HPA/LiveWell Parent Support Group 2019 Series

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February 13th

(2 Part Discussion) Part 1: Proactive and Positive Parenting Skills

Melissa Them, PhD

Are you tired of yelling?  Do you find yourself wishing your child or teen was more respectful or compliant?  Do you feel like you’ve run out of ideas?  Join our pediatric specialist, Dr. Melissa Them, for a presentation followed by Q&A on parenting skills.

Topics to be discussed include:

• How to Set Age-Appropriate Expectations​
• Giving Effective Commands
• Communicating Better (and More!)
• When to Seek Support

Melissa Them, PhD is a NYS Licensed Psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of childhood mental health disorders.  She has experience with children of all ages and their parents and has been with HPA/LiveWell since its opening in 2010.  Dr. Them can be heard speaking in schools around the Capital Region a variety of topics relevant to children and parents.

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March 13th

Part 2: Topics open to follow up from Part 1

Melissa Them, PhD

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April 10th

Strategies and treatment interventions for those caring for someone with an eating disorder

Kelly Keohan, MA LMHC

Assistant Program Director- HPA/Livewell

Topics to be covered:

• What is an eating disorder?
• What can you do to help
• Types of treatment
• Signs of a co existing disorder ( mental health, substance abuse)
• How to navigate the insurance process

* Open discussion

Ms. Keohan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years experience in the mental health and eating disorder field. Presently, Ms. Keohan is a clinician and Assistant Director of the LiveWell Intensive Outpatient Program.

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May 8th

Understanding and Managing Performance Based and Social Anxiety

Matthew Holmes, LMHC

Anxiety is a natural part of everyday life and can be useful if understood and utilized in a productive way. Other times it can be consuming and interfere with our ability to be present and flourish in our daily lives. Please join us for a lecture and discussion about how to identify, understand and learn to manage Performance Based Anxiety and Social Anxieties.

Topics to be discussed:

• What is Social anxiety
• What is Performance anxiety
• How to manage my physical discomfort
• Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance
• Dissecting excessive worry about being negatively evaluated by others
• Creating a healthier relationship with my thoughts (and myself!)

*Open Discussion

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June 12th

Understanding and Treating Binge Eating

Ross Krawczyk, PhD

Please join us for a lecture and discussion about how to identify, understand, and overcome binge eating hosted by licensed psychologist Ross Krawczyk, PhD

Topics to be covered:

• Binge eating and out-of-control eating
• Weight control and healthy eating
• Emotional eating and coping with stress/anxiety
• Helping a family member with disordered eating

Questions welcome

Dr. Ross Krawczyk is a licensed clinical psychologist at HPA/Livewell and an assistant professor of psychology at The College of Saint Rose. In his clinical work and research, he specializes in eating and weight-related disorders, body image, and obesity.

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September 11th

Managing Mental Health Concerns in College:  What Parents Should Know

Pat Bradway, PsyD

​Are you concerned about sending your son or daughter off to college?  Join us for an open discussion with a seasoned College Counseling Professional.

Topics to be discussed:​

• ​Communicating with your Almost Adult Kid
• ​How to Encourage  Problem Solving
• Stress and Distress for Millennials
• ​Researching the College’s Mental Health Resources

​Questions welcome

Dr. Pat Bradway, a licensed NY State Psychologist and HPA clinician, has worked in 3 college counseling centers for a total of 19 years.  Presently she is the Associate Director of the Counseling Center at Siena College.

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October 9th

Motivating Your Teen/Young Adult

Julie Morison, PhD

Are you struggling with how to motivate your son or daughter to engage in school, sports, work or social experiences? Join us for an open discussion where parents can share their challenges with a clinician with extensive experience in helping reluctant teens/ young adults make change.

Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to:

• What are normal teen/young adult behaviors
• Understanding behaviors within the context of normal development
• Setting limits while respecting your son/daughter’s interests

Questions welcome

Dr. Julie Morison, a license Psychologist and the Owner and Director of HPA/LiveWell. Dr Morison has many years of experience in working with teens and young adults struggling with making change.

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November 13th

Nutritional Guidelines for Parents With A Child With Eating Disorders​

Tammy Weber, RDN

Come ask questions, learn, and get support from Registered Dietitian and other families with same concerns.

Topics to be discussed:

• Nutritional needs of your child
• Meal planning strategies
• Ideas for meals/snacks to achieve goals
• How to be of assistance to your child

Tammy Weber has 25 years of experience specializing in Eating Disorders

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December 11th

Helping Your Child Cope With The Winter Blues​

Amina Mahmood, PhD

The “winter blues” (Seasonal Affective Disorder) impacts 5% of the US population, and typically lasts for about 40% of the year. This can affect our functioning, mood, and energy levels. This group will:

Topics to be covered

• Help you identify symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in your child
• Educate you on treatment options and strategies to manage symptoms
• Provide a forum for concerns and discussion you may have
• And for those interested we will also incorporate some yoga stretches that help alleviate symptoms (so dress comfortably and bring a mat [optional] if you would like!

Dr. Amina Mahmood a licensed NY State Psychologist and HPA clinician. She has clinical experiences in varied settings. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200), and incorporated mindfulness practices into treatment routinely.