Hello!
Ok, where did summer go??? Welcome to a new season! For many of us it is season of bigger change as our children leave the nest. Those of you without children may find this newsletter helpful as a way to open discussions or support friends and family who may be struggling through this season of life.
Check out some excellent advice from our executive office manager, Karla, and some MFS family photos as we reflect on our own foundation of love and support that got us to where we are today.
I wish you peace and strength as you enter your new season (however that may be defined for you),
Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098
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McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Summer| Issue 32| August 31, 2022
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The last "birdie" has left your nest, leaving you feeling a mixture of emotions: sadness, freedom, fear, excitement, loneliness (to name a few). For the last 18+ years, your focus has been generally defined and now it isn't.
For all of the new empty nesters out there, it can be helpful to try to think of this time as a beginning versus an end. For you as an individual, it is the beginning of a new phase of your life. For you as a parent, it is a continuation of your parenting journey, you have just turned down a different road.
Individually, you now have the opportunity to spend more time tuning into your own needs. What ideally does this time look like for you? Can you finally take that trip you've been wanting to go on, spend time re-connecting with your partner, take up a hobby that you used to enjoy? The sky is the limit.... it's also your time to fly!
Your children still need you, it's just in different ways now. No, they will no longer be asking you to help them with their homework, but they will call you from the grocery store asking what aisle they keep the syrup in (remember that, mom?) You won't see them everyday, but when you do get to see them, these interactions will feel different, more purposeful, based off the desire to see each other versus just having to. In fact, many things will stay the same: they will still need you when something big happens, they will still ask for money, and you'll never stop worrying about them. Regardless of how far away your child is, how long it's been since you've talked them, you are and always will be a parent.
Our office manager, Karla, recently became an empty nester herself! Read her article below for some compassionate insight and support in helping you through this transition!
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At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with children and adults who are struggling with all kinds of presenting mental health issues. If your family or someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained and experienced in empirically-based techniques, and would be happy to promptly schedule an appointment in person or via tele-health. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.
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Is your teen struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, isolation, or low-self esteem? Are traditional therapy methods falling short or seeming unsuccessful?
Equine therapy could be the answer!
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Our equine-assisted therapy group, lead by Dr. Nicole Wozniak (PATH certified instructor), utilizes a combination of empirically validated Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral techniques, along with the horse, to help your teen build mastery over their lives while challenging negative beliefs. Group goals include helping teenagers regulate their emotions, and boost self-esteem while improving their overall mood symptoms.
This group is open to girls ages 13-17 and no prior horse experience is necessary.
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Our next 8-week session starts October 3rd !
Click the link for more details -->
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No matter how many negative thoughts you may have about yourself as a parent, we promise that your guidance and support in our lives are necessary and noticeable. Even as adults, we grow even more thankful for all that you've done for us and, yes, we continue to need you. You are the reason for who we are today.
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Karla is the Executive Office Manager for McCaskill Family Services. She has been with MFS for seven years and works primarily out of our Plymouth location. After staying home to raise her family, Karla worked in the automotive industry in Quality Control as a Client Liaison dealing with Collections. These days, she is helping MFS to stay organized and run smoothly. Her goal is to keep the administrative operations of MFS at the highest level to ensure patient satisfaction and provide support to all staff. You'll find her working on Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, or maybe fine-tuning one of the many systems that keeps MFS going.
When she's not in the office, Karla enjoys all aspects of travelling, especially the planning. She likes to camp, hike, and explore new places either with her husband or with the whole gang (three adult children, two daughters in law, one grandbaby and all the doggies!) She loves to relax on a beach and she can't resist a home (or office) decorating project! She also volunteers for her local food pantry and loves to cook.
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You're Invited to a Free Event!
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Newsletter Editor's Notes
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Things my parents taught me
(that they probably didn't even realize)
- Long, lasting, love is a real thing
(my parents met in high school).
- When you get a repeat gift at your birthday party, you should still act surprised.
- Most good things are worth the wait.
- I'm beautiful without having to try.
- Send thank you letters.
- Honor your first commitment, always. Even if something better comes along.
- You have to drain the noodles for mac n' cheese before putting the cheese in.
- Putting money in the “poor box” at church felt better than keeping it for myself
- Math was just “something we aren’t good at in this family” and to just do my best.
- No matter how many times I mess up, they will still be here for me.
- Sweeping things under the rug only causes resentment.
- Golf is the best sport to learn how to play because "you can play it when you're old."
- Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
- When you give to others, you are also giving to yourself.
Thank you mom and dad. Thank you so very much.
Warmly, -Jaclyn
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Welcome. I'm Jaclyn, a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders for all ages. I co-run the McCaskill Family Services DBT groups for teens and specialize in psychological assessment. I am also our monthly newsletter editor and social media manager!
I'd like to personally thank you for staying in touch with our practice, and hope you find this newsletter inspirational and informative. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with me, please contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to working with you!
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409 Plymouth Road, Suite 250, Plymouth, MI 48170 • 734.416.9098
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