Key Points:

• Encouraging teens to consider counseling should be a gentle process that respects their need for control and privacy.
• Parents should emphasise the confidentiality of counseling, reassuring teens that professionals will maintain their privacy while sharing critical concerns.
• Involving teens in the decision-making process, such as choosing a counselor, can increase their sense of ownership and reduce resistance.
• Building a supportive home environment and maintaining open communication can lay the foundation for teens to feel comfortable seeking external help.
• Parents should also seek support for themselves to strengthen their ability to provide effective guidance and emotional stability for their teens.

Notable Quotes:

• "A no to counseling doesn't mean a child is rejecting help. It's not a sign that things are hopeless."
• "Our teens need to feel part of the choices and part of the decisions."
• "Everyone needs to talk to someone from time to time, adults included."
• "Focus on your relationship with your teenager first. Feeling safe and respected and heard at home lays such a good foundation."
• "Even if your teen isn't ready for counseling, you can still seek support as a parent."

Resources:

• Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
• Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

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Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an international level, working with riders who have disabilities. Furthermore, she has transitioned from being a teacher to a counselor, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and work towards mental wellness. Krysten operates KB Counseling Collective and partners with organisations like Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Sydney to provide therapy incorporating animals.

Key Takeaways:

• Krysten Bisby emphasises the importance of safe environments in therapy, crucially non-traditional approaches that involve animal companionship.
• Animal-assisted therapy facilitates tangible benefits for emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and developing social skills.
• Pet therapy involves a certified partnership between handler and animal, requiring rigorous training and assessment.
• Non-verbal communication and repetitive activities with animals significantly aid in engaging clients who struggle with verbal processing.
• Activities with therapy animals can transform feelings of being 'different' or struggles into therapeutic experiences of social connection and emotional growth.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think horses were kind of that escape and that time for me that I just felt a bit free really, being out in the paddock and riding."
2. "If there had just been someone at school that I could have talked to, or who could have said, ‘Hey, what's happening for you?’"
3. "Research shows that being around animals reduces cortisol, releases oxytocin, and has physical effects like lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate."
4. "For me, it's about equipping clients to have skills and strategies to manage themselves in everyday struggles."
5. "I think when you take away some of that focus of therapist with client and you add an animal, it's super regulatory, a calming presence."

Resources:

• Visit KB Counselling Collective's Website
• Visit KB Counseling Collective on Facebook for more information about Krysten Bisby's work.
• Explore services at Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Box Hill.
• Contact Krysten here for counseling inquiries in Sydney.

Join us by listening to the full episode for more insightful discussions about the healing power of animals in therapeutic settings. Stay tuned to "Raising Teens" for more episodes tapping into the well-being of young individuals.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Points:

• The "invisible load" involves the mental and emotional planning needed to keep a family running smoothly, disproportionately handled by mothers.
• When recognised and verbalised, this load can be redistributed among the family, easing stress and fostering a more collaborative environment.
• Collett emphasises how engaging teens in managing this load fosters their independence and reduces pressure on parents.
• Small, strategic changes in task sharing can significantly lighten the invisible load, benefiting partners, parents, and teens alike.
• Regular family meetings and the use of digital tools can help make the distribution of mental tasks more visible and equitable.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The mental load is what the air traffic controller does…constantly monitoring all the aircrafts, anticipating possible conflicts."
2. "When the invisible becomes visible, it's much easier to share."
3. "Our teens don't need us to manage everything; giving them responsibility can actually help them grow."
4. "No one feels alone in holding it all when the invisible load is shared."
5. "This isn't about withdrawing our care from our families…it's about adjusting as our family needs change."

Resources:

• Connect with Collett Smart via her Instagram and Facebook for ongoing support and insights.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.