Tanager blogs include healing stories, and wellness topics written by our team of experts.
New pencils, new shoes, a new backpack – back to school can bring all sorts of joy for kids, families, and teachers alike. But it also comes with added expenses,
Navigating the transition back to school in August can bring about stress for families. At Tanager, our dedication lies in aiding both children and families to not only adapt but
The definition of “use in moderation” advises someone that is it best not to have or do too much or too little of anything. Social media is no exception to
Can you picture having a job that requires you to wake up early, with a boss who has strict rules and controls every aspect of your day including how you
As a budding school therapist, I’ve had to introduce myself to many new forms of play the past few years. I wholeheartedly believe in the magical power of play can
Our need for safety is paramount for our mental well-being. It is the basic need to be fulfilled in order to make positive change and growth. In today’s world, feeling
Like many of you this week, I am feeling a whirlwind of complicated emotions as the end of another school year approaches. I am feeling the additional distraction and heartache
Imagine taking your child to the doctor, having your child diagnosed with a life-long condition, then being basically told to have a nice day. That was me when my daughter
This week is National Play Therapy Week, a time when we celebrate and advocate for the use of play in working with children. While some people may be familiar with
Tonya Hotchkin, LMFT, RPT, CTRP-C, is the VP of Clinical Services at Tanager Place Bike riding, fort building, rock collections and swimming are a few of the things that
Brianna White, LMSW, has a passion for normalizing conversations about mental health and making mental health resources readily available to those in need. Brianna currently works as a therapist with
As we move into fall and the Thanksgiving season, often we are encouraged to adopt an “attitude of gratitude.” Between an ongoing pandemic, political discord, continuous racial tensions, hot weather,
Written by Kathryn Stack, MA, LMSW. Kathryn is a therapist at Tanager Place’s Mental Wellbeing Clinic in Cedar Rapids and Coralville. Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen recently confirmed that the
Written by Maggie Hartzler, LISW, CTRP-C – School Based Program Manager Mask mandates. Zoom fatigue. Social distancing. Quarantine. Variants. Prior to 2020 these terms, weren’t part of our everyday
You matter. A simple concept that carries a large impact. When is the last time you have said to yourself or someone else, “You matter?” Have you ever imagined what
For centuries, music has been used to connect, communicate, and aid in healing. Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato believed that music could alter the mental, emotional, and physical
As a new clinician, I remember putting a lot of emphasis on trying to strategically prepare for each client session by either trying to preplan a structured intervention or by
For the last several decades, April has been Autism Awareness month. A time to “light it up blue” and show off the puzzle piece. This year, I encourage you to
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident or natural disaster.” A person may experience trauma from many different
Wanna come out and play? This earnest childhood invitation to engage with friends is recognized around the world by people of all ages. Play comes naturally for most children because
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