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Summer: YOLO

In Colorado we are feeling the summer air.

We know by now that time is priceless, a fact that has really hit home these last two years. Your life is just the time you are granted and how you choose to spend it. Therapy in Colorado is sometimes just outside!

There are SO many things to do here in Colorado, and around the world, but I’m just starting small. I want to celebrate as much as everyone else so I’ve gathered up this list of fun things to do this summer:

GET OUT THERE! Ditch the couch and grab a blanket, lawn chair, or whatever and head on out to your front/back yard. Maybe take a walk to the park too and enjoy some sun. Don’t burn up though! The shade from the trees will feel relaxing. Invite your family and friends for strolls and you guys can catch up with some nice exercise.
Enjoy the season’s harvest. Visit your local market and pick seasonal fruits that will bring flavor to the summer and your tummy! Try new stuff because you’ll never know if you haven’t tried your favorite food yet from that fear of not liking things
Gardening is another fun idea. If you can’t garden at home, there are community gardens you can join. Or even try little plants in your home. This will help you appreciate nature and enjoy fruits/vegetables from your own labor.
Tidy up your home. Clean out any drawer and throw out stuff that you don’t need anymore. Sometimes this will help you feel relieved and distressed. You can start small.
Create a playlist with summer vibe songs that get you in a good mood and have it ready for all your summer occasions.
Try a new hobby, exercise or sport. Try tennis, swimming, yoga, etc. You never know if you’ll like it if you don’t try it. But remember to get a class in order to be taught the safe/right way.
Have a picnic. Prepare your favorite al fresco meal and stroll down to the park for a pleasant lunch outside. Don’t forget sunblock and bug spray! You could invite your friends and ask them to bring dishes too to make it a shared event.
Now might be the time to get out and meet new people, so keep an eye out for any events in your community. I think many of us need a bit of social stimulation right now to get new live perspectives.
How about a spa day? Get some recommendations and try something new. Or if you’re not ready for that, try an at-home spa day. Go grab some facial supplies and self care products for a relaxing day of treats.
Go explore! I’m pretty sure there’s places you’ve been wanting to go to. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. There are so many new shops and businesses popping up, things have changed.

I really hope this list makes it to your summer to-dos! Time for a fresh new you.

Try being a tourist for the day.

If you ever feel like these things aren’t helping and you struggle to get out of bed, come talk to me! My doors are open all summer long and in any season. Have fun everyone!

Adolescents

Grief: Heavy Stuff for Teens

———- Trigger warning: loss and suicide ———-

As a teen counselor in Denver, Colorado, I have seen more than my fair share of seriously heavy stuff, that adolescents really shouldn’t have to have on their plate – but they do. I am passionate about helping teens deal with grief. (You may have read my past article on Teen Suicide here.)

How to explain death to an adolescent

Many cultures tend to think of life as “ending” when we pass. Others believe that the soul proceeds to a place to either wait out eternity in bliss or return to the Earth in another form. In many religions and cultural groups, your ancestors live on and with you (especially in many Asian influenced parts of the world).

No matter your personal view on death, there is one universal fact. Once someone passes away, we will never get to see them or engage with them in the same way that we did when they were here. How do you explain to a child or a teen when someone has left and won’t ever return?

There’s no magic answer for helping teens who are grieving

Just like adults, kids process information in different ways depending on the unique individual that they are, and the circumstances and relationship to the deceased. Whether it was sudden or expected and how close they were to the young adult all matter when it comes to grieving.

The bottom line is there is no time line and no set path for them to follow to healing. As adults and caretakers, it’s our job to create space for those feelings. When I am counseling teens, I always try to listen first, and that would be my best recommendation to you. Just listen. Every time. Even if you’re busy, or have laundry to put away, listen to their memories that pop up that they want to talk about. Hear how they want to navigate their grief.

Teen counselors can help with the grief process

As kids, we love our parents, but once we get to a certain age, it can be harder to talk to them about some things. A teen therapist who specializes in counseling that particular age group can be an asset after a loved one, classmate, or acquaintance has passed away.

Remember that because teens are typically less experienced with death, every one is amplified. So, if the relationship didn’t seem “close” to you – if it was the postman they saw every day, or the school janitor, it can really disrupt their feelings of security. It all matters.

Has your adolescent or teen been through a loss recently? Please reach out. My door is always open and my heart is with kids who go through intense situations such as these. Without proper space to heal through grief, teens can start to be drawn toward depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from their support system.

Consider reaching out for a complimentary consultation. I am here for you. ~ Katie

About Katie Bisbee-Peek | Peek Counseling Denver, CO: Katie Peek began Peek Counseling as a way to reach those in our community who need support most. She is a therapist for fellow therapists, as well as a counselor for young adults, teens and adolescents. She brings a sense of humor to her work and offers a safe place to simply be yourself and talk about how to cope with all the heavy and tricky things in life. Contact me here.