The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.  EMDR is a therapeutic technique that is extremely effective for the relief of psychological stress.  EMDR assists with the relief of anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder; panic disorder; grief and bereavement and any concern where one feels “stuck”. 

According to the EMDRIA, EMDR is an evidence based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight phase, three pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.

As EMDR clinicians what we believe is that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information in the same was when they are not upset or distressed. We may become “stuck” in a place and remembering a trauma may feel just as powerful as when we were experiencing that trauma. Such traumas and memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world.

According to the EMDRIA, EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

As EMDR clinicians, the benefits of EMDR can be seen as an extremely beneficial and powerful.  If you are interested in learning more about EMDR please visit www.emdria.org. 

New Year, New Vision for Self

Ah! The New Year, and as it always is - arrives with much bang and glitter and joy! Alongside, come the resolutions, of course. Our blog today will focus on that - we will take it to the next level and challenge you to keep these resolutions in mind for the remainder of the year as more of a new vision rather than a resolution for yourself. In addition, if you fall through at some point, no worries, just keep them in mind and continue on. As Dory says, "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!" Below are few of the ways in which to have a new vision for yourself going into this new year.

Play more - playing is a crucial way to relieve stress and a great source of relaxation for adults. In

addition, it can increase creativity and production as well. Here is a good place to start since most of us have not "played" in quite some years: http://daringtolivefully.com/more-fun-and-play-for-adults

Be more grateful - for this year, resolve to be more grateful. Feeling more grateful has been shown to boost your health. Grateful people have been shown to take better care of themselves, which in turn leads to a healthier lifestyle: eating better, sleeping more, and getting regular physical examinations. See it from the experts themselves: http://www.webmd.com/women/features/gratitute-health-boost#1

In addition, studies have shown that keeping a gratitude journal can increase the motivation for physical activity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201211/the-grateful-brain

Spend more time in nature - this can also go hand in hand with playing. Spending time outdoors can boost your immune system as well as increase creativity. 

Spend more time with the people that matter - there is just too little time in life not to. We should spend more time with the people we care about as well as those who care about us, this is the way to stay happy and bring continuous joy in your life. Keeping the social connections active in your life will strengthen these relationships even further. 

Enjoy the little things - learn to appreciate life's simple pleasures as looking up at the stars, and if you live in the city, then looking up and admiring the buildings, saying hello to someone passing by, or simply enjoying a warm cup of coffee and really tasting it (or, if you are like me- a bowl of ice cream in the snow and really being mindful about it). Walk barefoot in the grass when it gets warm, hang out with your pets any and all the time you can. These are the little things that add up to living life to the fullest. For more ideas: http://daringtolivefully.com/simple-ways-to-celebrate-life

There are many many ways to envision this new self in this new year and for even more ideas: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/50-new-years-resolution-ideas-and-how-achieve-each-them.html

Practicing Mindfulness through Food (Holiday Edition)

This holiday season we present to you ways in which to practice mindfulness while eating, as we all know, holiday season = lots and lots of eating! Along with all the fun and excitement that comes with the holiday season, so does stress and increased stress levels can sometimes lead to more eating, oftentimes unhealthy eating. According to the Center for Mindful Eating, the principles of Mindful Eating include: "Our relationship to food is a central one that reflects our attitudes toward our environment and ourselves. As a practice, mindful eating can bring us awareness of our own actions, thoughts, feelings and motivations, and insight into the roots of health and contentment." With the following tools you can utilize mindfulness techniques while eating! 

Mindfulness eating engages all the senses: looking, smelling, tasting, touching and yes, even listening to our food.

With each bite notice: the way it looks, how it smells, the texture of the food, and finally the taste - go beyond and see how you are feeling with each bite and what you feel as you swallow your food, listen to your body slowly working for your nourishment. You may even hear the texture of your food.

Eat slowly and savor the food, pay attention to it: enjoy each bite, put your fork/spoon down in between bites, take a drink between the bites. Giving your body time to communicate with your brain when you feel full.

And finally, control your portions and eat when you are hungry. If you listen to your body, your needs will be communicated, the idea of mindfulness is to be present in the moment and aware. 

We leave you with a couple of activities you can do in your home (or when visiting friends and family this holiday season), these activities can be done at anytime: 

1) Mindfulness Eating Exercise

2) Mindfulness Eating with children (this activity can be used with adults also)

Below are some resources for further reading:
http://www.thecenterformindfuleating.org/

American Heart Association Food Diary 

Mindful Eating: 5 Easy Tips to Get Started

A very Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year from us to you! 

Post Election Recovery Guide

This has been a difficult week for more than half of the nation and a lot of the world. There are many that are in a phase of grief and mourning. Collectively mourning a loss certainly is in fact a very personal experience.

There is high emotion surrounding the hope that was placed on the outcome of this election cycle. That emotion does not disappear, it has now been turned into vast amounts of anxiety for a lot of people. Your feelings are real, your emotions are real. What you are experiencing is real. Take the time to grieve if you must, take time off if you must and most importantly, take care of yourself.

There is a lot of fear for the future, and that fear can be paralyzing for some. Make a plan if you can, then return to the here and now, grounding in the present moment can help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety for the future. Practice this several times a day if necessary.

A lot of you are also feeling a loss of control. Attempt to focus on things you can control. Participate in a group activity. Identify one or two small things you can do for yourself, create a self care routine and do some of those things. Connect with your community, they can be a great source of grounding, strength, care and coping. You are not alone. Know your strengths and resiliency for the future.

Track your media usage, stop completely if you must for a while. Ask yourself how it is making you feel after you use it. Filter usage between positive and current events, there are many positive things also happening in the world- be proactive about reminding yourself of that.

Lastly, we do not choose our circumstances all the time, but we can choose how we best respond to them. We can make a commitment to ourselves and each other regarding how we want to be in this world.

We have provided a few links for stress management and self care below:

A new photo of a kitten, every time you refresh: http://www.emergencykitten.com/

6 GIFs to help you relax: http://www.destressmonday.org/6-gifs-help-relax/

Self Compassion Guided Meditation & Exercises: http://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/

Grounding exercises: http://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/

Put your stressful thought in a star and watch it float away: http://www.pixelthoughts.co/#

Song about meditation and letting go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rds7V5Sxu-4

Tools for self care and community care: http://alp.org/breaking-isolation-self-care-and-community-care-tools-our-people

50 Ways to Self Care: http://www.thirteenthoughts.com/50-ways-to-practice-self-care/how-to-practice-self-care-3/

I. Statements.

Communication with another person is simply an exchange of information, however, the nuances that go along with how that information is communicated is where most of us can get stumped, especially when it comes to communicating with loved ones- where most of our conversations are very much laced with a plethora of emotions, feelings and beliefs. The following are some ways to improve communication skills that can lead to healthier relationships.

Make the Time

Those in healthy relationships make the time to check in with each other, not only are respectful in their communication but also make sure that it takes place in the first place. No matter how busy our schedules get, we can always make the time to talk to our loved ones, even if requires getting scheduled into our long days.

I. Statements vs. Open Ended Questions
We have been taught from early on to utilize "I" statements when attempting to convey our thoughts clearly to another person, this is fantastic advise, and really gets our feelings out. It also aids in our communication being assertive in what we desire from the conversation. It is also great practice in assertiveness in general. In addition, however, we should also utilize open ended questions, such as..."how do you feel...?" "..tell me more." etc. to really understand and hear the person on the other end.

Listen Effectively not just Hear

Listening. Hearing. Two different things. We hear all the sounds and words when someone is speaking with us but are we actually listening? Listening effectively requires attention and patience (why can be very difficult to attain if the conversation is emotionally charged) and with both of these in sync, you can provide the person you are communicating with the space they may need to express themselves, which will lead to a better understanding of the issue at hand by you. This is also when some mindfulness skills can be really helpful.

Mutual Respect & Trust

Everything boils down to trust. Do you trust the person you are communicating with? Do you trust them enough to "hear them out" and listen to their entire side? Once the trust has been established, the remainder of the communication should fall into place, as long as the two people respect and care for one another.With respect, the care will follow and the communication will effectively take place. With respect, even if two people disagree on the topic at hand, there shouldn't be any long lasting hard feelings. With respect for oneself and for each other, the love and care will stay intact. 

For more reading on this topic: http://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/
http://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/communicate-better/
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm
http://www.wfm.noaa.gov/workplace/EffectivePresentation_Handout_1.pdf
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/healthy-relationships.aspx
https://trainingmag.com/content/8-tips-developing-positive-relationships
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/04/14/9-steps-to-better-communication-today/

Un-plugging: Benefits of a Digital Detox

Let's face it, technology is AMA-ZING! It is the very thing that is allowing me to even disseminate this information so widely and so very fast. However, as awesome as this is, it comes with its own concerns. One of them being our increasingly unhealthy attachment to our devices, apps and cyber social networks. So, for our own sake, a digital detox can really put it all in perspective and help our mental health, significantly. The following are a few ways to a take break from the screen and feel the difference: 

Un-plugging can help in alleviating feelings of jealously, inadequacy and loneliness: from body image to family/friend happiness, seeing everyone's curated social networks can increase the feelings of jealously, not realizing they are coming up for reasons that are not even real, but for a projected self others place online.

Lessening FOMO (fear of missing out): this new term that reflects our feelings of missing out on things that we are not a part of or were unable to attend for some reason. Finding happiness in our current state (after turning off the screen) is an act of mindfulness that can lessen the feelings of FOMO and aid in higher enjoyment of our own day to day activities.

Right before your eyes: life is happening right in front of us all the time, by covering our eyes with a screen, we place our minds in a virtual space and neglect our very surroundings. Turning off that screen, and looking forward, being present, and smelling the roses, so to speak, can be wondrous, even if you are only able to do it on your lunch break. Schedule these moments into your day if need be, they are totally worth it. There are a number of internet tools (ironically) to help in powering down, SelfControl will help in blocking access to whichever sites you ask it to (Facebook, G-mail, a blog, etc.) and allow access to the rest of the internet simultaneously and Freedom will block internet.

In addition, it maybe beneficial to power down completely for an extended period of time periodically. Whether its for a weekend, a week or several weeks, and see how you feel, what you learned about yourself and how your relationships changed. Feel the enrichment of your relationships. Evaluate for yourself the numerous benefits of un-plugging. 

For more on this topic:
http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/24/why-facebook-makes-you-feel-bad-about-yourself/
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/is-fomo-depriving-us-of-our-ability-to-exist-in-the-present-and-take-pleasure-in-the-here-and-now-8449677.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/berkeley-wellness/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-unplugging_b_8917956.html

Cultivating a Healthy Self Body Image

Cultivating a healthy self body image can be a larger task in this day and age of constant saturation of images of what and how we should look. With the ever more intrusiveness of social media in our second to second lives, it makes it that much more difficult to remove one's idea of self from those projected as ideals from the media. However, there are many ways in which one can in fact, even with the constant media banter of what one should be, foster a healthy self body image.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Self-image is the personal view, or mental picture, that we have of ourselves. Self-image is an internal dictionary that describes the characteristics of the self, including intelligent, beautiful, ugly, talented, selfish, and kind. These characteristics form a collective representation of our assets and liabilities as we see them." 

According to Youngwomenshealth.org, "Body image is based on your thoughts and feelings about the way your body looks. Sometimes the way you think other people are judging your appearance can affect your body image. Poor body image comes from negative thoughts and feelings about your appearance, and a healthy body image is made up of thoughts and feelings that are positive. Body image is a major factor in self-esteem; which is the way you think and feel about yourself as a person."

Body image is part of self image and they are inextricably linked to self esteem. Having a positive self esteem will lead to a positive self image which will lead to a positive body image. The following are some ways in which a positive self esteem can be cultivated, provided by youngwomenshealth.org:
  
Focusing on your unique qualities. 

Focusing on your education: Learning gives you the power to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.

Participating in a variety of sports or activities: This can be a great way to stay healthy and fit, which adds to a positive body image. 

Taking up a new hobby or learning to play an instrument: Have you ever wanted to play the guitar? Maybe you want to learn how to play chess. Take time to find your hidden talents! 

Setting and reaching new goals: Having something to look forward to can give you a sense of pride and help you work through different challenges throughout your life. 

Being an inspiration to others: If you thought of your own ways to cope with social situations and find confidence, you may find it rewarding to share advice and offer encouragement to others.

For further reading on the topic, see the following links:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-05-27/features/9002130170_1_self-image-disorders-diet
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2012/05/30/self-esteem/
http://www.self-esteem-experts.com/how-to-increase-self-esteem.html
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_Stress_Management_and_Emotional_Health/hic_Fostering_a_Positive_Self-Image
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/body-image.html

Art, Music & Healing

 

 It is well established in many parts of the world that music and art have healing properties, whether that is for physical ailments or mental illness or both. Oftentimes, it isn't as simple as labeling an illness a physical or a mental one as many have components of both. It has been well established that art helps alleviate pain in cancer patients and music helps improve memory in dementia patients.  

According to researchers from the American Journal of Public Health, "Music is the most accessible and most researched medium of art and healing, and there has been a principal emphasis on the soothing capacity of music and its ability to offset overly technological approaches to care. In particular, music therapy has been shown to decrease anxiety. The pleasure shared by participants in the healing process through a music therapy program can help to restore emotional balance as well. There is also evidence of the effectiveness of auditory stimulation, together with a strong suggestion that such stimulation abolishes pain, as a strategy for achieving control over pain."

It has been mentioned again and again in literature that music is a great source of reduction in stress as well as pain, physical and emotional. Music has also been linked with the calming of neural activity which can lead to reductions in anxiety. 

Art on the other hand can help people express thoughts and feelings that may be too difficult to put into words. Art has been used as a great therapeutic tool for those suffering from depression as well as be a great aid for trauma recovery. 

"Art can be a refuge from the intense emotions associated with illness. There are no limits to the imagination in finding creative ways of expressing grief. In particular, molding clay can be a powerful way to help people express these feelings through tactile involvement at a somatic level, as well as to facilitate verbal communication and cathartic release and reveal unconscious materials and symbols that cannot be expressed through words." - American Journal of Public Health

These are some very specific examples of how art and music has been utilized in therapeutic ways. There are many, many day to day ways in which art and music are helpful as well. There is a reason for why adult coloring books have become so popular in recent times! Below are some of the ways in which music and art are beneficial for all whether suffering from an illness or not, provided by http://www.drawingonearth.org/resources/10-reasons-why/

Art Generates a Love of Learning & Creativity. Art develops a willingness to explore what has not existed before. Art teaches risk taking, learning from one’s mistakes, and being open to other possibilities. Kids who are creative are also curious and passionate about knowing more.

Art Develops the Whole Brain. Art strengthens focus and increases attention, develops hand-eye coordination, requires practice and strategic thinking, and involves interacting with the material world through different tools and art mediums.

Art Prepares Kids for the Future. Creative, open-minded people are highly desired in all career paths. Art and creative education increases the future quality of the local and global community. Being creative is a life long skill and can be used in every day situations.

Art Teaches Problem Solving. Making art teaches that there is more than one solution to the same problem. Art challenges our beliefs and encourages open-ended thinking that creates an environment of questions rather than answers.

Art Supports Emotional Intelligence. Art supports the expression of complex feelings that help kids feel better about them selves and helps them understand others by “seeing” what they have expressed and created. Art supports personal meaning in life, discovering joy in one’s own self, often being surprised, and then eliciting it in others.

Art Builds Community. Art reaches across racial stereotypes, religious barriers, and socio-economical levels and prejudices. Seeing other culture’s creative expression allows everyone to be more connected and less isolated – “see how we are all related.” Art creates a sense of belonging.

Art Improves Holistic Health. Art builds self-esteem, increases motivation and student attendance, improves grades and communications, nurtures teamwork, and strengthens our relationship to the environment.

Art is Big Business. At the core of the multi-billion dollar film and video game industry are artists creating images and stories. Every commercial product is artistically designed, from chairs to cars, space stations to iPods. And a Picasso painting just sold for 106 million dollars.

Art Awakens the Senses. Art opens the heart and mind to possibilities and fuels the imagination. Art is a process of learning to create ourselves and experience the world in new ways. Arts support the bigger picture view of life: beauty, symbols, spirituality, storytelling, it also helps us step out of time allowing one to be present in the moment. Art keeps the magic alive.

Art is Eternal. Creativity and self-expression has always been essential to our humanity. Our earliest creative expressions were recorded in petroglyphs, cave paintings, and ancient sculptures. One of the first things kids do is draw, paint, and use their imaginations to play.



For additional reading on this topic: 
http://www.healthcommunities.com/chronic-pain/music-therapy-art-therapy-healing.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/features/thinking-creatively-family-and-youth-work/art-therapy
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/major-depression/creative-therapies/
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2014/05/27/paint-write-sing-how-the-arts-help-heal-patients
http://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/ArtsInHealthcare_0.pdf
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brick-brick/201402/does-music-have-healing-powers
http://www.drawingonearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/10reasonswhy.pdf

Practicing Mindfulness

Living in the here and now - mindfulness in a nutshell. This week we will focus (pun-intended) on Mindfulness. Yes, mindfulness, the new, hot and trendy, wellness technique. The great thing about it however, is that it works, it truly does! And, there is plenty of data to back it up, not only in neurosciences research again and again, but also thousands of years of practice in the Eastern world. 

We will share some daily mindfulness techniques to utilize in your already set schedules. The fantastic thing about this practice is that it is very easy to implement into one's life. Some of the following techniques have been adopted from this resource:  

Mindfulness in Your Morning Routine

Pick an activity that constitutes as a part of your daily routine, such as brushing your teeth, shaving or taking a shower. When you do the activity, totally focus on what you are doing, the body movements, the taste, the touch, the sounds, the smells, the sight, etc. The idea is to involve all of your sense and fully experience the activity with them all with awareness. 

When thoughts arise, acknowledge them, let them be, and bring your attention back to the activity. Again and again, your attention will wander, when this occurs and as soon as you realize this has happened, acknowledge it, note what distracted you, and bring your attention back to the activity. 

Mindful Eating

For those looking to cultivate an awareness of how food and drink might make you feel, both physically and emotionally, and break free of unhealthy eating habits.

At Mealtimes: Prepare your meal as you normally would. Turn off all distractions, no mobile phone notifications, no TV, no laptop to distract you from your meal. Set your table with care and include a candle in your arrangement. Set your meal before you. Before you begin to eat, light the candle, if possible.  

Spend a moment in contemplation of the meal you are about to consume. Where have all the ingredients come from? Why have you selected them? How do you think this meal will make you feel? Does it have emotional significance to you? When you are halfway through your meal, pause for a moment and allow yourself a rest. How do you feel? When you have finished your meal, allow yourself a moment to feel grateful for the food you have eaten. When you are finished with your contemplation, blow out the candle.  

Mindfulness of Domestic Chores

 

Pick an activity such as ironing clothes, washing dishes, vacuuming floors, and do it mindfully.

For example, when ironing clothes: notice the color and shape of the clothing, and the pattern made by the creases, and the new pattern as the creases disappear. Notice the hiss of the steam, the creak of the ironing board, the faint sound of the iron moving over the material. Notice the grip of your hand on the iron, and the movement of your arm and your shoulder. 

 

If boredom or frustration arises, simply acknowledge it, and bring your attention back to the task at hand. When thoughts arise, acknowledge them, let them be, and bring your attention back to what you are doing.  Again and again, your attention will wander. As soon as you realize this has happened, gently acknowledge it, note what distracted you, and bring your attention back to your current activity. 

Simple, everyday activities can be done in a mindful manner. With time and practice, leading up to more mindful living. 

 

“Keeping one’s consciousness alive to the present reality” -Thich Nath Hanh

Consequences & Rewards

Today we will focus on some behavior modifications for adolescents. Behavior modification essentially means cultivating desired behaviors and changing undesirable ones by utilizing a system of rewards and consequences. We will go over examples of some of these to use, the caveat however is, each and every child, adolescent and teenager is different and individual, and these methods are generally devised on a case by case basis. You are the one who knows your child best, and will therefore be able to gauge which technique may work best within your family. A consultation with a professional: mental health counselor, school counselor, and others may be beneficial. 

Punishment vs. Consequences as a form of behavior modification: 

Consequences are the results of our decisions and actions and can be "good" or "bad." Consequences help us all grow and when children experience consequences for their actions, it can help them learn and grow, make better choices and learn from their mistakes. Consequences also give you a chance to parent from the perspective of principle rather than anger and frustration. 

Punishment on the hand does not respect the decision of the child, even if the decision or choice the child has made is wrong. It comes out of fear and anger, and generally looks towards a withdrawal of love which can be harmful to the relationship. This approach does not help children to develop ways in which to make decisions responsibly. 

The following two examples come from https://www.empoweringparents.com to better illustrate this concept: 

"Your 13-year-old doesn’t call to check-in and let you know where he is. In the past, his punishment was to lose his cell phone for a couple of days. Yes, that might have taught him that when you don’t act responsibly you can lose privileges.  But what it didn’t teach him is how to act more responsibly.  So how can using consequences make a difference here?

Take the same scenario, but before you decide how to respond first ask yourself:  What is it that I want him to learn and improve? You probably want him to learn to follow your instructions and do what he is told, which in this case was to call. You also want him to improve by consistently remembering to do it.  To motivate and guide your son to better behaviors, the consequence could be that he will only be allowed to go out with friends on the coming weekend and only for an hour.  During that time he must remember to call you and let you know where he is.  If he does this successfully both Saturday and Sunday, he can return to going out for longer periods of time.  What he’s learning is that privilege (going out with friends) comes with responsibility (calling to check-in).  What he’s getting is the chance to practice and demonstrate to you both is that he can be trusted to do as he’s supposed to.

Or maybe your daughter doesn’t do her assigned chores. What do you want her to learn and practice? A natural consequence may be that you do not feel the goodwill to take her shopping.  Instead, she is assigned extra jobs to help you out around the house.  From this she learns that when she doesn’t do her part, others may not have the time or interest to go out of their way for her. Having to help more around the house will let her practice doing her part and to appreciate that not meeting her responsibilities can cause problems for others."

Establishing short term goals towards long term behavior change: 

For instance, if your child/adolescent has been engaging in unsafe behaviors, driving under the influence of alcohol. It would be necessary to bar access to the car for a long stretch of time in order to create behavior change. 

"No driving privileges until house rules have consistently been followed for 3 months. This means no alcohol and no missing curfew for 3 months and then we discuss at the end of a successful 3 months the return of your driving privileges."

During the 3 months, establish more short term task oriented goals (steps in the right direction) so that the child has a consistent opportunity to show improvements and growth. 

Utilizing reward charts and positive reinforcements:

Behavior modification plans in children or teens might include using a reward chart to increase a certain behavior, such as doing homework or chores, and providing immediate positive attention when the child begins behaving appropriately or simply praising the child when he or she engages in desirable behavior.

 
Examples of child behavior modification plans which have rewards might include offering a return of a privilege for a reaching a certain goal, having an increase in allowance, and increase of a curfew time, etc.

The following is a great workbook for parents, it has a thorough overview of behavior modification techniques and also which techniques are more useful and which are not so. In addition, it gives great evidence of all the information that has been provided and research from which the information came from as well: From the USC Center for Work and Family Life


Parent's Tool Kit for Teens