When we have high blood pressure, a fever, or a broken leg, most of us don’t hesitate to go to the doctor. That is often not the case when it comes to mental health. Many people have told me they didn’t think their symptoms were severe enough to get treatment, that they should just be able to figure it out on their own, and/or that seeing a therapist means they are weak. The truth is mental health is health. And it’s time we started treating it that way.…
My patients often talk about shifts in their mood and energy levels when the seasons change. For many, the transition from winter to spring is not just about weather, but a whole emotional shift. While we may associate spring with blooming flowers, longer days, and bursts of energy, it can stir up a range of emotions. Some people feel the rush of spring fever, while others struggle with the sudden need for change. If you're one of the many people feeling a little "off" as winter fades and the season of renewal begins, know that you're not alone.…
We all have one of four attachment styles that determines how we form emotional bonds and interact in relationships with friends, family, coworkers, partners, and ourselves. Our attachment style develops based on early experiences with caregivers and it evolves as we grow and develop. Learning your attachment style can help you make sense of your behavior so you can communicate and interact more effectively in your relationship with others.…
In today’s world, we see artificial intelligence (AI) everywhere. Adults and children alike are using common AI tools like Chat GPT, Siri, and Grammarly. As these technologies become more popular, some people will inevitably use them for nefarious purposes. It is our job as parents to protect our children from these people.…
Miscommunication, misunderstanding, invalidation, judgement, and all-around poor communication are universal relationship issues. The inability to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and needs without blame, shame, or guilt, will ultimately affect not only each person in the relationship, but the relationship as a whole. If you are struggling to communicate with your partner, the following six tips, used consistently and mindfully, can help.…
Trying new things, especially on your own, might seem daunting, but it can also lead to rewarding adventures. Claiming your independence can build your courage, strengthen your resilience, and help you get to know yourself better. The path to self-reliance is rarely clear-cut so how do you get started? I visited with Racheal Stroh, therapist at Dakota Family Services, Fargo, ND, to get answers to the questions you might ask as you work towards autonomy and independence.…
Stacy Askvig, Minot, ND, joined the Dakota Family Services Board of Directors at its November meeting. Askvig, a retired clinical laboratory scientist and laboratory director, is passionate about mental health and helping children who have not received proper mental health services.…
The early years of a child's life are a period of remarkable transformation, as infants and their families navigate through numerous developmental milestones. Between the ages of 0 and 5, children experience significant growth and development in several key areas: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social-relational. Let’s take a look at all areas of growth so you know what to expect as your young child grows and develops.…
During grade school and the pre-teen years, children experience many physical, cognitive, and social changes. They have growth spurts, get interested in different hobbies or after-school activities, and begin to care a lot more about friendships and social connections. While it’s exciting to watch your children develop new skills and become more independent, it’s understandable that these changes might be overwhelming for both you and your child. Knowing what to expect can help you navigate the changes.…
How does trauma impact an adolescent’s development? Adolescence is a time of significant growth as it relates to personal, interpersonal, and family dynamics. Children are growing and developing physically and emotionally; and the many changes brought on by puberty can be exciting, scary, and confusing—all at once. When children come to the Dakota Family Services, we assess their development by looking at their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.…
The environment surrounding us plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Even subtle differences can change how we think, feel, and act. Some of the environmental factors that may influence you include light, clutter, noise, and comfortability.…
Early life experiences, developmental trauma, adversity, chaos, and neglect can change the biology of the brain, resulting in complex emotional, psychological, and functional challenges in children and adults. Comprehensive psychological testing can identify symptoms and provide diagnoses but rarely takes into account the impact of a person’s early life experiences. In some cases, this makes it difficult for therapists to match effective interventions and treatment approaches to a patient’s developmental needs and current level of functioning. Learn more about the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)™, a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical problem solving, now offered at Dakota Family Services, Fargo, by Dr. Megan Spencer, Clinical Psychologist, and Jessie Mertz, LCSW, Therapist…
