Adolescent Counseling Services

Heterosexual Privilege Awareness: Active Allyship

in Gender identity / LGBTQ Issues / LGBTQ rights / Mental Health / Pride Month / Sexuality / Society Norms by Adolescent Counseling Services June 4, 2025May 30, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Anny Bae, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program WHAT IS PRIVILEGE?The concept of privilege refers to any automatic, unearned benefits and advantages awarded to members of dominant social groups, such as racial, gender, or sexual orientation identities (Case et al., 2012a; McIntosh, 1998). These privileges then operate on further intersecting identities (i.e., gay […]

Finding Community Can Improve Mental Health

in Academic Stress / Cultural Stressors / Gender / Gender identity / Identity Formation / Identity Formation / Mental Health / Mental Health / Self care / Stress by Adolescent Counseling Services May 28, 2025May 27, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Leslee Dominguez, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program ADOLESCENTS FACElife stressors like academics, relationships, food instability, economic instability, and many more stressful events. Additionally, youth who have marginalized identities have additional stressors that many might notice but do not discuss. These marginalized identities include being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, being […]

The Power of Co-Regulation: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Growth

in Anger Management / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Stress Management / Teaching Mindfulness by Adolescent Counseling Services May 21, 2025May 19, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Mackenzie Pyke, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PARENTING CAN OFTENfeel like a balancing act, especially when your child or teenager is experiencing big emotions. Whether they’re frustrated, sad, or angry, navigating these emotional moments can be challenging for everyone involved. One of the most effective ways to support your child through […]

Promoting Good Mental Health in Adolescents Through Sports: A Parent’s Guide

in Excercise / Friendships / Parenting / Stress / Stress Management / Teen Development / Teen self-esteem by Adolescent Counseling Services May 19, 2025May 19, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Sarah Glass, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program ADOLESCENTS INVOLVEDin sports stand to gain more than just physical fitness—they can develop essential life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence. However, for these benefits to truly take hold and foster good mental health, it’s crucial for parents to support their children in ways […]

Navigating New Horizons: Family Support and Resilience in the Immigrant Journey

in Anxiety / Cultural Stressors / Mental Health by Adolescent Counseling Services April 16, 2025April 15, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Anthony Ramirez, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PARENTS OFTEN IMMIGRATEwith their children in search of better opportunities, driven by the hope of providing a brighter future for their families. These adults, who have invested years into building their lives and families in their home country, face a monumental decision: to leave […]

Equine Assisted Therapy: What Is It and What Are The Benefits?

in Anxiety / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Grief / Mental Health / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by Adolescent Counseling Services April 9, 2025April 4, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Maeve Phelan, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program WHAT IS EQUINEAssisted Therapy (EAT)? Equine assisted therapy is a form of treatment that involves activities with horses in an equine environment. Such activities include ground work, learning to care for horses, and riding or learning to ride horses. Equine assisted therapy is often […]

Navigating Social Media: A Guide for Parents

in Depression / Disordered Eating / Mental Health / Monitoring Media / Perfectionism / Setting Boundaries / Social Media / Teen Privacy / Teen self-esteem / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services April 2, 2025March 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Julia Rumb, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PEOPLE HAVE REALIZEDmore than ever that social media is a big part of a teenagers’ life. However, social networks can be useful as they foster connection and belonging, while at the same time it presents specific dangers to mental health, body image, and self-esteem. […]

How to Support Your Friends in Times of Need

in Emotional Intelligence / Friendships / Mental Health / Relationships by Adolescent Counseling Services March 19, 2025March 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Catherine Franco, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program SUPPORTING YOUR FRIENDSduring tough times can be essential, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or personal challenges, knowing how to be there for them is crucial. Here are some tips to help you support your friends. 1. Listen Actively […]

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide and Self-Harm

in Cutting / Depression / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self-Harm / Suicide / Suicide Prevention by Adolescent Counseling Services March 12, 2025March 10, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Holly Fitch, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program TALKING ABOUT SUICIDEand self-harm may be intimidating, but it is a crucial conversation to have with your child. Both suicide and self-harm are becoming increasingly common for children and adolescents. The goal of these conversations is to be open and understanding, while also taking steps […]

Simple Tips for Giving Clear Instructions

in Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Setting Boundaries by Adolescent Counseling Services March 5, 2025March 4, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Christina Desage, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONS are the foundation of positive communication between parents and children, fostering understanding and cooperation. When instructions are clear, concise, and delivered with a calm and respectful tone, children are more likely to grasp and act on them. This clarity not only enhances […]