Children and Discipline Pt. 1

Is anyone familiar with the bible quote, “Spare the rod, spoil the child”? Even if you are agnostic, or do not believe in the Bible, chances are that you may have been using this philosophy for parenting. The idea is that if we do not spank our children, then they will have no boundaries. This interpretation also assumes that without corporal punishment children will not grow up to respect others, especially their elders. But what does research actually say about this sort of “fear based” disciplne?
Well, according to Elizabeth Gershoff, associate professor in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Texas Austin, corporal punishment actually can have many negative consequences. Kids may be more likely to have a hostile nature about them, may find it hard to connect with their parents, and often do not get the opportunity to learn what they should be doing but are only scolded for what they should NOT be doing. Gershoff also argues that spankings can lead to abuse, due to the angry feelings the parent often has while the corporate punishment is taking place. The idea of “I’m gonna teach him a lesson” may not be teaching a life long lesson but rather promoting the child to just do better at not getting caught next time the opportunity arises. Even with the astounding research, our society still looks at corporate punishment as an effective means to discipline children.
So then lets look at what the reference, “spare the rod, spoil the child” could mean given Elizabeth’s suggestion from her research. We must break down what discipline really is. In part 2 of the series, “Children and Discipline” we disect the term and look at what research says about incentive and reward driven learning. Please comment if you have anything to add to this discussion.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week

On top of May being named National Mental Health Awareness Month, the week of May 5th through May 11th is National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week. Millions of American children suffer from Mental Health Disorders that include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and even Schizophrenia, just to name a few.These disorders are sometimes even co-occuring, where more than one exists within a given child. These illnesses are real and effect children in many aspects of life from school, to home, to recreational activities. The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, estimates that somewhere between 3% to 7% of children who are of school age suffer from ADHD, but recent studies are suggesting even higher amounts in the range of 5% to 15%. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 11% of the population of kids age 13-18 have experienced Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and/or Dysthymic Disorder.

With these astounding statistics it is important that at least a week of the year be set aside for awareness of these serious issues. Environment, parenting deficits, and lack of knowledge may also be factors that perpetuate and exacerbate some of these issues. Without knowledge of how to handle a child with a mental health issues, parents, caretakers, and the community could be adding to the problem, even with their good intentions. It is extremely important that we all make ourselves more prepared to handle and help children with mental health disorders, as well as other children who are having a hard time coping with life in general. For additional information please click the link below

http://awarenessweek.ffcmh.org/

May 2013 Is National Mental Health Awareness Month

Check out this recent newsletter produced by SAMHSA…

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USSAMHSA-793d0d

For mental health needs in the Brandon and Tampa areas, call Star Point Counseling at 813-244-1251.

New Additions To the Team

Star Point Counseling would like to welcome Farida Stino, Suzanne Stokes, LMHC, and Bob Scarff LMHC, to our wonderful team of therapists and interns. Farida is now taking appointments at both the Brandon and Tampa locations. Suzanne is taking appointments at the Tampa location. And Bob is available on Saturdays in Brandon. These guys bring great experience and knowledge to the counseling team and we are so happy to now have them on board!
Our team of dedicated therapists work hard to help you live the life you deserve. Our combined knowledge and experience covers areas of Parenting, Family Dynamics, Alternative Lifestyles, Anxiety, Depression and other Mood Disorders, Grief and Loss, Couples Issues, Separation and Divorce, Teenage Struggles, Phase of Life Challenges, Military Lifestyles, and many others. We also accept most major insurance providers, and may be able to offer sessions on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Call Sam to make an appointment today! 813-244-1251 or check out our website for more information: http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com

PARENTING SKILLS

At Star Point Counseling we have a team of therapists committed to helping. One frequent issue that comes up is questions about effective parenting and blended families. The following information was written by our Co-Founder and Clinical Director, Clarissa Crystal-Belle to provide some insight to families with these issues. For more information please check out our website http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com.

We teach and demonstrate effective parenting skills and techniques that will help you to break through the communication barriers that may be undermining your authority in the home.

Either parent may be inadvertently feeding into the fever of non-compliance, triangulation, manipulation, arguments, willfulness, poor academic status, school referrals, poor peer selection, and other problems you may be facing with your adolescent or child.

While we believe that the luckiest children are those who have grandparents and other extended family involvement, we also address parenting concerns and boundary issues, stemming from meddling or any staying extended family members – including the often dreaded “in-laws.”

We understand the excitement and challenges that come with blended families as well, and want to help you to help each other make adjustments to the changes that occur when two families join under one roof.

Meet Our Co-Founder and Executive Business Director Pt. 2

Sam DiFranco, as previously mentioned, has been an integral part of the success of Star Point Counseling. Sam plays many significant roles in the company such as interviewing quality therapist to join Star Point Counseling, bookkeeping, payroll, negotiating new leases for the offices. With all of these responsibilities, Sam still manages to balance life outside of Star Point. He is involved in 3 recreational hockey leagues, and works as the Captain for two of these teams. He enjoys spending time with his mother, and playing “penny poker.” Sam’s enthusiasm for cooking hasn’t left either, as he still enjoys creating new meals regularly! A big thanks to Sam for all that you do!

Meet our Executive Business Director

 

Mr. Sam DiFranco is co-founder and executive business director at Star Point counseling. Since the start of the business, Sam has been diligently working to make Star Point the best Counseling Agency in the Tampa and Brandon areas. Sam has previous experience as a chef, and has worn many hats throughout his career including owning his own catering business. Sam has a great deal of expertise in running a succesful and productive company and shows enthusiasm for his work, which includes Star Point Counseling.

Many of our clients see Sam’s hard work and dedication to making their time at Star Point very relaxed and productive. Sam helps clients navigate through the insurance system so they get the best understanding of copays and deductibles in regard to mental health. He is always in the office to greet clients and offers a selfless approach to his treatment of both clients and employees. Although Sam is not a mental health counsleor, he is the first person that the clients will contact to sign up for an appointment and he offers a listening ear to pair the client with the most appropriate counselor.

Call Sam today for an appointment! 813-244-1251.

Power Struggles in Relationships

Often times couples come to therapy with the notion that their problems can be fixed by the therapist telling them what to do. Sometimes people ask for these all important “tools” that will magically save the relationship from the downward spiral it is taking. Arguments ensue over when something happened, or even how a conversation went down providing a power struggle that MUST include “someone winning and someone giving up” (note the quotations as a sign of sarcasm*). Is this really true, however? Do all struggles and conflict have to end with one person holding the proclaimed whip?

According to author Peter Granger, the power struggle does not have to end with an unhealthy argument where we are expecting to take from the other person. But rather this conflict can be seen as an opportunity for the couple to learn and grow. Is having your way really the most important thing? Or, can we look at giving what we may not be receiving?

Want to learn more? Call Star Point Counseling for an appointment today and learn how you can enhance your romantic relationship. 813-244-1251 We have two convenient locations to better help you in Brandon and Tampa Fl.

Star Point Counseling

Star Point Counseling opened its doors in July of 2011 with one lone therapist, Clarissa Crystal-Belle, LMHC, and an executive business director, Sam Difranco. These co-founders have worked together to provide many people in the Brandon and Tampa area with outpatient mental health services. In just a short time the business has grown from a small office in Brandon to a multi-site organization to include over 12 therapists. Star Point Counseling continues to grow as more counselors and registered interns join the team.

Clarissa and Sam have worked tirelessly to provide the best services to the most people that they can. Clarissa became a qualified supervisor in 2011, which has allowed her to supervise registered mental health counseling interns, along with providing high quality and effective therapy to her own clients. Sam works hard to optimize business best practices which include top notch customer service, search engine optimization, and insurance expertise. The Star Point Counseling team has created a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment that allows people to feel comfortable and therefore heed the best and most results from therapy.

Star Point Counseling is here to help you!! With two locations, and years of experience, this team can assist you in living the life you know that you deserve. Call today for an appointment 813-244-1251, or check out our website for more information http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com

VETERANS OF WAR AND OTHER HEROES

We work to make our veterans’ homecoming as rewarding as possible. We will help you identify and find relief from signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depression (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAS), etc., and provide the services necessary to assure the adjustment to civilian life.

We work to reverse the dissociation and desensitization that was, in war, a source of strength, which otherwise at home may contribute to a sense of detachment, estrangement, and/or an inability to give, express, or receive love.

We are also here for our Policemen, Sheriffs, Deputies, First Responders, Firemen, and other community men and women who risk their lives for our welfare and safety. We are prepared to help them, as well as others present with grief and loss, Vicarious Traumatization, stress management, and other issues that may result from the selfless services they provide.