The Power in Being Mindful of Expectations

“Why does my child act out at home and not other places?” Since you and your home are likely your child’s safe space, it is not uncommon for behaviors and emotional dysregulation to arise that are not displayed in other settings. This is not uncommon and it does not mean you are doing something wrong. […]

Seeking Couples Counseling as a Polyamorous Couple

While Monogamy is the most popular relationship type in America, there is a growing population of people who either have engaged in or are currently engaging in some form of an Ethically Nonmonogamous relationship. Ethical Nonmonogamy (ENM) is the practice of any form of romantic or sexual relationship in which the people involved are informed […]

The Unexpected Lessons of Parenthood: A Counselor’s Journey

Parenthood can be a transformative experience, one that challenges even the most seasoned professionals in child and adolescent counseling. With over two decades of experience as a counselor and play therapist, I thought I had a solid grasp of child development. But my life took a significant turn five years ago when I became a […]

How Do We Help Those Who Serve?

I have a vivid memory as a kid sitting in my dining room and watching my father and brother rush out of the house after their pagers went off for a fire call. I also remember my father taking me up to the fire house as a kid to explore the monstrous fire trucks. I […]

Why Does My Therapist Want to Know About My Childhood?

Many people who start therapy are curious about why their therapist wants to know so much about their childhood. After all, the problems they are experiencing today seem to have nothing to do with what happened when they were a kid. But as Gabor Maté, a renowned trauma expert, explains, our early childhood experiences have […]

Parenting Toolbox: Grandma’s Rule

Experts, parents, and bystanders all agree that parenting is tough. Having been in the counseling and parenting field for the last 18 years, I can acknowledge how tough parenting can be. Parents are trying to love, nurture and keep their child(ren) safe all while maintaining a home, employment, and other life obligations. It helps if […]

Child Directive Play: It’s Not About You

Educators, childcare workers, and counselors all understand the importance of child-directed play. As a counselor in the child-welfare field for almost 20 years, I am here to educate you as a parent on the necessity of fostering creativity and child-directive play.  Child-directed play can enhance problem-solving, self-regulation, educational learning, and decision-making. Child-directed play is a […]

Parenting Techniques: Limited Choices

By Jennifer “Jen” Drager, LPC Click here to request an appointment   As a professional in the world of family counseling and parenting, I am often asked what my go-to parenting strategies are. My favorite and most suggested parenting technique is limited choices. Offering choices instead of demands can be a very effective parenting tool, […]

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

In today’s digital era, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we connect to and interact with others. While these platforms offer various benefits, such as the ability to remain connected with friends and family over long distances or keep up to date on current events, they also lend […]

The 3 C’s of Parenting: Clear, Concise, and Consistent

My philosophy with parenting has always been the three C’s: Clear, Concise, and Consistent. This is a set of complementary communication strategies that can improve your relationship with your children, reduce the frustration you may experience, and lead to more effective parenting.