Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We are excited to share resources for parents of children and teens today. I know, there are so many experts out there. How do you figure out whose words of wisdom will be most helpful?  Our hope is that we can share information that will help you figure out the parenting path that is the best match for you and for each of your unique children. 

Let's jump right in. Here is a short video in which I share about how to teach belly breathing to your younger child. A great tool for emotional regulation for us all! 

Here is an article by Erin Kelly, LMFT, one of our DBT team consultants, on using skills to move beyond our fight or flight responses with our teens. You have teens? You probably know what I'm talking about. Enjoy this article and its inspiration. 
Looking to join with other parents for learning, support, and building skills?  Check out the information below about our:
1.   Wise Mind Parenting Group for parents of teens and young adults. The next session starts Friday, March 2, 10:30 - 11:30.
2. A free 12 week Family Connections class for family members of Borderline Personality Disorder sufferers. This latter group starts Friday, February 9th.

To learn more about parent coaching, parent groups and parent tools, keep reading. Wishing you well on the journey! And let us know how we can help.
 
In gratitude,
Licensed Psychologist (PSY 13102)
CEO, Founder of the Institute for Girls' Development
Training Director, Professional and Post-Doctoral Training 
626-585-8075, ext. 108 

Institute News & Resources
Wise Mind Parenting:
Connection and Skills 
Dr. Danielle Neddo, 
Licensed Psychologist (PSY29486) 
Mary Schultz, MMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 
(IMF 87459) 
Supervised by Monica Valdivia-Aguilar, MA., LMFT (LMFT #41352)

Group starts:  Friday, March 2, 10:30 - 11:30am

Being a parent is tough work! Wise Mind Parenting is a new group for parents of teens and young adults who want to find new ways to understand and navigate the tough emotions that arise within themselves and their children during this transitional time of life.  As teens and young adults move towards independence the parent-child relationship also changes and evolves alongside this process.  The shifts within the role of parents can be stressful and worrisome, and parents may find a space of support and guidance helpful. 

Wise Mind Parenting helps to provide this space of support and guidance in a variety of ways:
  • Teaching about the changes in the adolescent brain so they can better understand the experiences of their teens and utilize these changes in growth-promoting ways.
  • Teaching skills to promote wise-minded decision-making as a parent, manage emotions in distressing moments, and build better communication styles at home that increase a sense of connection and understanding.
  • Teaching mindfulness to build insight into your own experiences, learn to sit with discomfort, and increase your self-compassion and capacity to make more mindful decisions
  • Providing a space where parents can gain support and connect with each other, while learning from the collective wisdom of the group.
Wise Mind Parenting incorporates skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Neurobiology.

How can DBT skills help with parenting?   

Read more here!
 
To learn more about Wise Mind Parenting, call us at 626.585.8075, ext 108. Our next group starts Friday, March 2. Hope you can join us!
Family Connections Class
Fridays, 1-3pm -  Begins February 9 to May 4
Institute for Girls' Development
 
Facilitated by our team members:
Dr. Jessica Fisher, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Supervised by Vicki Chiang, Psy.D, (PSY21136) and Mary Schultz, MMFT, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (IMF 87459),
Supervised by Monica Valdivia-Aguilar, MA, LMFT (LMFT #41352)

  Family Connections™ is a 12-week course that meets weekly to provide education, skills training, and support for people who are in a relationship with someone who has BPD.  Focusing on issues that are specific to BPD, it is hosted in a community setting and led by trained group leaders who are usually family members of relatives with BPD. Dr. Alan Fruzzetti and Dr. Perry Hoffman developed the course based on their research as well as their significant professional expertise in counseling people with BPD and their loved ones. Family Connections provides: current information and research on BPD and on family functioning; individual coping skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); family skills; and group support that builds an ongoing network for family members.
 
This is a free class for individuals who have family members with Borderline Personality Disorder. The aim is to provide education (on BPD, DBT, biosocial model, etc.), skills training, and support for people who are in a relationship with someone who has BPD. Below is a link to the website for those who would like to learn more about it:  https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com/family-connections/
 
If you feel that someone you know would benefit from the family connections class then they can register at the link below. They will be added to a waitlist, which is then provided to group leaders.
 

For questions, please contact jfisher@IFGD.care or Mschultz@IFGD.care.  For more info, open flier here:   Family Connections FLIER
Parent Group & Parent Coaching - 
Dr. Vicki Chiang (PSY 21136) shares her perspective.

Parenting is filled with joys and challenges. If you are a parent looking for additional support as you embark on this journey, consider Parent Coaching. Whether you are parents-to-be or parents of a young adult or anything in between, parent coaching can help support you navigate all the different developmental milestones of your child's life as well as the different needs that arise within each one. Parents in my practice often come to explore how to: limit set with their child or teen, communicate more effectively, decrease yelling and increase more cooperation, support their child through a difficult situation, help to navigate difficulties related to their child's diagnosis or developmental difference, get on the same page with their partner on how to parent together successfully, and more. There is no doubt that in your role as parents you have a tough job ahead..... the good news is you do not have to do it alone. I - and my other colleagues here at the Institute - look forward to working with you to support you on this journey.

For more information, please contact us at 626-585-8075, ext. 108.
( An article for parents )
By: Janiel Henry, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(PSY 28724)


"If only there was a universal rule book I could follow!" So often I hear this wish from parents, even though they know no rule book exists. Parenting is such hard work - no matter how carefully one prepares. Books or articles have been read and thoughtfully incorporated with sage advice from those we love or admire. And then the unexpected happens.  Many times the challenges that arise are not the ones we anticipated for the parenting journey.

It's at times like this that parent coaching can be a practical and helpful tool. Parents show up at my door and sit on my couch for many unexpected reasons.  It may be a desire to understand and work with a child's or teen's developmental changes or behaviors.  It may be because a parent wants to improve the relationship with their child or teen.  Sometimes, the parent in my office simply wants to have the input of a trained, experienced professional for support during a confusing or difficult season.  One barrier to parent coaching that I've observed is the fear of being judged.  For some parents, the thought of coming for support is accompanied with the fear of being labeled a "bad parent."  Some parents share that it goes beyond that for them; they acknowledge a sense of shame for wanting or needing support.  Although these thoughts and fears may arise, know that it is ok to receive support. In fact, the capacity to ask for help is something that we seek to encourage in our children.  Practicing seeking help and support build our capacity. That's right: practice, and know that it is okay to ask for help - and not only to ask, but to accept and receive.
If this speaks to you, I encourage you to take that first step. In the words of Lao Tzu , "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

You can reach Dr. Janiel Henry at 626.585.8075, ext 115  or
jhenry@IFGD.careFor a parent coaching appointment, check in at extension 108 to get started.

Therapy and Assessment Services

We offer strength-based therapy services for individuals, groups, families, parents and others. Comprehensive Assessments (neuropsychological, academic, cognitive, and psychological) available as well. For more information, click  here!

Cliques, Conflicts, & Connections

2018 Spring Dates :
Tuesday, April 4th from  6:30-8:00* PM - Workshop
Tuesday, May 2nd from  6:30-8:00* PM - Workshop
Tuesday, June  27th from  6:30-8:00 PM - Workshop

*Dr. Johnson will be available between  8:00pm - 8:30pm to answer questions about Stand Up! Speak Out!®, our summer friendship workshop for girls entering 3rdthrough 5th grades.  Light refreshments will be served at all presentations.

Cliques, Conflicts and Connections is a free workshop for parents.  Learn tips and tools for helping your daughter navigate her social world.
Get empowered with resources for your own positive connection with your daughter.  Register now through the store to reserve your space!

Register here!
Are you a Girl Scout or youth group leader?  Bring your group to one of our fun, interactive Friday workshops!  
  • Body TalkBecome media savvy and maintain a positive body image.
 
Available dates:  Feb. 9, Apr. 13, May 4, Jun. 1 or 8
 
Workshops are on Fridays from 4-6pm and cost $600 - which includes the girls' workshop and a concurrent talk for parents covering similar material.  
We can customize workshops to help meet Girl Scout badge or Journey requirements.
 
Contact us! We'd love to work with your group! To learn more, contact Paige Hobey at 626-378-4300 or PHobey@IFGD.care .
95 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 100
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-585-8075