get hurt.  Most people rescue because they love those around them and they don't want to see them hurt. However, rescuing sets up a whole new set of problems.  The person you rescue doesn't get to learn from their actions.  They don't learn how to self-correct, or make changes when they are off course, since they have had someone doing that for them.  They don't learn how to overcome obstacles and when they do arise (and they always do) they are unprepared.  I've had many young adults in my office who just didn't know how to handle tough stuff because their parents did it for them when they were growing up. The question that most people ask is how do they know when to intervene.  The first question to ask, is it a safety issue? Meaning if you don't intervene will someone get hurt physically?  If it is a safety issue, step in and set a boundary.  All other issues are not black and white. I love to challenging parents to talk out the choices and consequences with their children. For tasks such as homework and household chores personal accountability works wonders.  Have a neutral discussion (without getting emotional about the topic) and develop a contract to help identify what will be done and what are the consequences. Contracts do work, when they are done right, meaning they are respectful of each person's needs and there is an incentive to change for both parties. For things such as bullying at school or children who are having emotional problems a more supportive role is necessary.  Parents often step in too early and attempt to stop bullying, which may cause more social problems for their children.  Brainstorm with your child solutions, allow them to test some out before you become involved.  If things continue to be a problem and it becomes a psychological safety issue, there may be a need for more direct involvement. Encourage your child to take part in choosing their consequences; if they have done something wrong, ask them to come up with the consequences. You'll be amazed at how they will learn from this, with less tantrums and more personal accountability. Here's the important part to remember, those who rescue others become resentful.  They will do, and do, and do, and then finally get upset that everyone treats them disrespectfully and takes advantage of them.  Stop the cycle of rescuing so you don't fall into this pattern, and you allow others an opportunity to learn. Here's a creative activity to help you identify times when you rescue.  Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.  On the left side write the word rescue and on the right side write the word support.  Fill in the page with images and words of times when you rescue (what you say and do) and what it might look like if you supported that person instead. When you become aware of your tendencies to rescue then you can choose other ways you can support your child and other family members.  If you or your child is in need of more support we can help. Click here to schedule your complimentary support consultation. ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/rescue/feed 0 9/11: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:34:07 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2479 "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." ~Sydney J. Harris

Join Candace Vorhaus and Dr. Laura Dessauer

for a 60 Minute Tele-Seminar
- If you have a phone, you're there! - (Recording will be made available for download)
Wednesday October 19th, 2011
8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Fee: $47
Help Your Child be Successful Using the Unique Principles of Feng Shui & Art Therapy
In this 60 minute tele-seminar, Candace will share her C3D Feng Shui solutions to an environment that supports children to maximize their learning experience, increase self confidence, and get along better with friends and relatives.  Did you know that the improper placement of a desk can cause children to go unnoticed, feel out of control, and cause an inability to see problems coming?  Did you know that a bed in a poor position can cause anxiety, mood swings, headaches and insomnia?  Did you know that a a door to a bedroom that is misaligned can create family conflict?
In the C3D Feng Shui portion of this tele-seminar, Candace will share:
  • The best desk placement to increase IQ
  • The most important bed placement to give children confidence
  • A method for children to feel safe in their beds
  • How to handle electro magnetic fields that can cause irritability, insomnia and increase stress
  • An easy way to correcting beams, slants and poor door placements to avoid emotional instability and physical disorders
  • The design details that can create a bully with simple environmental solutions
  • A color palette to support children's success and happiness
Click Here to Register Dr. Laura Dessauer, board certified art therapist, will teach Creative Parenting strategies from the Head and Heart System to help your child creatively manage their emotions and behaviors.  She'll share with you her art therapy toolbox to help your child shift their behaviors, change communication patterns, and eliminate power struggles, meltdowns, and shutdowns to help your child feel happier. With Dr. Laura Dessauer you'll learn:
  • Creative strategies to help your child manage their behaviors and feelings.
  • How to help your child shift behaviors and finally get your child to listen to you.
  • What you may be doing (or not doing) that is negatively impacting your child and what you can do instead.
  • Signs and signals that your child may need additional support and what to look for in a therapist or doctor to ensure your child is getting the best help.
Dr. Laura Dessauer's mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura's a Board Certified Art Therapist with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Laura has worked with families for 23 + years in over 21 school districts and she has been featured in Parent's Magazine, eHow Parenting, YourTango, FoxNews, PBS This Emotional Life, Working Mother, Head Drama, Gal Drama, and Psychology Today. Laura is recognized as an international presenter, esteemed clinician, author, and her business, the Creativity Queen, LLC, was the winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award (SCORE). Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don't Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff) The process is easy: After you register, you will be sent a conference call telephone number you can dial into and listen from wherever you are.  After the call, you will be sent an audio file from YouSendIt.com within 24 hours. Whether you are on the call live or prefer to listen at another time, a recording of the call will be made available to each participant to download to a computer or iPod. Candace believes focusing on your personal space is the missing link to lifelong fulfillment and happiness.  In her work with clients, Candace emphasizes C3D Feng Shui: Color, Clutter, Ch'i (life force), and Design.  A classically trained interior designer with over 20 years experience, Candace is the recognized leading Feng Shui consultant in the world-famous Hamptons, also advising clients worldwide.  Candace is also a well known heart-centered spiritual coach, and an original member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. Candace lives in Sag Harbor, New York, with her husband, Robbie, two children, and very cute dog, Ollie. For further information, contact Candace at: www.candacevorhaus.com]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/setting-up-children-for-success/feed 0 The Creativity Queen » Art Therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com Creating solutions to your child's problems Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Creative Tips to Reduce Stress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2644 Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? When your brain is stressed out it becomes flooded with peptides and hormones and you may be unable to process information. Take a creative break!

Color a Mandala- Trace a circle the size of a paper plate and use colored pencils or markers and fill in the circle with any pattern or designs. Notice how you feel calmer and more centered.

Play with play-doh- Squish the colors, play with shapes, smell the dough. These sensory activities will help you calm and self-soothe. Do a brain dump- If you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around in your head you can easily become overwhelmed. Take a piece of paper and write down all the things that you’re feeling stressed about. Then rip it or crumple it up and throw it away. Pick one thing to focus on and give your full attention to that. Create a calm collage- Look though magazines and cut out words and images that are calming and centering. Paste them on paper and put them above your desk. When you need a reminder, look at the image. Doodle- Research published in the Applied Psychology Journal suggests that doodling while listening will help you remember details. Have a pad colored pencils or markers and a pad on-hand during your next meeting. If you have stress in your personal life or you’re worried about other family members, your work may be affected. Need more support? ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/creativetips-forstress/feed 0 Want a Happy Child? Positive Psychology & Creative Gratitude Strategies to Reduce Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:59:22 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2574 What are your thoughts on happiness? It seems like you either have it or you don't, and as a society we are continually pursuing it. Heck, it's even a constitutional right here in the U.S. as decreed in the Declaration of Independence. These days Happiness is a Hot Topic in therapeutic research and for those whose lives are impacted by mood disorders and depression there are some hopeful findings. Interestingly enough the research on Positive Psychology (yes, the study of happiness) suggests focusing on our strengths and giving gratitude daily can reduce symptoms of depression and long-term change. Now that is something to be very grateful for! Positive Psychology is the study of mental well-being encompassing positive emotions, and character traits (Park et al., 2005). The research offers some insight into happiness and how much we control we have over our happiness.  David Lykken studied 4,000 sets of twins to determine how genetic influence happiness.  Lykken concluded 50% of our happiness comes from genetic predisposition.  Moreover only 8% of circumstantial factors (life events) influence an individual’s well-being.  Gratitude appears to be linked to happiness and quality of life. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests doing five acts of kindness increased overall happiness.  Moreover, Robert Emmons found gratitude exercises improved health and energy levels, especially for those with neuromuscular disease (Wallis, 2005). Martin Seligman and his colleagues (Park et al., 2005) studied positive psychology interventions using the internet to collect data. They presented one of five exercises to participants and one placebo (or fake intervention). The five exercises were:
  • gratitude visit (write and deliver a letter of thanks),
  • three good things in life (document three positive experiences daily),
  • you at your best (write about a time they were at their best),
  • using signature strengths in an new way (using top five strengths identified on inventory of character strengths in a new way),
  • identifying signature strengths (take the survey of character strengths),
  • and the placebo intervention: early memories (write about earliest memories).
The results suggest that two interventions reduced depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months, using your signature strengths in a new way and three good things. The gratitude visit caused a spike in positive change for one month, however within three months participants resumed their baseline status.  Notably, those who participated in three good things saw an increase in positive affect at the one-month follow-up and they maintained this positive affect at the six-month follow-up. In addition, using signature strengths in a new way yielded long-term change in affect at the six-month follow-up, but immediate effects were not as pronounced as three good things. So what can you take away from this article and apply in your own life? Happiness is not "fixed" or genetically based; so you can increase your happiness and there are some specific strategies you can use such as learning what your signature strengths are and using them in a new and novel way. Also, a very simple tool of three good things in life, documenting three positive experiences daily, may reduce symptoms of depression. You can use art and art therapy practices to help reduce depression and increase happiness by creating a a daily gratitude practice. Write in a journal, ask your children to name three good things at dinnertime or bedtime, create an art journal and draw, paint, or collage images of three good things that happen each day. Create a gratitude box and each day add words, objects, and images to it and when you are feeling down go back and look at what you added to the box. Document three good things with your camera each day and if you have a social media page start a daily gratitude post or share a daily gratitude picture. Do this daily and see how it impacts your mood over the next 3-months. Of course, if you or your child has any symptoms of depression or concerns please seek out the support of a professional immediately, and if it is an emergency call 911. If you or your child is in need more support you can schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/positive-psychology/feed 0 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy For Depression http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:12 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2566 child depressedIf you are suffering from depression there has been a tremendous amount of research that suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment. The recent research on positive psychology that suggests it may be complementary to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce these theories and interventions? Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling article on the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology for the treatment of depression. The authors present the two primary goals of cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a treatment modality arose with Beck's research of CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of the clients who receive CBT for treatment of depression. It is the implication of long term success with clients that leads the authors to explore the principles of positive psychology as it relates to cognitive behavioral therapy. The article suggests the conceptual overlap between CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest that positive psychology can provide CBT with the opportunities to move beyond removing negative affect, consequently moving the client towards positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to reduce depression and enhance over all well-being include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, physical exercise, and humor. The aforementioned interventions blend well with art therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on the inherent creative strengths of the individual. Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the individual is fully present in the creative process and is often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art making process can be used to explore choices for problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by the process of using therapeutic art interventions that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. If you live the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area child art therapy can help your child develop new coping strategies to overcome their depression . To learn more sign-up for your complimentary child support consultation here. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry. I created parenting resources to help children and teens you can immediately download and implement to help your child. You can lean more here . ]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy/feed 0 Sexual Abuse and Trauma Treatment for Children http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:10 +0000 The Creativity Queen http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/?p=2524

Children respond to sexual abuse in their own way and each person processes their experiences individually. Depending upon the relationship with the perpetrator a child may feel shame, self-blame, and guilt. They may experience dissociation, whereby they become disconnected emotionally as a way to cope with the sexual trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) responses include triggers of smells, tasted, textures, places or other sensory or physical experiences that may cause the child to re-experience the trauma. A child may become regressive in their behaviors and take on younger developmental behaviors such as sleeping with the lights on. Their endocrine system, which regulates the body, may be taxed to to continual stress and hypo-arousal. Children may developed physical illnesses, such as ulcers, in response to sexual abuse. As they mature they may struggle with wanting to feel loved and how to be receptive to affection and expressing their sexuality. They maybe overtly sexual in an attempt to assert control and power or to feel validated and loved, or they may withdraw from expressing their sexuality and may feel threatened or vulnerable in close relationships. They may seek out ways to feel in control of their feelings or body, such as using eating restrictions or self-injurious behaviors (cutting/ substance use) as a way to manage their feelings. They may also sublimate their feelings and become over ambitious in sports or in school and later in life use work as a means of control and power (and perhaps as a means of  avoiding feelings). If your child has experienced trauma art therapy can help. Click here to schedule a child support consultation.]]> http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sexual-abuse/feed 0 Sarasota Therapy Group for Children: Art Therapy Group Now Forming http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups http://www.thecreativityqueen.com/sarasota-therapy-groups#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:07:48 +0000 The Creativity Queen