Additional information
by Constance Jackson M. Ed Lpc (Author)
As a helping professional, I dedicate my life to helping children and their family, to the best of my ability, to have hope and a brighter future. During difficult times, therapy is not always the first choice and, in some cases, not easily accessible. There are several reasons people hesitate about therapy, such as the negative stigma of seeking help for mental health and mental illness, cost, lack of compatibility with therapist, location, insurance issues and now social distancing, during the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. Disclaimer: This illustration is strictly for support of others and not intended to take the place of a licensed therapist, providing therapy or counseling sessions. Seek medical attention from a helping professional, if at risk of harm to self and/ or others, by contacting 911 or going to your nearest emergency room. This interactive book was written with the aim of supporting those individuals who are supporting others. Its main focus is to help individuals, parents and helping professionals in need of help, with day-to-day struggles, their children, teenagers and others, coping with mental health issues and challenging behaviors. Additionally, during this time of Covid-19 Pandemic, this book offers support to those who are unable to go into an office, for face-to-face visits and those who are unfamiliar with working with said population. This interactive book is intended to help and support children, adolescents, teenagers and adults, who are going through difficulty manage their thoughts, behavior and emotions, while coping with life situations, mental health conditions and IDD. This book or any therapy services, cannot guarantee any specific results, outcomes or promises, but to facilitate you and/ or family member(s) to tap into their and your own power and strengths, to reach your goal(s). Everything you need is within you! This illustration demonstrates and describes some activities and exercises that can be used in the schools, home and communicating settings to begin the process of self-awareness, healing and moving forward. Therapy is about self-awareness and developing coping skills to navigate through life's challenges. Being a helping professional, for thirty-five plus years, I realized I do not have the physical capacity to work endless hours, to help all of the children and families I would love to help, but by writing this book I can share some of the information and techniques I have used, acquired and learned, that have helped hundreds of children, families and adults, over the years. For me, this book is like my version of the story of "Saving the Starfish." If I can help one, maybe I can make a difference in one person and even for the next generation. My version of the story is not helping people, one by one, but putting these skills into a written form, to share with all of those in need, simultaneous, maybe even around the world. This avenue seems much more effective and cost efficient. I hope this information has reached you. Remember, there is always hope! Note: in the book, functional coping skills will be underlined, to indirectly provide guidance and prompts to functional alternatives to manage challenging and difficulty situations/ behaviors. Be empowered to, mindfully, implement these healthy alternatives and coping skills in your daily living.
