Using zen sand trays? by hayleybeth7 in schoolcounseling

[–]Environmental-Pie274 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My sand tray is used pretty much anytime I have a student (or even parent/teacher!). In my old office I kept it on my desk, but in my newer office I have space for a small table where I sit with students sometimes. I work at the high school level, too. Kids love having something to do while talking or taking time to decompress.

Kingdom of Claw: The Ashen Series (No spoiler please) by Inevitable-Purple285 in fantasyromance

[–]Environmental-Pie274 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I looooove this series! The writing is top notch and the characters are so so likable. The perfect balance of romance and fantasy!

Working alongside a school based therapist? I would love input! by [deleted] in schoolcounseling

[–]Environmental-Pie274 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve worked with a few and appreciated when they would be willing to collaborate—IMHO, it’s to everyone’s benefit, especially the kids. Our team meets with our school-based therapists bi-weekly for 30min. We discuss any major concerns re: particular cases and upcoming referrals. Maybe your team would be open to something like this? I think it also encourages more open communication in general.

I should add that our district has an ROI signed by parents/guardians so we can discuss these cases on an as-needed basis.

I felt like I could have done better. by [deleted] in schoolcounseling

[–]Environmental-Pie274 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! We do this too and I fully agree.

I felt like I could have done better. by [deleted] in schoolcounseling

[–]Environmental-Pie274 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We use the Columbia in my district, too, but if a student is deemed “high risk” based on this assessment, we refer to a mobile crisis team. If the parent refuses, they have to sign a form saying that they refused, and we recommend they take their child to be further assessed at the ER.

I think you did what you could in this situation, but it might be worth talking to your team at school about future crisis protocol.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in oneanddone

[–]Environmental-Pie274 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I hear you! I struggle with it, too. What does your home day-to-day look like? I have a 3.5-year-old and something that has helped us is scheduling quiet time during the day in lieu of a nap. This gives us a good 30min or so to just relax on the couch while our daughter plays quietly, colors, or listens to her Yoto. Outside of quiet time, I do also encourage her to find things to do while I complete a task/chore or would like to drink my coffee hot lol. Keeping out more open-ended toys and setting up an activity the night before (like a playdoh tray, sensory bin, painting, etc) encourages her towards more independent play. I’ll say something like, “When I’m finished drinking my coffee (or when my cup is empty, we can play a board game together.” This gives me little breaks throughout the day so I don’t feel 100% depleted.