Welcome to Saying It Like It Is: Support For Families

Hi and welcome,

So yes, here we are with yet ANOTHER blogger with ANOTHER attempt at sharing opinions, advice, and persistent and possibly far-fetched suggestions for making this world a better place...

Yep, you are correct.

So, why bother? Because this blog is hopefully going to give you useful tidbits of information from the eyes and ears of a family-focused professional.

I am NOT a licensed therapist. I DON'T have a degree in psychology or cognitive behavioral therapy, or have a wide range of therapist/counselor/life coach letters behind my name.

So who am I?

I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Registered Nurse. I have worked in a child and adolescent hospital unit for 5 years and have put together a wide variety of useful tools (I think...) that should be provided to everyone, not just to those families and kiddos who have undergone or are undergoing hospitalization.

I finally got tired of asking myself this question...

Why should you have to wait till things get to the point of hospitalization before you learn some valuable tools and tips for improving your family-life?

Parenting, communication, conflict resolution, stress management, dealing with naughty behaviors, dealing with broken trust, drug and alcohol use, threats of self harm, threats of harming others. These are all items that I can offer suggestions and tips on.

Again, I am NOT a therapist. I recommend that people utilize and find a therapist/counselor/life coach that works for them.

My disclaimer is this... NEVER take my advice or suggestions as an alternative to calling 911 or going to the Emergency Services when you are concerned for yours or someone else's safety.

EVER.

My advise is for when things are NOT in crisis mode.

If you or your family are in CRISIS, PLEASE call for help.

The stigma of reaching out and receiving mental health services should NEVER outweigh the benefit of getting the help you need. EVER. Nothing is more important than your life or the life of your loved ones.

The Stigma of mental health issues needs to become a non-issue.

So lets talk...

If you have questions or concerns you'd like me to address, please feel free to build an anonymous profile and post your questions. Chances are VERY likely that the questions and struggles you may be having are VERY similar to someone else's. YOUR bravery could save another family.

This will be an ongoing dialogue.

And again, welcome.