Boundaries with Teens is a must read for all parents! I am so impressed wtih the book personally that I will be reccommending it for the parents of adolescent clients as a part of parent-homework! The principles in the book have also come in handy for me as a youth pastor's wife.

Dr. John Townsend first introduced the concept of healthy boundaries within relationships in his book, Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No that he coauthored with Dr. Henry Cloud. Dr. Townsend takes those foundational principles and applies them in a relevant way to parenting adolescents. As the parent of teenagers himself, Dr. Townsend offers refreshing personal examples of how to apply appropraite boundaries to individual teen situations. He also offers examples of how not to apply boundaries sometimes using his own mistakes as illustrations.
Boudndaries with Teens consists of four sections. In section one Dr. Townsend encourages parents to take a look at themselves---their own boundaries (or lack of) and any emotions that may intrude on healthy boundary setting.
Section Two provides an explanation of the adolescent world and the emotions, thought processes, and actions that guide that world. It is a condensed yet detailed section that could be titled "The User Friendly Guide to Understanding Teenagers".
In Section Three, Dr. Townsend provides foundational principles for how and when to set boundaries wtih teenagers. He also addresses the use of consequences (as opposed to punishment) and offers examples of what proper consequences may be.
Section Four deal wtih specific adolescent issues on a chapter by chapter basis. These issues include everything from academic problems to disrepsect to the silent teen. Within these chapters Dr. Townsend offers guidelines for helping a parent know when something is an issue that is severe enough to evoke boundary setting (as opposed to typical and expected teen behavior).
Boundaries with Teens is an easy book to read even for those who are not into reading the latest "how to" book. It is insightful with common sense wisdom that is sometimes lost while in the middle of the turbulence of the teen years. Chapters are short yet full of valuable information. Section four is a great reference guide for any parent as issues arise with their teenager.
Boundaries with Teens can be ordered through our website at Amazon.com. This will help support our ministry. Go to our Resources page and click on the book title. This will take you directly to Amazon.com.

Posted by True Hope Counseling at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

~ $300 Gift.

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On June 9, 2006, Melissa had the opportunity to travel to Liverpool, NY for a luncheon hosted by Remuda Ranch and Ophelia's Place. The luncheon focused on Eating Disorders and how best to treat them as counseling professionals. Valuable information was given including resources and possible treatment plans. It was also a great time for networking with other professionals within the eating disorder world.

Melissa was excited to discover Ophelia's Place as a result of the luncheon. Ophelia's Place is a not-for-profit organization that provides support and encouragement to those struggling with eating disorders in the way of support groups. Also offered, are support group for the family members of those who have eating disorders.
This is a crucial need for families who are impacted by anorexia and bulimia. Many times the focus is on the individual struggling with the eating disorder but the family is left floundering as they themselves attempt to find ways to cope.
Although Ophelia's Place in an hour from True Hope Counseling, both Melissa and Mary Ellen (the Founder and Director of Ophelia's Place) are excited about networking together in the future. As Christian professionals dealing wtih eating disorders it was exciting and refreshing to both women to have God let their common, yet separate paths, cross.
True Hope Counseling is blessed to be able to be used in the lives of those who are touched by eating disorders. To God be the glory!

Posted by True Hope Counseling at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The month of May saw two answers to prayer for True Hope Counseling staff.

The first was in regards to the issue of licensure requirements for NY State counselors. Because the state would not accept Melissa's hours for licensure due to them all being done within private practice, Melissa had to find an alternative route to be able to continue counseling.
In response to this, West Oneonta Baptist Church (of which Melissa's husband is an Associate Pastor), issued Melissa a License for Ministry under the Conservative Baptist Association. This license for ministry allows Melissa to continue on as a Professional Pastoral Counselor which will be legally recoginzed by the state.
The drawback to this is that Pastoral Counselors are not able to receive third party billing (i.e. medical insurance reimbursements) for session fees. However, Melissa is looking into her options for obtaining the required 3,000 hours for state licensure so that True Hope may begin working with third party billing down the road.
In spite of the drawback the Licensure for Ministry was a huge answer to prayer in light of newly released state regulations!
Chad and Nichole like-wise, will be pursuing License for Ministry with their church as well.
Our second answer to prayer came to the Post family. As many of you know, they have walked by faith since the fall of 2004 as True Hope Counseling was just being started. Although True Hope continues to grow on a monthly basis, client loads are still not at a place that Chad and Nichole are able to survive on financially. As a result, both have been looking for additional work since the winter of last year.
Just this past week Davis College in Johnson City, NY has officially hired on Nichole as Director of Students! Although this will be a full-time position, Nichole will remain with True Hope Counseling as our marriage and family counselor. We rejoice with Chad and Nichole at this answer to prayer!
May God bless you in this coming month and may the warmth of the June sun bring happiness into your heart!

Posted by True Hope Counseling at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)