Heather McMillen Integrative Psychotherapy

The beautiful mess effect: other people view our vulnerability more positively than we do https://digest.bps.org.uk//the-beautiful-mess-effect-oth/

Last week to register for the upcoming group Teen Mind & Body (TMB)! This exciting new group utilizes elements of TRM, Parnell Resource Tapping, Somatic Experiencing and creative resourcing to help young adults build a strong foundation for managing stress and anxiety. Sliding-scale spaces available. Visit our web page at http://www.heathermcmillen.com/groups/teen-mind-body/ for more information or to RSVP.... Starting this Saturday, April 7th at 2:30pm in Westwood.

I am excited to announce that I have created a new group at my private practice location in Westwood called Teen Mind & Body. The purpose of TMB is to address symptoms of stress and anxiety in young adults through somatic skill-building, resourcing, and group process. This is a 10-week group, starting April 7th. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, or to RSVP visit http://www.heathermcmillen.com/groups/teen-mind-body/

Illustration by Maurice Sendak from Open House for Butterflies by Ruth Krauss

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity. https://www.ted.com//ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creati

When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. Butthat is not what great ships are built for. -Clarissa Pinkola Estés

I am an advocate for Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA). The BACA mission is to empower abused children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. All BACA services are free of charge, and include (but are not limited to) bonding with the child, creating a presence at the home of the child, and accompanying the child to court hearings in order to "assist the child in being less intimidated and frightened, and subsequently give an accurate testimony regarding his/her a...buse." All BACA members have passed an extensive background check including a LiveScan fingerprint, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional. Anytime the child feels scared and feels the need for the presence of his new B.A.C.A. family, the child may call upon these bikers to go to the child’s house and provide the necessary reassurance to feel safe and protected. For more information about BACA, Please visit www.bacaworld.org. I would appreciate any help spreading the word about this wonderful international resource for abused children. Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational International Information Helpline Number 1-866-71-ABUSE (1-866-712-2873) Helpline (LA Chapter): (323) 599-7024 Email: [email protected]

A big thank you to everyone who has supported the survivors of the Las Vegas shooting by passing on the information about my pro bono short-term trauma treatment services, which have now been filled. If you know anyone interested in similar services in the areas of LA or Huntington Beach, I may be able to provide information on other providers who can help.

"All have the capacity that is waiting to be awakened." -Joseph Campbell https://youtu.be/TLKUFYAOoRI

Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like.'" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level. https://www.ted.com//rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champi