School Already?

By Jeannie Courtney, CEO/Founder, Spring Ridge Academy

As I stand at the check out at the grocery store, I hear a young boy say to his mother, "I do not want school to start," as she puts juice boxes and sandwich bread in her cart. Going back to school is often a difficult transition for kids as they have enjoyed a summer of freedom which often includes staying up late, lazy days and fun. Kids are not looking forward to going to bed early, alarm clocks, homework and school rules.

So, how can we help kids transition back to school successfully?

One week before school starts, begin going to bed early and setting the alarm clock at the usual school time. This helps to acclimate to the new school schedule.

Begin reading daily to reestablish study schedules. Flash cards or math facts can be fun, too.

If your child is starting a new school, be sure to visit the school prior to the first day. This will ease some fear regarding a new environment. In addition, you may want to arrange a "play date" with kids from the class before the school year begins.

It is important for parents to recognize that children often have anxiety about the new school year, be sure to talk to your child about their anxiety and fears. Parents need to be supportive and optimistic about the new year.

Review the school day with your child so they are prepared for the school routine.

Parents should plan to be available for your kids during the first week of school as this can be a difficult time. If possible, put off late night meetings or business trips.

While school may not start for few weeks, remember preparing your child for school starts now.

The Use of Post-Induction Therapy for Resolution of Trauma

By Gary D. Hees MA, LPC, Clinical Director, Spring Ridge Academy

One of the most tragic trends in our culture is the rising number of physical assaults, sexual assaults, rape and other trauma perpetrated against young women. The fear and shame carried by the victims of these horrific acts, added to the confusing and downright scary reality of PTSD symptomology, leaves these women a legacy of anxiety, undeserved guilt and fear that negatively colors their life experience. Fortunately, there is an effective methodology for dealing with the aftermath, formulated by Pia Mellody. It is called Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), sometimes called feelings reduction, and is the method we use at Spring Ridge Academy to facilitate the empowerment and healing of our clients who have suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape and other trauma, including emotional and relational trauma suffered in their family of origin.

The basis of the PIT intervention is the concept of carried fear, shame and other feelings. No person would ever rape another if they were feeling their own appropriate level of fear and shame; fear of the consequences and shame for inflicting themselves upon another and harming that human being. Given that fear and shame are not being felt by the perpetrator, who is feeling those feelings? The victim, of course! We know this from the statements made by many of the victims that “I should have fought harder”, “I could have avoided the situation”, or the many variations of “I should have…” The PIT intervention allows the victim the “give back” those feelings of fear and shame and guilt that they carry FOR the perpetrator.