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 31 …July 2017

 

Dr. Recco’s Corner

    I want to remind everyone that it is okay to encourage others. For some reason, the majority of us find it hard to let others know how well they are doing and how close they are to reaching their goals. I guess human nature prevails and convinces us to not let others know that they can make it another day and that things will get better. Yes, they will get better!

   While there is something fundamentally wrong with, “Brown noising and sucking-up,” to a person, there is nothing wrong with rendering inspired encouragement when it is warranted and the right the to do. We should not have to ponder or pray about doing the right thing. Right is right.

    Not only have we become comfortable with not encouraging others, we have also convinced ourselves that we do not need encouragement from others.  This is not good. Everyone needs to be encouraged by others.

    Today, I’m personally challenging you to put forth an effort to encourage at least one person each day. It will cost you nothing and it will eventually benefit you. Try it!

 

Recco

 

Helping Male Teens Avoid Crime (Pt III)

By Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC & Jeanette Owens, MA, LLPC 

• Continued from last month’s newsletter •

     With no doubt, effective parenting helps minors avoid participation in criminal activity. It is held that children need parenting efforts that are consistent and attempt to maintain control. Children also need close supervision, rewards, consequences, and parent disapproval of antisocial behavior.

     Reed & Reed (1997) reported that children of incarcerated parents are adversely affected in that the family system is harmed. The temporary and long-term loss of a parent due to incarceration can sting a child/adolescent in a deep emotional way. The sting has the ability to penetrate and distract the fundamental belief system, values that are held near and dear to the heart and chemical balance.  

    To help children/adolescents deal with the incarceration of a parent and avoid future involvement in criminal activity, affective and physiological and attention and behavioral dysregulation needs to take place.

     Below is a list of problems that the children/adolescents experience and specific interventions that can be used by adults and minors to address the problems (Kolk et al. 2009).  

1. Modulate, Tolerate and Recover: Children of incarcerated/previously incarcerated parents often display the inability to modulate. For some reason,           they can’t calm down, have regular negative moods, present themselves asbeing hyper, fail to self-soothe at critical times and are given to anger.  

     

      To address the stated, it is imperative that there is minimum exposure to interpersonal violence and consistent parenting that protects. As well, it is helpful to ensure that the child/adolescent avoids emotional abuse, is confronted when he/she has a tantrum and learns to tolerate differences.

     In addition, the child/adolescent need to be instructed as to how to mobilize and organize things and maintain a routine sleep pattern. Likewise, he/she is in need of consistent healthy meals, proper personal hygiene/elimination and exposure to positive concepts.

     Lastly, it is beneficial if the child/adolescent experiences soothing and stimulating sounds and develops the ability to create systems and process during routine interactions.

2. Disturbances in Regulation of Body Functions: It can be expected that at some point the children/adolescents of an incarcerated parent will experience disrupted sleep, have eating problems, report digestive struggles, have an overall poor response, be given to being stressed and be very sensitive.   

 

       To address the above mentioned, it is important that the child/adolescent have consistent healthy meals and proper personal hygiene/elimination. In addition, he/she should learn how to respond to positive touch and feel.  

3. Awareness of Emotions and Body States: The children/adolescents often depersonalize and are not aware of their external world. Their move toward affective numbing, dissociation, inability to describe their emotions, fears, inadequate communication of their desires is not healthy.  

 

       There are several practical things that can help children/adolescents experience success in their emotions and body states. They should learn to emote, label feelings and identify their emotional triggers. In addition, efforts should be made to be more aware of their surroundings and to experience incidental learning.

       They should also be encouraged to be observant and to develop good listening skills. Lastly, they should be instructed as to how to perceive, problem solve and resolve conflicts.

4. Threats, Misread Danger and Relational Dysregulation: For the most part, all children/adolescents have a need to feel safe. It is held that in many cases, children/adolescents of incarcerated and/or previously incarcerated parents have a tainted perception of safety. They can become pre-occupied with the detection of  a threat and experience persistent social fears.

     On a regular basis, they may misread social context, display narrow focus and have inadequate shifts of awareness of surroundings. In addition, they can become pre-occupied with their caregiver and have attachment problems.    

     There are several remedies for the above mentioned. The removal of threats and intimidators should take place. There should also be efforts to ensure their safety and ongoing instruction on how to identify dangers and the associated cues. It is also helpful to teach the child/adolescent how to protect his/her emotions and experience regular stimulation.

     He/she should be introduced to positive rhythms and beats and taught the benefits of intentional movement. The child/adolescent should also receive instruction as to how to properly release emotions, manage stress and gain victory over sexual desires.

5. Impaired Self-Protection and Thrill Seeking: The incarceration of a parent can have a lasting and very deep impact on a child’s/adolescent’s sense of self and thrill seeking. They have a propensity to be subject to risk-taking behaviors, fire starting and misplaced sexuality.

       They also tend to pursue activities that are not age appropriate, are impulsive and display poor judgment. Lastly, they tend to not follow rules, have poor planning and fail to anticipate consequences.

      To address the problem areas, the child/adolescent must experience goal attainment and have meaningful achievement. He/she also needs self-fulfillment, confidence, selfmastery and an array of self-soothing activities such as rocking, singing and writing.

    The child/adolescent should also learn to set goals, regularly explore his/her personage and be exposed to various cultures.

6. Maladaptive Attempts at Self-Soothing/Reactive Self-Harm: Due to their level of emotional pain, abandonment and embarrassment, children/adolescents of convicts and felons can be given to masturbating, rocking, self-harm and substance abuse.

 

      They are also at risk of suicide attempts, cutting or hitting themselves, picking their skin, burning themselves, self-mutilation, plucking their eyelashes, and other self-injurious behaviors (Richardson & Owens 2011).

      To help children/adolescents who struggle in this area, efforts should be made for them to understand their stressors, experience self-love and recognize the dangers of drugs. They should make efforts to experience natural highs and positive thoughts.

7. Sense of Self, Self-Loathing and Trust Issues: The incarceration of a parent can affect a child’s/adolescent’s self-worth and personal confidence. It can also cause guilt, worry, damaged feelings and an overall distrust of others.

 

    In some situations and way too often, it can lead to noncompliance, aggressiveness, shame and poor boundaries.

    There are several concepts that can help children/adolescents avoid self-loathing and limited trust. They can be introduced to projects, join a club, organize activities or become task-oriented.

     They can also decide to become more responsible, seek to avoid disappointment, remain optimistic and secure healthy relationships. Efforts should also be made to manage their negative emotions and respect boundaries.

    What needs to take place at this time is a concerted effort by law officials, educators, parents and youth to embrace positive living outcomes, structured and defined outcomes, holistic approaches to problem solving, sensitivity to the unique needs of today’s families and community-based support.

 

“A Closer Look” Mental Health & Service Provider’s Conference

    The 3rd Annual, “A Closer Look,” Mental Health & Service Provider’s Conference will be held Friday September 22, 2017 at the Conference Center, Ramada Hotel (Lansing, MI).

    The theme is Traumatized Clients: Clinical Treatment Interventions That Strengthens Emotional Intelligence & Builds Resilience.Presenters will share information, interventions and practical insight regarding trauma, grief/loss, suicide prevention, treatment planning and emerging trends and other relevant topics.     

    A total of four (4) continuing education hours has been approved  by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Pending “A Closer Look” Conference CE Credits. We await and anticipate approval from additional state and national counseling initiatives/organizations that offer continuing education

 

25 Truths About Purpose, Driven & Successful People

By Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

     Some 25 years, thousands and thousands of clients and 15 published books later, I have come to realize something about people who are walking in their purpose and who have achieved a measure of success in several areas of their lives.

     For the most part, these individuals are ordinary people from ordinary backgrounds. I figure now is a good time to share with the world the 25 truths I have learned and now understand about the stated individuals.

1. When life deals them a bad hand, they  make something out.
2. Regardless of the task, their goal is to do their best.
3. They see the glass as half full, not half empty.
4. They avoid waiting for things and people.
5. They tend to be doing something at all times.
6. They finish things.
7. They quit, “Quitting,” a long time ago.
8. By habit, they bounce back from mistakes quickly.
9. They rarely (if ever) blame others.
10. They tend to have a plan and a back-up plan to the back-up plan.
11. They have a small circle of friends.
12. They have a large network of like-minded peers.
13. Their skills, trade or job satisfies them emotionally, socially, spiritually and financially.
14. They regularly teach others what they know.
15. They like challenges.
16. They regularly take calculated risks.
17. They read, meditate and listen much more than they talk, eat and sleep.
18. They view failure as part of the learning process.
19. They turn road blocks into stepping stones towards success.
20. At critical times, they tend to keep their emotions in check.
21. They are problem solvers, not problem makers.
22. They have figured out how to get along with difficult people.
23. They accept that everyone will not like them.
24. They can be very demanding on themselves.
25. They don’t expect others to understand them.

 

 

Dr. Recco’s Thoughts To Live By

 

Personal action leads to satisfaction.

Stop waiting and do something now.

Happy people make tough decisions.

Leadership means to lead,

Be sure to find the hope in situations.

Any day above the ground is a good day.

Daily preparation is critical to success.

Accept patience for what it is.

Mentoring is necessary and works.

Think long and hard as often as needed.

Maximize your time and season of life.

 

ABLE Program

    The Adolescents for Better Learning Endeavors (ABLE) Program is designed to help at-risk 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.To secure ABLE programming simply contact our office.

 

3rd Annual  Youth “Improve Your Academic Life” Conference

     Our 3rd annual, “Improve Your Academic Life,” Conference will be held Friday September 1, 2017 and Saturday September 2, 2017 at Covenant Hills Resort & Camp (Otisville, MI)

     The event targets students ages 12 to 17 and will feature workshops on study skills, test taking, staying organized, avoiding distractions and peer interaction.

      Participants will be housed over-night at the facility and will also take part in several  social/recreational activities, meals and panel discussions with current college students and various working professionals.

Services/Program Offered By RSRC

 

Agency Clinical Directorship (new) • Afterschool Programming • Staff Trainings/Development • Business/Entrepreneur Support • Individual/Family Counseling  Research Institute • Book Writing/Publishing • Treatment/Support Groups • Educational Services • Post-Adoption Services • School-Based Initiatives • LLPC Licensure Supervision Compliance/Regulation • Grant/Proposal Writing • Cultural/Educational Fieldtrips • Youth Programming • Motivational Speaking • Program Development • Conferences/Retreats NCE Test Workshops

 

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.

 

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.

Please contact our office if you are in need of LLPC supervision.  Currently, LET programming is offered in Bay City, Flint, and Lansing.

 

 

Coming LLPC Group Supervision

 

August 2017

Bay City: Saturday, August 15, 2017 (9 am – 1 pm)

Lansing: Saturday, August 15, 2017 (4 pm – 8 pm)

Flint: Sunday, August 16, 2017 (1 pm – 5 pm).

 

September 2017

All cohort supervision sessions will take place Friday September 22, 2017 during the “A Closer Look” Mental Health & Service Providers’ Conference. Additional make-up supervision hours will be available during the entire weekend.

 

 

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