River Grove Therapy

06/08/2026

School’s out — but transitions can be tricky. In our new blog post, Lucas Watling shares practical tips to help kids move from school routines to summer rhythms with less stress and more fun. Read strategies for predictable structure, gentle routines, and keeping connection through change: https://wix.to/2WIvqbA

By Lucas WatlingAs summer approaches, I often hear a mix of excitement and stress from both children and caregivers. For many kids, the thought of sleeping in, swimming, vacations, and taking a break from homework sounds amazing. At the same time, I have also seen that the transition out of the scho...

06/01/2026

Feeling seen matters. New on our blog: The Mental Health Impact of the Pride Movement — why acceptance and belonging significantly shape emotional wellbeing for children, teens, and families. Read Lucas Watling’s thoughtful piece and share to spread understanding: https://wix.to/grh2cZb

By Lucas WatlingWhen I think about the Pride movement, I don’t just think about parades, rainbow flags, or a specific month on the calendar. I think about what it feels like to belong. I think about what it feels like to be seen for who you are and know that you do not have to hide parts of yourse...

05/28/2026

Many men are frustrated, tired, or stuck — and often not open to therapy. Read Rob Krupicka’s thoughtful piece on how therapy creates space for questions like “Who am I if I’m not producing?” and “What do I want from my relationships?” — and what healing can look like. Read more: https://wix.to/0lbpncw

By Rob Krupicka, MSWMany of the men I work with don't arrive saying they need help. They arrive saying they arefrustrated. Irritable. Feeling unappreciated or stuck. Tired in a way that sleep does not fix. Thatexhaustion is often the first honest thing they've said out loud in a long time.Underneath...

05/28/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, remember: caring for your mental health isn’t just a "May Thing." Self-care doesn’t have to be perfect or productive; sometimes it’s just taking one small step toward caring for yourself today.

Your mental health matters all year long!

05/19/2026

Is your family stuck in patterns that keep coming back no matter what you try? Discover how Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) shifts focus from “fixing the kid” to repairing relationships and safety in the family system. Read the full article to learn when EFFT can help and what a different approach looks like: https://wix.to/XTSpUo9

By Rob Krupicka, MSWPlease fix my kid. Most parents who contact me are focused on behavior. Their teenager won't dohomework. Won't come out of their room. Talks back constantly or has stopped talking at all.They want to know how to get their child to do the things that need to get done. It makes sen...

05/18/2026

Wondering how play can be therapy? In “Why Play Therapy Works (Even When It Might Not Look Like It),” Lucas Watling explains how play helps children process feelings, build trust, and reach goals... even when progress doesn’t look like traditional talk therapy. Read the full post: https://wix.to/bkqKZEP

05/15/2026

As PDA Awareness Week wraps up, one thing we hope stands out is this: when we shift from pressure to understanding, kids start to show us what they’re capable of. Therapy can play a powerful role in that process. By reducing demands and increasing a child’s sense of control, we create a foundation of safety. From there, we can begin building regulation and communication skills in ways that feel manageable, often through play and indirect connection. At River Grove Therapy, this is at the core of how we work. We are devoted to meeting kids where they are, following their lead, and creating space for growth that feels safe, supported, and sustainable.

05/14/2026

A highlight for PDA Awareness week! Why neurodivergent teens shut down — and what actually helps. Practical insights for parents who feel stuck when their teen withdraws, plus compassionate approaches that rebuild connection. Read more: https://wix.to/drWGrGr

Therapy

By Rob Krupicka, MSWSlam, the door closes. The answers go flat. One word, or none. Connection disappears. Theteenager who was right there is suddenly somewhere you cannot reach.If you are the parent of a neurodivergent teenager, you probably know this moment. You mayhave learned to dread it. You may...

05/14/2026

PDA behaviors don’t come out of nowhere. These behaviors make a lot more sense when you look at what’s happening underneath. For many children, everyday demands can register as a real sense of threat, which triggers a stress response. Avoidance isn’t about “getting out of things,” it’s about trying to regulate that internal overwhelm. When we lower the pressure and support regulation first, we create space for flexibility, confidence, and growth over time.

05/13/2026

When supporting a child with PDA, how we approach things often matters just as much as what we’re asking. Small shifts like offering choices, prioritizing connection, and building momentum with easier wins can lower pressure and make it easier for kids to engage. It’s not about removing expectations, but about creating a pathway where they feel more able to meet them. Over time, those small moments add up! �