Community Counseling & Care Center at St. Paul's

01/21/2022

QPR = Question, Pause, Refer 💙

We were blessed with the opportunity to present at Wisconsin Lutheran College on the topic of su***de prevention. The training is called QPR (think “CPR” for your mental health). QPR training teaches people to “Question, Pause, Refer.” Thank you, Wisconsin Lutheran College, for allowing us to present to your students and help save lives.

12/22/2021

We’re here for you even when all isn’t feeling merry & bright!

This year has provided more unexpected opportunities for growth. It is understandable to have many (and often mixed) feelings when we are challenged or stretched, as many of us have been this year. You can tend to these feelings in a compassionate, healthy manner using some of these steps.

Check out this article written by Jessica Smith, one of our counselors in Mankato, MN: https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2021/12/18/managing-your-mental-health-at-christmastime/

11/18/2021

You are not alone. ❤️

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve so many clients! Whether it's substance abuse issues, anxiety, depression or any other mental health concern, we are here to help!

11/10/2021

Awesome tool to help us teach the little ones in our lives how to handle new and difficult situations. Thank you for sharing, Tracy Weber!

It's easy to jump in and try to reason with our kids when they don't handle something well or need to learn something. But we know some things about the brain here that can really help you to stay connected with your child AND help them learn better.

I talk about it using the Brain Stoplight metaphor.

First we need to Regulate. We need to connect and get out of the red light state (my language) or our survival brain.

Then we need to connect in the emotional space. "It makes sense why you reacted that way. I'm sorry. I didn't know you were having a hard time..." The point is to connect. This is the yellow light or the emotional brain. We need to speak to that next.

And then, and only then, are you and your child back to green light and can reason.

Regulate.
Relate.
Reason.

In that order.

This is how our brains work and how our children's brains work. Work with these ideas and see how it transforms your family's conflicts. Works for partners, too!

ETA: Image or information courtesy of Beacon House Therapeutic Services & Trauma Team | 2021 | www.beaconhouse.org.uk

10/05/2021

Simple and practical advice for any of you out there wrestling with anxiety today.

(Thank you, Him & Her Worship!!)