LET & ABLE News

Licensure Education Training & Adolescents for Better Learning Endeavors Programs

A publication of Recco S. Richardson Consulting, Inc. • Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

 

Issue 28 … April 2017

 

Dr. Recco’s Corner

    I’m becoming concerned! Concerned about the direction and needs of children as they try to navigate their K-6 education and the world around them.

    My concerns are validated on a daily basis when I talk with parents, educators, medical field professionals and clergy. In times past I (and others) were quick to say that the solution is “better parenting.” That is not my stance any longer.

    For the children that I’m most concerned about, the solution is village parenting, structure, natural and loving consequences,  internal/external motivators, access to effective services and wholesome nurturing that are all provided by parents and a host of caring adults.

    Every child is precious and special. All they need sometimes is for someone like you and I to stand and do something on their behalf.

    As I stated in last month’s newsletter in this very column, I need as many caring adults as possible to stand with me. For the next 60 days, can I depend on you to stand? Stand and make a difference in the life of your child, somebody’s child, any child or a lost child?

Recco

 

Does Your Elementary Age Child Need Behavior Day Treatment?

By Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

    Does your young child (age 7-12) need a 45 day intensive and impactful treatment program that is prevention/intervention in nature? Before you answer, be aware that all over America, there is a need for “non-residential” behavior day treatment programming for children.  

    The need exists because earlier and earlier, ordinary children are experiencing increased stressors, on-going school referrals/suspensions, traumatic life changes, mental health issues, defiance towards adults, relationship problems, anger and home life problems.  

    Parents, feel comfortable knowing that you are not alone. There are hundreds of parents who are struggling with raising their young child.  You should know that successful behavior day treatment programs have the ability to enhance participants’ emotional healthiness, sense of direction, self-love and bond/attachment.

    In most communities, there is a growing number of children who are at-risk of abuse, neglect, violence, underachievement, slow processing and engagement and questionable behaviors. More than ever, today’s children are given to poor decision making, anger, depression, low confidence, isolation and trauma.  

    As a result, parents should re-think the need to place their child in a behavior day treatment program.  Quality programs successfully help youth build solid relationships, cope with conflict,  communicate effectively, express themselves, heal from emotional pain, address issues of loss/grief, be inspired to dream, gain a support system and feel safe.

Last Call For RSRC 3rd Annual Recharge Self Care Conference

    The 3rd Annual Recharge Service Providers Self Care Conference is right around the corner. The conference will be held Saturday April 29, 2017 at Covenant Hills Retreat & Camp, Otisville, MI.

    The morning workshop sessions (which are approved by National Board of Certified Counselors for three CE units) will be held 8 am – 11:30 am. The afternoon workshop sessions will be held 1 pm – 4:30 pm. The cost is $100 for each session.  

    Registration began March 1, 2017. To register/pay on-line, visit the web page http://www.richardsonsconsulting.com/recharge/.

    The registration form and payment can be mailed to Recco S. Richardson Consulting, Inc., 2500 S. Linden Road, P.O. Box 321252, Flint, MI 48532.

CE Units & Self Care Conference

    The morning session of the “Recharge” Service Providers Self Care Conference (Self-Care, the Pursuit of Happiness & Helping Others session only) has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) for three (3) NBCC credits.

 

What Teens Wish Adults Knew About Parenting (Pt III) 

Excepts Taken From “Listen to me: A journey into the lives of today’s youth” (2009)

    This is the third part in our series on parenting. We are going back in time and reviewing what some typical Flint teens wrote about their mothers in 2009. The majority of young authors are now full-time college students and making a difference in the world and on campus.

By Lilly, 10th Grader

    My relationship with my mother is strong. We get along very well. We shop, go to the movies and have fun together. She is like the mother I always wanted. She is a mother that loves me and treats me like a spoiled brat.

    My relationship with her is important to me because she takes good care of me. We take care of each other even during hard times or in sickness. When she has something on her mind that needs to be said, we go for a ride or go see a movie. This helps take the pain away. If I have a problem with someone, I go to my mother about it. She is there for me.

    She can help improve our relationship by trusting me more. I know in a mother’s blood they feel that if they trust too much, their daughter will do something dumb.  I have done enough dumb things to last a life time. Yet, my mother continues to love me and believe in me.

By Meosha, 10th Grader

    My relationship with my mother is much different than the one I have with my father. My mother is very loving, strong and understanding. Our relationship is important to me because I would be nowhere in life without her.

    I can’t see myself being raised by another woman. I say this because if my mother would not have taken me into her life and adopted me, I could still be in foster care going from home to home. She is the only mother that I know. I would not have it any other way.

    I believe my mother could improve our relationship by listening to me, being even more understanding and trusting me. I believe that our relationship is good. It could be better if these three areas improved. I really believe that if she trusted me more, our relationship would flourish.

    The problems that I have caused in our relationship have broken her trust. I have stolen from her. I have lied to her. I know it may take some time to restore her trust.

By Asia, 8th Grader

    My birth mother lost her parental rights. After living with her for years, my foster mother eventually adopted me. Ever since her decision, we have had a close relationship.  

    She is a loving person and protects me from all harm. Today our relationship features us caring for each other. She cares for me and she would risk her life for me. I now realize how much she does for me. For example, when she goes to the grocery store she buys chips, brownies, cupcakes and other sweets even though she does not eat junk food. She also spends a lot of her money on my shoes and clothes.

    The relationship with my adoptive mother is important to me because she means so much to me. When I’m sad, she shows how much she loves me. When I need her support the most, she provides it. We will always be together.

    She can improve our relationship by giving me more freedom and not treating me like a baby. She could also stop yelling and calm down some.

By Tarence, 10th Grader

    I have a close relationship with my adoptive mother. To me, for years she was the head of the household. Once my dad retired, she continued to work. Now, she is still active in the home and in my life.

    She helps me with my homework, gives me an allowance and distributes most of the discipline that I need. We talk about everything, laugh together and play with each other. Her advice is pretty good and she protects me.

    My relationship with my adoptive mother is important to me. She is special to me. She takes good care of me even though she is not my biological mother. I love her for this.

By Rani, 7th Grader

    My relationship with my mother is interesting. We get along as long as I don’t talk. She is not as easy to talk to as my father is. I think the problem is that we are both very smart and bright. We are too much alike and we both think we are always right. When I say something that she thinks is wrong, she jumps on me.  Most of the time (like 99 percent of the time) she is right. However, that other 1 percent of the time, I’m right.

    Sometimes, my mother falsely accuses me. When she finds out that I’m innocent, she tries to make it up to me. I’m just sick of it.

    My relationship with her is important to me because I’m going to need someone to lean on later in life. College is tough and I probably will need someone I can really trust. Who would be better to trust than the person that changed my diapers? You know, my relationship with my mother is also important because she is not going to live forever.

    Every time we watch a movie, go to the mall or listen to my kind of music, I end up getting some type of lecture or speech out of it. My mom says it is for my own good. I say that all it is doing is getting on my nerves or putting me to sleep.  Sometimes I feel like she is just wasting her breath because I’m a very good “false” listener. This is really a good skill to have.

    I have learned to sit and gaze into her eyes, tuning her out all the time. During one of her lectures what I will do is think about school or politics. It works like a charm.

    My mother can help improve our relationship by quitting jumping to conclusions. For example, if she sees me cleaning my room she automatically thinks I’m doing it for some sort of reward. More stereotypes, is all it is. Sometimes I clean my room because I want to and out of the goodness of my heart.

By Jordan, 7th Grader

    My relationship with my mother is challenging. I feel like it is getting harder and harder to impress her or to make her happy. Her rules are stricter than my father’s rules, thus I have to behave a certain way around my mother and then a different way in front of my father.

    Sometimes my mother and I have our moments when we argue. I get angry when we argue because I can’t say what I really want to. All of the unspeakable words get held up inside and the situation gets worse. I feel like my relationship with my mother often features arguing.

  The relationship is successful most of the time. We laugh and joke around with each other. I sometimes wonder when we are laughing, if we are going to end up arguing in the next few minutes.

    My relationship with my mother is important because I will need her throughout my life. I look at the relationship that my mother has with her mother. I don’t think they have a good relationship. Over time, they are getting along better.  My mother really does not talk to my grandmother.

    When she needs to talk to someone, she will call her sister or her best friend. The only time she talks to my grandmother is when she needs her to watch me and my brother. I honestly don’t want that type of relationship with my mother.

    I want to be able to call or visit her when I need some “woman to woman” advice. We might have our ups and downs, just as long as we still love each other.

    My mother could improve our relationship by trusting me. She could also listen more and make an effort to understand what I’m trying to say. Like when I try to tell her something from my heart.

    She always has a comment to say about it. I take her comment as being critical of me. I really desire for her to be more of a friend when I need her to be. This request might sound complicated but it is really not that hard to do.

    Right now I feel like I can’t go to her and tell her everything. I really want to learn how to trust her and how to keep her from getting mad at me. It seems like getting angry is mother’s nature. I guess I will just have to get used to it.

By Deonte, 12th Grader

    My mother and I have a great relationship. She is a nice person who understands. Even though it seems like we don’t see each other that often, we have maintained a good relationship. We both love each other unconditionally.

    My relationship with her is important to me because she created me into what I am today. She raised me up until I was 13 years old.

    Our relationship would improve if she were to spend more time with me and be there for me. I don’t want to ask to do these things, I want her to do it on her own will. Our relationship would improve if she were to ask me more questions about who I am and if she made more effort to get to know me.

    I see my step-mom as a second mom. She and I can really have fun together. We also learn a lot about each other and from each other. She teaches me about life. Our relationship has ups and downs. We have our share of little conflicts and we get angry with each other. We have learned to work things out in a positive manner.

    My relationship with her is important to me because she really cares and means what she says. She is a very comfortable person to be around and she is a great listener. She could improve our relationship by being more understanding, living more off facts than opinions and allowing me to express my feelings.

By Aisha, 8th Grader

    My relationship with my mother is loving. We give each other hugs and kisses before we go to bed. We laugh and play together. We go places to talk and just the two of us hang out.  My relationship with my mother is important because I want to share things with her. Since she is a female and has completed school, there are lots of good ideas and information she can give me. When she helps me, I don’t have to worry as much. I really can’t think of ways that my mother can improve our relationship. We are very close. If anything, I’m the one that can do various things to improve our relationship.

By Imani, 8th Grader

    My mother and I have an okay relationship. It could be better. When I’m at home, we always argue. It is kind of surprising as to what we will argue about each day. When I get tired of hearing her argue, I just say, “Okay mom” so that she will stop talking and think that she is right.

    Our relationship is important to me because I want more privileges. I want to be able to do things with my friends. Most importantly, I don’t want to be in trouble all the time. It is important that we get along because I have to live with her until I move out. I have decided to make the best of living with my mother.

She can improve our relationship by listening to me more, trusting me and not caring about stuff that is not necessary.

 

20 Adult “Truths” To Live By

By Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

 

Believe in yourself no matter what.

Opportunity knocks more than once.

Hard work still pays off.

Keep your future plans close to your heart.

Forgive quickly and often.

 

Accept that fear is part of the process.

It’s never too late to say thank you.

Use your words carefully and with purpose.

Do it yourself because help may never come.

Everything you do matters and counts.

 

Trust that you don’t have to trust everyone.

Start where you can, while you can.

What is yours will find its way to you.

There is nothing wrong with apologizing

Save enough energy for the important battles.

 

Failure is not permanent or a crime.

Dreams still do come true.

It is only a problem if you allow it to be.

Imperfections are necessary and to be valued.

At all times, remember what is important.

 

ABLE Program

    The Adolescents for Better Learning Endeavors (ABLE) Program is designed to help school age youth move forward as a result of gaining new skills and competency.

    The goal is for participants to be able to successfully participate within the school setting. The program helps participants improve their academics, social life, emotional maturity and decision-making skills.

ABLE Program Components:

• Individual Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Home Visits
• Crisis Management
• Parenting Workshops
• Incentives & Awards
• Support Groups
• Exciting Fieldtrips

 

LET Program

    Offered by Recco S. Richardson Consulting, Inc., the Licensure Educational Training (LET) Program is an effective supervisory program that targets Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPCs) who need supervision.

    Please contact our office if you are in need of LLPC supervision. The benefits of participation are tremendous and sure to positively impact your life.

    Currently, LET programming is offered in three cities and has regular participants from 10 different counties.

LET Services:

Group Supervision: Monthly gatherings that review caseloads, offer Q/A sessions, discusses trends in the field, secures guest speakers and much more.

Individual Supervision: As requested, informal one-on-one sessions that provide personal attention, intentional brainstorming and insightful strategies.

Communication:  Unlimited monthly communication via phone, email and text.

Other: NCE workshops, counseling residencies, business services support, book club and scholarly writing/research.

Coming LLPC Group Supervision

 

April 2017

For this month, supervision sessions for all cohorts will take place during the Recharge Service Providers“ Self Care”  Conference on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 8 am to 11:30 am. Make up sessions will be available 1 pm to 5 pm.

 

May 2017

Bay City: Saturday, May 20, 2017 (9 am – 1 pm)

Lansing: Saturday, May 20, 2017 (4 pm – 8 pm)

Flint: Sunday, May 21, 2017 (1 pm – 5 pm).

 

June 2017

Bay City: Saturday, June 17, 2017 (9 am – 1 pm)

Lansing: Saturday, June 17, 2017 (4 pm – 8 pm)

Flint: Sunday, June 18, 2017 (1 pm – 5 pm).

 

Contact Us

Recco S. Richardson Consulting, Inc.

Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

2500 S Linden Road, P.O Box 321252 .. Flint, MI 48532

(810) 394-7815 (Office)  (810) 732-6657 (Fax)

website: richardsonsconsulting.com

email:reccorichardsonphd@gmail.com