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    • Hello and welcome! I am Rebecca Rowe, licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in La Porte, IN. I was born and raised in Chicago, but have enjoyed living and working in Northwest Indiana for over 4 years now. I don’t know how you found my page today, but I am very glad you did! I have great respect for those who not only recognize they need help working through their obstacles and struggles, but also move forward to seek help through therapy.At R & R Mental Health Counseling, I can help you on that journey through unconditional acceptance, empathy, and honest feedback.“Difficult Roads Often Lead to Beautiful Destinations.”I currently work with teens, adults, couples, and families as well as creating support groups related to the needs of those I am working with. We will work together to process and resolve your current stressors and obstacles and move forward in balance and harmony.I have experience working with many modes of therapy, including giving interactive feedback, practicing grounding techniques, and using mindfulness activities in session. I also utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions, as well as coping skills and resources to meet your unique needs. I specialize in the following issues: Stress & Anxiety, Depression, Teen Therapy, Establishing Boundaries, Dealing with Toxic People, Mindfulness, EMDR and Improving Sleep. (Click on any of these options for more information.)I personally enjoy working with people across diverse backgrounds and cultures. I also enjoy working with adolescents as well as women struggling with issues related to: self-esteem, boundaries, empowerment and taking better care of their own needs.I understand your feelings of anxiety and depression. We can work together to practice finding coping skills that work for you specifically, taking what works and leaving the rest. By using these skills daily, you can manage your fears and worries. At R & R Mental Health Counseling, you will always be supported and understood.My therapeutic style is direct, compassionate, strength-based and person-centered. I am also very warm and inviting. I practice using creativity and resourcefulness to help you feel more engaged, while offering a space to feel more open, respected and safe. I also consider myself a Hufflepuff through and through, if that means anything to you.The values of honesty, humor and courage are very important to me and my therapeutic relationship with my clients. I know the courage it takes to face your fears and struggles head on. I’m continually amazed at how well being silly and having fun go hand-in-hand with building a relationship and developing trust. We can work through the tough stuff, together. During sessions, I will listen actively and non-judgmentally to you and reflect back the things I hear. I am open to your experiences and unique perspectives. My goal is to give you a space to feel empowered and safe enough to express yourself as well as helping you identify and utilize coping skills and practical tools that will be lifelong assets for you. We will focus on the details of daily living as well as your big picture and themes or patterns that may connect them.Inquire about our FREE 30 min. phone consultation today.You can also book your session online!QualificationsSchool: University of MichiganYear Graduated: 2014License No. and State: 34007714A Indiana
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December 21, 2020 by Rebecca Rowe

Teaching Kids Mindfulness: The Benefits and Easiest Ways to Do It!

“Pay attention!”

It’s a phrase that is uttered dozens of times a week (if not more) in households where children between the ages of two and 18 reside. How is it that when they WANT to, oh say when they are playing video games or watching cartoons, kids can have a tremendous attention span. But at any other time, getting them to be present is harder than getting them to close the refrigerator door!

While getting kids to pay attention can seem frustrating, there is an answer to the madness: mindfulness.

Mindful Kids are Happier Kids

Several studies have shown that kids who participate in mindfulness programs are happier. And the sooner you get kids started with mindfulness, the easier it becomes for them to develop a capacity to become calm and centered when life throws them stressful situations.

What does this look like in real life?

Well, picture how a normal 7-year old responds to a situation that is scary, overwhelming, and generally unpleasant. Say they are getting ready to take a hard test or going to the dentist. Most will become so fearful and anxious that they have a hard time being calmed by a parent or other guardian.

The 7-year old who practices mindfulness meditation knows to stop, close their eyes, and breathe deeply to get themselves calm and focused.

The two outcomes are vastly different. That’s because meditation and deep breathing exercises actually change the physiology of the brain, according to scientists. Instead of kids reacting emotionally to a charged situation (being controlled by their emotions), children can control their impulses and reactions to that situation.

OK, but how do you get kids to practice mindfulness when it’s difficult to get them to do pretty much anything, let alone meditate!  Here are some ways you can help your kids become more mindful:

1. Help them discover their inner experience.

Spend time helping kids understand what is happening to their bodies during stressful and calm situations. Ask them to explore their emotions. The more insight they have into their inner experience, the better able they will be to control their responses to external experiences.

2. Breathe with Them

Practice deep breathing with your child. You can do it while driving or before putting them to bed at night. Share with them how to relax, slowly breathe in deeply and exhale. Invite them to feel any tension melt away.

3. Be a Good Example

Your child will not even want to try and be mindful and in control when they see you out of control. Are you one to yell at other drivers? Do you get far too angry when your dog tracks mud in the house? Does a telemarketer at dinner send you through the roof? If so, it’s time to try deep breathing and meditation yourself. Be an example. If your child sees mommy or daddy handling stress in healthier ways, they will be far more likely to give it a go.

While it will take some effort to get your kid to commit to practicing mindfulness, the results that it will bring to their life are completely worth it.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://psychcentral.com/blog/mindfulness-for-children/
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creative-development/202001/mindfulness-in-children
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/breathe-mama-breathe/201605/12-simple-ways-teach-mindfulness-kids

If any of this sounds familiar or relevant to you or your teen, reach out for help today. Rebecca Rowe is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with teens and families struggling with anxiety, depression & self esteem issues.

Call for your free consultation or to schedule an appointment today at (773) 706-7907. You can also schedule online by clicking here. I am happy to talk to you more about your current struggles and any other questions or concerns you may have. I really look forward to talking to you soon!


 

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Rebecca Rowe



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245 W Johnson Rd #10
La Porte, IN 46350

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La Porte, IN 46350

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