Category Archives: Health and Social Emotional Learning

Supporting Communication:  A Mental Health Workshop for Teens & Parents

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, From The City of Newton, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools

The City of Newton Health & Human Services Department, in partnership with Samaritans Inc., is hosting an in-person workshop for parents & teens titled, “Supporting Communication.” This program will be Wednesday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. We will focus on the development of healthy communication between parents and teens, as it relates to mental health and stress, and encourage honest talk and active listening skills.

Supporting Communication:  A Mental Health Workshop for Teens & Parents

Date:  Wednesday, May 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (check in/refreshments 5:30 p.m.)

Location:  Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium

The City of Newton Health & Human Services Department in partnership with the Newton Youth Commission, invite teens, parents and caregivers to a workshop led by Samaritans Inc. Join us for an evening to support the development of healthy communication by exploring feelings, and learning how to express them, practice honest talk and active listening and how to access resources and support.  

CLICK HERE to register.

Setting Boundaries for Healthy Relationships and Caregiver Self-Care

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Elementary Schools, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools, Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT. 

In this webinar, Jenny Woodworth, LISW, will define boundaries as they relate to familial relationships. Participants will learn why boundaries are necessary when supporting a loved one with a mood disorder and how to apply boundaries as a form of self-care. Register to join us for a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs. 

After the webinar, complete our online evaluation and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a copy of Courage to Caregivers Guide to Telling Your Story Journal. 

Please share information about the free webinar with your network or community!

If you are new to the topic of depression or in need of a refresher, please watch our Adult Depression: Getting on the Path to Wellness as a Family as a foundation to this upcoming webinar. 

Helping Teens Heal From Trauma

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Grade Levels, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools, Resources for Families in Need

    Families for Depression Awareness is presenting our free webinar — Helping Teens Heal From Trauma — on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT. Please help us share this resource with caring adults. 

    In this webinar, Deborah Vinall, LMFT, Psy-D, defines trauma and discusses its impact on long-term wellness. She will also cove the signs of trauma in teens, effective treatment approaches, and practical strategies that caring adults can use to encourage teen mental wellness. Register to join us for a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs. 

    After the webinar, complete our online evaluation and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a complimentary copy of Deborah Vinall’s book, “Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Process Emotions, Manage Symptoms and Promote Healing.”

    f you are new to the topic of teen depression or in need of a refresher, please watch our Understanding Teen Depression as a foundation to this upcoming webinar. 

     

    Stress Survival Guide Workshop” for teens ages 13 and over

    Posted on December 11, 2022 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, From The City of Newton, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools

    The City of Newton Youth Services Division is partnering with Families for Depression Awareness, the Newton Free Library, and the Newton Youth Commission to host a “Stress Survival Guide Workshop” for teens ages 13 and over on Wednesday, December 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Newton Free Library.   This workshop led by Families for Depression Awareness staff, will teach teens how to identify symptoms of stress in themselves, their peers, and their family, identify strategies to manage day-to-day stress, as well as how to find help if things start to feel like “more than just stress.”  Teens will create a survival guide of their own by utilizing a workbook tool created by FFDA!  Light refreshments will be available!  To register CLICK HERE.  

    Holidays Can Be Stressful — We’re Here to Help 

    Posted on December 4, 2022 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, From The City of Newton, Health and Social Emotional Learning

    The holidays are a time of joy, comfort, family and tradition for many in our community. For others, the reality is that this season can be filled with anxiety, grief, and loneliness. 

    Newton’s social workers note that, most likely, we all experience a mixture of these emotions during the holiday season when stress increases and obligations feel constant. Stress can impact us all differently and they suggest we take time to care for ourselves to ensure our overall health and well-being. Caring for ourselves may include saying “no” without guilt, asking for help without shame or embarrassment, treating yourself with kindness and compassion, and finding time for a walk outside, for adequate rest, and for healthy nutrition.  

    Our social workers in Newton’s Health and Human Services Department have gathered mental health resources and substance use resources should you or a loved one need additional support during this time. Please call 617-796-1420 to speak with the team in Social Services.  

    Parenting Workshops this December – Start the new year feeling clear, confident, and connected with your family! 

    Posted on December 4, 2022 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Elementary Schools, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools, Upcoming Events

    Parent Coach Amy Behrens, M.Ed. is offering two unique mindful parenting workshops in December for parents who want to bring more joy and confidence to their parenting as we head into the holiday season and new year.  Parents of children of all ages are welcome. 

    Family Culture and Winter Kickoff Online Retreat – Friday, Dec. 9th 9am-1pm OR Saturday, Dec. 10th 10am-2pm – choose the day that works best for you. 

    We are entering the winter holiday season, and holidays tend to illuminate or exacerbate ingrained family patterns. So, NOW is a great time to pause and be intentional about shifting patterns to the “family culture” you desire.

    Through individual and group reflection, direct teaching, and a transformational guided meditation – you will:

    • Develop vision and tools for your family
    • Get inspiration to make winter school vacation fun and enjoyable
    • Understand of the “C’s of family culture” 
    • Experience warm camaraderie with a group of like-minded parents
    • Receive expert tips from a parent coach with years of experience working with families
    • Create action steps you can start using right away.

    Parenting Mantras Online Workshop – Friday, Dec. 16th 11am-12:30pm

    Learn how to design your own personal parenting “mantras” – words and phrases that help you feel more calm, centered, and effective as a parent when dealing with difficult situations with your kids. Instead of yelling and then feeling bad, you can learn a new way to communicate with power and wisdom that can feel almost magical. 

    This session will include: 

    • A Guided Reflection to give you insights that bring clarity
    • The Create-Your-Own-Mantra Tool to transform unpleasant patterns
    • Shared wisdom of a group of like-minded parents
    • Real-time experiences with how mantras work
    • Relief and peace of mind that your parenting experiences will feel much better

    Learn more about Amy and her parent coaching approach HERE. Read her blogs HERE.

    Teen Stress Survival Guide Workshop

    Posted on November 13, 2022 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, From The City of Newton, Health and Social Emotional Learning, High Schools, Middle Schools

    Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library
    December 14th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

    This workshop led by Families for Depression Awareness staff and a Licensed Mental Health Professional, will teach teens how to identify symptoms of stress and, identify strategies to manage it, as well as how to find help if things start to feel like “more than just stress”.
    Register here: Stress Survival Guide Workshop Tickets

    City of Newton Youth Services in partnership with Families for Depression
    Awareness, The Newton Free Library and The Newton Youth Commission