The Challenges & Complexities of Caregiving

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

We know that there are many challenges and complexities of caregiving when your child is struggling with mental health. We want you to know that you are not alone. When you reach out for support for your family, you will not be judged, but rather we will link arms with you in support. Here are some of our favorite quotes from books we often recommend, to address a parent’s heart as they navigate their family’s mental health journey:

  • Caregivers are often unfairly blamed, whether directly or subtly, for their child’s emotional or behavioral difficulties. This belief is usually incorrect and rooted in outdated views and misunderstandings of family dynamics. In reality, parents are not the source of the problem but are key partners in helping their child cope and heal (Breaking Your Child Free from Anxiety and OCD).
  • Anxiety impacts the entire family, often shaping daily routines and decisions. This requires significant emotional, practical, and lifestyle adjustments from caregivers. As the quote from Good Inside states: “You are not a bad parent. You’re a good parent having a hard moment.”
  • Your child’s mental health challenges are not a reflection of your worth. Instead, they are opportunities to teach skills that your child hasn’t developed yet (No Drama Discipline).
  • The idea of a perfect “superparent” is unrealistic. The difficult, messy moments of everyday challenges, conflicts, and meltdowns are not separate from meaningful parenting—they are valuable opportunities to teach, connect, and help children thrive (The Whole-Brain Child).
  • If you are feeling regret, guilt, shame, or hopelessness, please know that you have been doing the best you could. Your child’s struggles do not define your value as a parent.
  • Finally, remember that disciplinary responses should change based on a child’s age, temperament, and stage of development. When a child is misbehaving, that is often when they most need connection with us (No Drama Discipline).

Reach out to one of our caring clinicians today! Remember it takes a village of support. Book a free consultation here.

The Love and Logic a Parenting Guide 

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

What if your child said, “well, if you guys don’t love me enough to give me more allowance, I’ll just have to start selling drugs!” (Fay, n.d.). These can be typical dialogues kids often engage with parents, encouraging a reactive response and power struggle when feeling conflicted, angry or frustrated. As individuals we all have multiple emotions, for kids it can be hard in situations to utilize the logical part of the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex. Kids often confront situations with their emotions using the lower part of the brain, called the amygdala. Children/teens just need a little more help regulating those emotions. 

 

Children should feel supported and loved in order to succeed as adults later in life. However, parents should seek to promote the self-determination and confidence of their kids; through the child’s own struggle and achievement of their choices. Enabling children to do what they want is not helping, but rather encouraging bad behavior. By guiding kids to make the right choices, parents can feel confident in their child’s ability to understand their behavior and actions. The Love and Logic technique teaches parents and care takers how to approach these kinds of situations through the lens of empathy. Jim Fey, one of the founders of the Parenting with Love and Logic philosophy states that through love, empathy, understanding and accountability of both parents and children, kids can begin to comprehend how to make the right choices, looking at the bigger picture of their consequences. Empathy can foster responsibility within the child and also restrict resentment towards the parent, the authoritative figure. 

 

When a child becomes conflicted with anger, the parent can respond in simple empathetic phrases that fit their culture and style, such as:

 

“What a bummer”

“That is a tricky situation”

“That’s so hard”

 

These phrases can be short and sweet. Demonstrating non-verbal cues can also help the child decode nonverbal messages like, nodding or a serious face expression. These two techniques incorporated as one can make it efficient for the child to back down from the argument and see the genuineness and love of the parent towards the child. The Love and Logic solution suggests for parents to take a firm stance, engaging with the child in a nonthreatening way without anger. It also recommends using enforceable statements like, “are you going to wash the dishes or take out the trash?,” or “are you going to stop, or do you want to come back in 10 mins once you’re sweet?.” Coming up with direct choices helps the child have limits to their actions and strengthen executive functioning skills. Parents can also engage in delayed consequences such as, “Bummer, I am going to have to think about it for a bit…but try not to worry about it.” The “try not to think about it” portion of the statement provides the child with an anticipatory consequence because it puts the child in a position of now having to think of the consequences. If the child continues with the poor behavior, parents should remain consistent, it’s tough, but it helps the child see that as a parent you are being serious and are not backing down. It’s a collaborative process that allows both parent and child to learn from the situation.

 

Written by, Jessica Barrera Castro LMSW

Addressing Non-Suicidal Self-injury and Suicidal Ideation Part 2

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

Self-harm can manifest itself from different types of disorders; these can include anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. It can also be contagious, referring to kids seeing these practices being done by their peers and identifying with them because it shows the same depth of understanding of those unwanted feelings and maladaptive coping techniques. If there are self-harm behaviors going on, it is very important to get a psychiatric evaluation, a psychiatrist can diagnose and prescribe medications that can aid in addressing these symptoms and behaviors. It is also vital to explore emotions, strengthen relationships and learn healthy ways of coping in a safe and supportive environment like therapy. Interventions are set in place to reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide symptoms.

If your child is suicidal, asking the tough question of “Do you want or plan to kill yourself?” has been proven to help. Evidence-based research has demonstrated that asking the question will not encourage the individual towards suicide but likely decrease the chances because it is creating space for communication and understanding. We understand it is so difficult and uncomfortable to have these conversations and that parents worry they will say the wrong thing. At Resilience Therapy, your therapist will not only work with your child but also with you, to support you as you navigate this difficult experience. We recommend this resource to parents/caregiversto learn skills around how to talk about this and also how to take care of yourself in this high stress situation: https://www.suicideisdifferent.org/ .

A safety plan can also help identify the child’s triggers and warning signs leading to self-harm. This plan can be created alongside your child’s therapist for support. The safety plan will also include who to contact in need of support; this list can include mental health professionals (e.g., 911 or the Crisis Response Center, the Do Not Self-Injure hotline, and the National Suicide Prevention hotline) and the child’s parents, friends, or close contacts who the child feels safe with. The plan will also help the child identify healthy coping skills/distractions they can use when they feel triggered. Deescalating the situation can also include reducing access to lethal means, like removing weapons from the home and making sure they are secure and in a safe place, away from the child. With the support of parents, caregivers, therapists, and other experts, your child can take back control of their lives and work towards healthier and more positive coping techniques.

  • If you are worried your child is having a mental health crisis, please use the following resources:
    • Call 911 in case of an emergency or visit an ER
    • Call the Tucson Crisis Response Center (520) 622-6000 or going in to get an evaluation at the CRC (2802 E District St, Tucson, AZ 85714)
    • Do not self-injure hotline 1 (800) 366-8288
    • National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988

Addressing Non-Suicidal Self-injury and Suicidal Ideation

Posted on by Susie Munsey

teen who is sad

 

Children are faced with many obstacles in their lives, like bullying, low self-esteem, and feeling anxious and discouraged. Some children try to self-soothe their symptoms through non-suicidal self-injury acts (e.g., cutting, burning, biting oneself, ingesting substances), and for others it can lead to fatalities like suicide or suicide by accident. If a parent learns their child is self-injuring, they are likely to experience a range of emotions, from shock or anger, to sadness or guilt. All of these feelings are valid. Parents, it takes a village and it is necessary to reach out for professional help when this occurs. Therapy is a safe place for parents and their kids to learn how to understand and support each other and grow through experiences like this. 

Parents must be equipped to tackle their child’s concerns by remaining calm and creating opportunities for connection. When your child attempts to reach out to you, take a moment, and respond with kindness and empathy. Your child has just made a big step in asking for help. 

Sometimes kids will show signs of self-injury without communicating directly, such as wounds on skin, staining on their clothing, inappropriate clothing for different climates, trying to cover up, and long sleeves. Caregivers and parents, avoid losing your cool, answer in ways that acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings and needs, such as “I am glad you told me about this” or “We are going to get through this as a family.” Do not punish the child, but instead work together to help the child understand what he/she is experiencing. These kinds of responses can make a huge difference in your child’s life.

Acknowledge that direct questions may feel overwhelming and anxiety producing for your child, especially coming from an attachment figure. Try to focus your questions on helping your child recognize the issue and the need for support. 

Here are some examples of what you might say:

  • “How do you feel before you self-injure? How do you feel after you self-injure?” Building an understanding of what led to this behavior —the events, thoughts, and feelings is so important to be able to change it. 
  • “How does self-injury help you feel better?”
  • “What is it like for you to talk with me about hurting yourself?”

If you are concerned about your child’s well being or safety due to a mental health crisis reach out to the following resources: 

  • Call 911 or visit your local ER
  • Call the Tucson Crisis Response Center (520) 622-6000
  • Call the Do not self-injure hotline 1 (800) 366-8288

 

Written by Jessica Barrera Castro

Therapist Spotlight: Jessica

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

As a child and family therapist, my goal is to provide clients with a kind and compassionate ear. Someone who actively listens and validates their feelings while building a genuine and professional relationship. Therapy should not feel scary or boring; instead, it should be hopeful, flexible, creative, and safe. Children face numerous challenges as they grow up, and it’s essential for them to find a space that offers both autonomy and support. Therefore, I view therapy as an opportunity to build trust and collaborate with families to address their needs, guiding them toward the goals of their child or teen.

 

I am dedicated to understanding each client’s unique behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs, using evidence-based interventions to foster empowerment; promoting the well-being of clients and their families. I work with a diverse range of clients, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional and behavioral challenges. My clinical skills distinguish me because I truly care about my clients; I want them to succeed and have the tools available to them to achieve their goals outside of therapy.

 

For children requiring additional support, I create safety plans to address issues like self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Involving parents, caregivers, professionals, exploring triggers and warning signs as well as providing local and emergency resources to aid in a time of crisis. I also utilize play and art therapy, which is a creative modality that provides a safe space for kids to express themselves freely.  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective and evidenced based treatment modality that I engage clients in. Research shows its efficacy in treating various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). CBT involves examining a client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, challenging distorted thoughts and improving emotion regulation. Psychoeducation on these modalities and interventions is also provided to parents and caregivers to prepare them and equip them for current and future events. Parents should also feel free to ask questions and raise their concerns, collaboration is key.

 

Overall, there are a variety of techniques that can be adapted to meet each child’s specific needs. Supporting clients through a solution based approach that fosters meaningful change and healthier coping strategies. In conclusion, therapy is about cultivating self-compassion and embracing both the good and the bad. It’s a chance to pause and remind oneself: “I am doing the best I can, and that’s okay.” In therapy, you don’t need to have everything figured out. It is not a race but a marathon, enjoying the path into your destination. Trust the process, and let’s work together to embark on a journey of love and healing.

 

Written by Jessica Barrera Castro, LMSW

Back to School 2025

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

 

Time to trade in bathing suits for backpacks as summer is coming to an end
and the start of a new school year is upon us! Back to school can be such an
exciting time for families but can also bring up a lot of mixed emotions. This time
of year presents an ideal opportunity to create new positive and constructive habits
for both children and caregivers. Setting children up for success is a community
effort as we all are aware that it indeed takes a village to raise a child.


My experience as both a school counselor and therapist has taught me how
much, most children respond to structure. Back to school is the ideal time to help
build new routines for families. While the school day provides a natural rhythm to
our days, afterschool and evening time can be more challenging. Spending quality
time with your child after school is proven to help boost their confidence and well-
being. Encourage your children to engage in family games or play time during
down time and they will learn better communication and teamwork skills.


This time of year is also a great time to increase positive reinforcement for
your child who may struggle with different aspects of school at times. If your child
sometimes lacks motivation for school, try integrating some type of positive
reinforcement. Even small rewards like a piece of candy or an ice cream cone can
be effective. Reinforcing positive behavior at school can really help kids feel seen
but the most meaningful reward you can give any child is your time. The more
quality time you can spend with your child the better so that they learn to
communicate and identify their feelings about the many changes happening to their
bodies and their brains.


If your child is struggling with some aspect of school, whether it be a
behavioral issue or social anxiety or some other challenge, you may consider
reaching out first to the school counselor or school social worker. Many
counselors offer small counseling groups as well as one-on-one support for
students. This is a great place to start to see how your child responds to working
with an adult in a counseling setting. If your child benefits from this kind of
support then you might also consider outside counseling. Some children are activated by therapy in as little as 12-15 sessions depending on what their goals look like and what kind of coping skills are taught.  We would love to support your child and family as you navigate the school year. Request a free 15 minute consultation with one of our compassionate therapists today!

Best of luck to you and your families as you take on the many challenges of a new school year.

 

Written By Elizabeth Scott

5 Years and 5 Things to Celebrate!

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

5 Years and 5 Things to Celebrate:

  1. Surviving/Thriving during Covid
    • We signed our office lease in January of 2020, excited and unknowing that the world would go into a shutdown in March. The COVID-19 pandemic changed how the world functioned for a long time and it caused so much emotional suffering. We knew we needed to pivot to telehealth services in order to support children and families in Tucson through this scary time. We were able to support many families through grief, anxiety and depression during this time. Eventually, we were able to start seeing clients again in the office and we were so happy to reconnect in person and get back to doing creative, fun and hands-on activities to engage children in therapy. 
  2. Growth of Office Space
    • We were able to expand office space that was designed with comfort and care in mind for the children and families we work with. We were able to add another office and expand our team! 
  3. Growth of Team
    • We expanded from a solo practice to a group practice in order to increase our impact in the community and meet the emotional wellness needs of children and families in Tucson. We were able to add a Spanish-speaking team member to better serve and represent our community. 
  4. Serving and Loving Our Tucson community
    • We find it meaningful to cultivate relationships with children and families in our community through short and long term relationships. We love to see the growth that takes place when children process emotions in therapy, feel supported & safe, and learn to cope with their emotions in a healthy way. We celebrate with them when they accomplish their emotional and relational wellness goals. 
    • We love volunteering and supporting non-profits in the community. Susie spent years on the board of Seeds Community Centerand this year Resilience Therapy was one of their community partners! 
    • Susie currently serves as the Director at the Becoming Grace Foundation
  5. Investing in the Emotional Wellness and Resilience of the Next Generation
    • We have worked with over 500 children
    • We have supported children and families in over 10,000 sessions 
    • We feel honored to be a part of hope, healing and resilience in the lives of children and families in Southern Arizona

Celebrating 5 Years of Resilience Therapy!

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

 

Our Beloved City, Tucson. Our Compassion for the children and families in our Community. 5 Years of empathic connection, trust and safety.

We love our Southern Arizona community and that’s why we provide child and family therapy in Tucson that cultivates resilience and emotional wellness. We are committed to the families in Tucson and that is why we are taking the month of May to celebrate 5 years of Resilience Therapy’s impact! We have served over 500 families across southern Arizona including Tucson, Marana, Sahuarita, Vail & Oro Valley. We have seen the transformation of children’s, teens’ and families’ lives during their engagement in therapy and we feel honored to be a witness and helper in such wonderful growth and healing. We absolutely love the work we do and the relationships that we have the privilege to develop.

In between serving clients, we love to experience what this wonderful city has to offer such as go on hikes and bike rides, attend wildcat basketball games, savor the local cuisine and enjoy the Tucson Rodeo. We are proud to make our community stronger one family at a time through cultivating emotional wellness and resilience and creating spaces for hope and healing. The growth we see in the lives of children and families inspires us everyday. We look forward to investing in relationships with children and families in Tucson over the next 5 years and can’t wait to see the transformation that takes place.

What is one thing you love about our Tucson community?

 

Want to learn more about therapy for your child? Sign up here for a free consultation! 

Behind the Curtain of Sociodrama

Posted on by Susie Munsey

 

 

Written By Elizabeth Scott 

            

I am passionate about exploring hypothetical situations through the lens of Sociodrama, a therapeutic group process that promotes listening, understanding, and empathy.  What is Sociodrama?  It is a live action modality that involves specific methods, all of which allow participants to be actively engaged, heard, and seen.  Sociodrama typically occurs in groups and is completely unscripted.  It is actively experienced through our bodies and minds in order to weigh different options of a given scenario or decision.  It is a process that unites all members of the group through a scaffolded approach to finding solutions and problem solving.   I love the holistic approach of Sociodrama and how it moves beyond just talking and enters the role of full engagement.

            An example of Sociodrama that might apply to family therapy would be a situation in which a family is hypothetically exploring whether to send their child to college out of state rather than the child staying at home and commuting to school.  The director would lead the family through the steps of the drama by beginning the warm-up period of the piece.  Sometimes the enactors or participants volunteer to take on different roles or they might be assigned different roles to portray throughout the drama.  During the main action phase of the piece the protagonist is guided by the director through a series of enactments in order to explore the essential issue in a structured way.  Following the main action there is always a sharing in which each participant has time to process their experience.

            There are many different warm-up exercises that set the stage for the spontaneous nature of Sociodrama and unite the group before delving into the meat of the hypothetical situation.  One example is Twenty-One, a game in which the enactors are challenged to count to twenty-one as a group with only one individual speaking at a time.  If two enactors say a given number at the same time, the leader starts over again with the number one.  This exercise requires concentration and teamwork, a great way to build the energy of a Sociodrama.  Any given warm-up exercise will help establish trust between enactors and will build a secure foundation of communication before the main action begins.

            The power of Sociodrama lies in the “what if?” nature of the form.  The spontaneous, playful elements of Sociodrama paired within a specific structure allows enactors to take risks and learn from each other.  Sociodrama is one of my favorite forms of group therapy because it is so flexible and creative.  It gives each participant a voice and encourages self-awareness through both enactment and reflection.  Sociodrama underlines communication and self-expression as well, which carries over well after a given session is over.

Interested in therapy for your child? Sign up here.