Therapy-in-MO

01/07/2026

I have stared a new project. Click the link and see more about it.

For anyone who feels worn down by relationships and wants clarity without blame, fixing, or pretending things don’t hurt.

11/13/2025

Why Kids Get Stuck on Screens: And What Parents Can Do Instead

A lot of parents worry about how much time their kids spend on Fortnite, Roblox, and YouTube.
Before we jump to “screens are the problem,” it helps to ask a different question:

What need is the screen meeting?

From a relational and nervous-system perspective, screens usually meet three predictable needs:

1. Comfort

Kids use screens to decompress after a day of holding it together.

2. Connection

Online worlds let them feel included, even if it’s digital.

3. Competence

Kids feel good at something. They get wins. They get dopamine.

When parents understand this, the power struggle softens. Screens aren’t “the enemy”, they’re a tool that’s meeting very real needs.

Here are a few strategies that come straight out of the ReCT lens:

1. Co-Regulation First, Then Regulation

Kids don’t transition well from “school mode” to “home mode.”
Screens become the buffer.

Try:
A snack, two minutes of connection, eye contact, or sitting beside them while they decompress.

This tiny moment lowers the emotional temperature and reduces screen battles dramatically.

2. Predictable Structure Instead of Policing

Kids respond better to rhythms than rules.

Try:
Play → Responsibilities → Play
When the routine is predictable, the arguments fade.

3. Replace, Don’t Remove

You can’t take a child from 4 hours of high stimulation to nothing. You’ll only trigger panic, power struggles, or shutdown.

Try adding real-world:
• Comfort (quiet time, music, snuggling, a soft space)
• Connection (helping cook, walking the dog, shared stories)
• Competence (chores with clear wins, simple crafts, puzzles, age-appropriate tasks)

Screens stop being the only place kids feel good.

4. Validate the Child. Collaborate With the Parent.

Most kids aren’t “addicted”, they’re overstimulated and under-connected.
And most parents aren’t negligent, they’re exhausted.

Screens slide in because they work. They calm. They distract. They buy parents time to breathe.

In my own neurodivergent home, screens capture our attention quickly too. It’s easy to be tired and rely on them while cooking, resetting, or trying to survive the evening. I get it.

The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s intention; capturing back the moments we can so connection doesn’t get lost between loading screens.

If you ever want help building a rhythm that works for your family, I’m here.

09/25/2025

Military families face unique challenges that require more than just resilience; they demand a tailored approach to support and understanding.

At Mint Family Therapy, we offer specialized services designed to help military families navigate the stress and complexities of their lives.

Our approach isn’t just about coping; it’s about thriving together by providing tools to strengthen relationships and build lasting resilience.

We honor the sacrifices made by military families by offering discounts and a deep understanding of your journey.

Let’s build a supportive community where you feel seen and valued. Reach out to us today and start your path to a stronger, more connected family life.

09/24/2025

Trauma isn’t always what we think it is.

Sometimes, it hides in the everyday moments, shaping how we react and interact without us even realizing. It’s like an invisible thread weaving through our lives, affecting our relationships and how we see ourselves.

At Mint Family Therapy, we believe in uncovering these hidden effects gently, guiding you to understand and heal in a safe, supportive space. Our personalized approach is designed to help you find clarity and peace, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth.

Healing is possible, and it starts with understanding.

09/23/2025

Imagine trying to focus on a simple task, like reading a book, but every page feels like a mountain to climb.

This is a glimpse into how ADHD can impact daily life, where distractions are constant and focus is elusive.

At Mint Family Therapy, we understand the unique challenges that come with ADHD. It's not just about managing time; it's about managing life with compassion and strategies that truly resonate.

From personalized therapy sessions to creative approaches like mindfulness and CBT, we're here to help you navigate these challenges and find clarity.

You’re not alone in this journey. Reach out and discover how therapy can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.