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Creating Connections and Healing Hearts: The Impact of IOP

group therapy
Below is an excerpt from an IOP Counselor. In my experience working in an Intensive Outpatient Program, I have noticed that most of our clients come into the group with high anxiety related to being in a new setting with new people and not knowing what to expect exactly. In general, it takes about 2-4 weeks for group members to begin feeling comfortable and allowing themselves to be truly vulnerable, not only with themselves but with their fellow group members. Once this takes place and they feel the support, comfort, and validation from the group, there is a definitive shift in their [...]

How To Build a Sensory Bin

sensory bin with colorful toys
Everyone gets stressed and overwhelmed. One way to regulate big feelings is to use sensory interventions to help calm your body and mind and process your thoughts. If you use sensory approaches to help control your emotions, you can make a sensory bin whenever you feel anxious. Keeping all of your favorite sensory toys in one spot makes it easier to deal with emotions when you're feeling overwhelmed. Here are four steps to get your sensory bin started: 1. Identify your primary sense Everyone has senses that are more sensitive than others. Think about which of your senses are most perceptive to [...]

Sensory Tools and Toys

sensory intervention items
Using sensory interventions can help regulate your body when you're in a stressful or overwhelming situation. By utilizing one of your senses, your mind and body can focus on a specific stimulus, which will ground you and calm your thoughts. Sensory tools and toys can help with this. How do sensory interventions work? The first step to successful sensory intervention is to assess which of your senses is most perceptive to stimulation. Once you choose between touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell, you can focus on that sense as a grounding exercise. Stimulate the primary sense you've chosen any [...]

The Village Family Service Center Discontinues Two Programs to Focus on Increased Behavioral Health Need

NORTH DAKOTA – The Village Family Service Center has announced that it will gradually discontinue its Adoption and Pregnancy Programs, as well as its Financial Resource Center. The organization plans to focus its resources on counseling to better address the growing behavioral health needs of the community. 

Summer Activities & Busy Schedules

beach ball in a pool
Summer always seems busier than any other time of year. Between community events, kids' activities, and trying to fit everything in before it gets cold again, there's just so much to do. Here are some tips for dealing with busy schedules in the summer. Planning summer activities Make a summer calendar Take note of everyone's activities and hang a calendar in a central location. Make sure to write down the whole family's activities so nothing gets missed. Invite kids to the discussion Ask the kids what activities they would like to participate in. Each member of the family has something [...]

The Village Family Service Center in Grand Forks moves to new location

GRAND FORKS – The Village Family Service Center’s Grand Forks office is moving to a larger location, allowing more space for therapy sessions. The new building will be at 4324 University Ave, Suite B, Grand Forks.

The Village is a nonprofit organization that strengthens individuals and families across North Dakota and Minnesota through behavioral health services. The Grand Forks office specializes in mental health counseling for all ages.

Sensory Interventions

a large head with circles inside representing the five senses
Everyone gets stressed out. Kids and adults alike can have trouble regulating their emotions when they are in an overwhelming environment. This is called dysregulation, which happens when the body's threat response is triggered. Sensory interventions can help! Sensory Interventions When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your body goes into a threat response mode, where you feel like you can't control your emotions or process your thoughts. This is where sensory interventions come in. A sensory intervention is something you can use to distract yourself from a stressor. It could be [...]
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