News & Events

What are the Winter Blues?

Many people experience lower energy and mood during the winter season. This is often called the Winter Blues.

Is there anything we can do about it?

The key is to stay engaged with activities, hobbies, and loved ones through the cold months.

Although it can be very tempting to cancel plans or just not plan to do anything in the first place, resist this urge when you can. Seek out activities that engage your body, mind, or spirit. Regular (ex: daily, weekly) or scheduled activities can help you stay committed.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Join or follow along with a book club
  You can do this online or make your own book club with friends!
• Schedule indulgent self-care
  For example, enjoy a hot bath and put on some music every Wednesday.
• Take a class or visit a virtual museum
  Lots of free classes are available on Youtube.com and other sites.
  Willowstone’s parenting workshops are currently available virtually as well—register on our website!
• Pick up an old hobby
  Consider joining an online or local interest group related to your hobby.

Note: The Winter Blues should not be confused with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Though both occur in the winter, Seasonal Affective Disorder is more severe and has the markers of a depressive episode. Reach out to a mental health professional if you are concerned.

We are pleased to share that Willowstone's front desk is open once again!

Saturday:   Office Closed
Sunday:   Office Closed

Let’s make 2021 great!

This year, we’re keeping things simple. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from small—but repeated—changes and new habits.

Here are 8 ideas for small changes that can make a big difference in 2021:

1. Drink more water
   
   
2. Go on walks (or just get outside!)
   
   
3. Use parenting skills
   
   
4. Pick up a new (or old) hobby
   
   
5. Start reading again (or read more!)
   
   
6. Improve sleep habits
   
   
7. Connect with friends and family
   
   
8. Move your body daily (even if just for 10 minutes)

One way to set yourself up for resolution success is to set goals that feel very doable—even on busy days! This might look different for everyone, so take the list above as a starting point. Pick a goal or two and adapt to work for your life.

Happy New Year!

PS: Resolution for more (or better) family time? Check out Active Parenting and Connect for parenting tips and skills that really work!

Q: What is Connect?

A: Connect is a group program for parents and other caregivers that aims to help families survive and thrive through their children’s adolescence.

Adolescence can be a stressful time as youth strive for greater independence and yet still need the support and guidance of their parents. Building (or rebuilding) stronger connections with their teens helps parents find new ways to effectively navigate these challenges.

Q: How much does the Connect program cost?

A: The Connect program is currently available for free.

Q: Who should attend the Connect program?

A: Parents and other caregivers (i.e., relatives or foster parents) who would like to find ways to improve their relationships with their preteens and/or teens.

Q: What Happens in Connect?

A:

• Each session focuses on a new principle related to adolescent development and the parent-teen relationship

• Parents receive a handout at each session with key points to remember when applying the principles in their own relationship

• Parents watch role plays, try activities, and join in discussions that help them understand and respond to challenging behavior problems

• Parents and caregivers meet in small groups with two trained group leaders for 90 minutes each week for 10 weeks

Q: Does Connect work?

A: After completing the workshop, parents report feeling less stressed and more effective in parenting. They also saw fewer behavior problems and improved social functioning in their teens.

Q: Does Connect work if completed virtually?

A: Research conducted in 2020 confirmed that the Connect program is effective in a virtual format. (The program was originally developed and found to be effective in an in-person format.)

Q: How do I sign up?

A: To register, contact Kristi Mitchell at kristi@willowstone.org or call 765-423-5361

Willowstone’s services are available via Telehealth!

We are pleased to offer virtual options for therapy services, Healthy Families services, and our education workshops (Active Parenting, Get SMART Jr, and Connect).

For more information, contact us at 765-423-5361 or email contact@willowstone.org

To schedule an appointment, please call us at 765-423-5361.
(Note: Please do not email regarding your appointment. Appointments are scheduled by phone only.)