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Thriving (not just surviving) During the Holidays
‘Tis the season, after all! Promoting gratitude as a stress-reduction tool as we head towards Thanksgiving may sound trite, and many studies have demonstrated that practicing gratitude supports mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Intentionally identifying things that are going well and that we are grateful for can shift our mindsets and moods, reduce stress, improve sleep and interpersonal interactions, and over time, can even train our brains to look for mom
Katrina Swenson
Nov 53 min read
Living and Understanding ADHD: A Journey Through the Maze—From Both Sides
October is here, and with it comes ADHD Awareness Month. As someone who sits in a unique intersection—a licensed mental health counselor and child mental health specialist, registered play therapy supervisor, clinic owner, AND a mom to neurodivergent kids with ADHD and SPD married to a neurodivergent partner—I can tell you that ADHD awareness isn't just professional knowledge for me. It's a lived experience.
Here's the twist: I'm neurotypical.
Cary M Hamilton
Oct 1612 min read
Suicide Prevention: Let’s Get Awkward!
“Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s an awkward question, right?
Scary, even. If there’s one thing we know from suicide research, however, it’s that this question, though uncomfortable, is essential. So let’s get awkward, because it’s September, and September is National Suicide Prevention month. There’s no better time to talk about what to do if someone you love is talking about suicide, or if you suspect they are considering it.
Katrina Swenson
Sep 244 min read
School’s in Session, and so are the Funky Attitudes!
Let them rest and play.
If you’ve ever been dying to get home from work so that you can do something fun for you, you know the value of rest and play to a tired mind and body. Play positively impacts brain function, reduces stress, and supports resilience. All humans need play, and it can be especially useful when going through a stressful transition.
Cary M. Hamilton & Katrina Swenson
Sep 73 min read
When a Child’s World Changes: Supporting Young Hearts Through Grief and Loss
Grief doesn’t wait for children to be “old enough” to understand it. Whether facing the loss of a loved one, navigating their parents’...
Cary M Hamilton
Aug 315 min read
When the Storm Hits: Why Your Child's Mental Health Can't Wait for After-School Hours
Here's what every parent needs to understand: stressed brains don't learn. When a child's nervous system is overwhelmed—whether by anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodivergent challenges—their brain literally cannot access its higher-level functions needed for academic learning.
The science is clear: chronic stress affects brain structure and function. The amygdala, our fear center, becomes hyperactive, while the hippocampus, vital for learning and memory, becomes compro
Cary M Hamilton
Aug 235 min read
The Value of Continuing Therapy in the Summer Months
Therapy is like watering a plant. The growth you see today was nurtured weeks or months ago, and ongoing attention is what keeps that growth alive. Summer breaks can disrupt a child’s therapeutic rhythm, leading to regression in areas such as emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies.
Even skipping just 6–8 weeks can undo hard-earned gains. Continuing weekly or even bi-weekly sessions helps maintain momentum and reinforce the safe, consistent space your ch
Cary M Hamilton
Jun 43 min read
More Than Just a Hashtag: Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. But let's be honest—mental health isn't just a monthly theme; it's the backdrop of our daily lives. It's the silent partner in our successes and the loud critic in our challenges. And while we've made strides in bringing mental health into the conversation, there's still a long road ahead.
Cary M. Hamilton of Olympia Therapy
May 33 min read
Embracing Neurodiversity
As a mental health specialist, I’ve learned that no two brains are the same – and that’s a wonderful thing.
Cary M. Hamilton
Mar 186 min read
This March, Our Bodies Remember: Navigating a World of Uncertainty
Five years ago, the world stopped.
March 2020 brought a global experience of fear, disbelief, grief, and isolation. It was a collective
Cary M. Hamilton
Mar 13 min read
The Therapeutic Power of Play: Why Play Therapy Works
Imagine this: your child is engaged in a make-believe battle, complete with roaring dinosaurs and epic explosions.
Cary M. Hamilton of Olympia Therapy
Feb 24 min read
One Word, One Focus: How an Intention Can Shape Your 2025
What if the most transformative thing you could do for your mental health in 2025 wasn’t setting a resolution or achieving a goal
Cary M Hamilton
Jan 12 min read
The information contained on this site, blog posts, videos, and interviews are for general education purposes and do not constitute professional advice. If you are a provider, it’s important to seek training, continuing education, or clinical supervision. If you are a parent, I encourage you to seek direct help from a qualified provider for your child and family. All identifying information, including names and other details, has been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
*The photos used are personal or are stock photography models and do not represent specific individuals in any way.
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