Blog

Leah Sparkman, Havenwood Academy Graduate and Ph.D Student.

Sep 7, 2023

  Hello everyone, My name is Leah Sparkman and I am a Havenwood Academy graduate. I attended Havenwood for a year from the summer of 2014- summer 2015. This means that around this month it has been about 5 years since I graduated from the program. I would like to offer some encouragement about the…

Read More

Unveiling the 5 R’s of Healing Trauma: A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Aug 28, 2023

In a world where traumatic experiences can leave lasting scars, finding effective ways to heal and recover is of utmost importance. But what if there was a holistic approach that could help individuals navigate the journey towards healing trauma? This article dives deep into the 5 R’s, a powerful framework that offers a comprehensive roadmap…

Read More

Emotional Regulation: What we can learn from Artemis the Hedgehog

Jan 4, 2023

Emotional self regulation, or the ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience, is necessary to function in daily life and have strong personal relationships. (Rolston). But what happens when someone is emotionally dysregulated or unable to control their emotions because of trauma? What can they do to learn emotional regulation? Strangely enough,…

Read More

How to Help Your LGBTQIA+ Teen Heal From Childhood Trauma

Dec 29, 2022

Young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have a higher risk of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Professional mental health treatment can give teens the support and skills they need to heal. As such, children can recover from the effects of trauma if they have access to effective treatment services. According to Youth.gov, nearly…

Read More

How to Help Your Adopted Teen Cope With a Breakup

Dec 25, 2022

It is normal for teenagers to experiment with romantic relationships. However, teenage girls with behavioral and mental health issues have a higher likelihood of experiencing a romantic breakup. In addition, adopted teens are especially vulnerable to feeling rejected if they experience relationship problems with someone they love. The emotional fallout can destabilize their mental health.…

Read More

How to React When Your Foster Child Wants to Be in Control

Dec 22, 2022

Children often test limits as a normal part of establishing their self-identity. However, in some cases, they may develop control issues that cause conflict with parental figures. Adolescents and teens in foster care can have difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationship boundaries.  Some children react by attempting to control their circumstances through manipulation or other…

Read More

How to Improve Your Adopted Child’s Self-Worth

Dec 19, 2022

Adopted children who have lived through adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early childhood trauma have an increased risk of struggling with low self-worth. Similarly, a lack of parental support during a child’s formative years can influence how they identify with peers and others around them. Children who are overweight face added stigma and social isolation.…

Read More

Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disruptions at School

Dec 15, 2022

Some children and young adults have difficulty establishing healthy bonds with authority figures, which can affect their education. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and other factors contribute to the development of attachment disorders. According to Psychology Research and Behavior Management, “Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) have special educational needs that are challenging for teachers…

Read More

Helping Your Adopted Teen Manage Anger

Dec 12, 2022

Some teens struggle to control their anger and frustration during moments of high stress. Adopted teens with behavioral issues in particular may have angry outbursts or react with extreme irritation to everyday situations. In many cases, anger is a symptom of more profound psychological distress. For example, children with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) may have…

Read More