Feature Post

PTSD Screening Day 1024 1024 Lumina Counseling

PTSD Screening Day

PTSD Screening Day

June 27th marks a significant day: PTSD Screening Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to screen for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this blog post, we will explore the significance of PTSD screening and highlight how our The Help Group’s Lumina Counseling offers comprehensive support to individuals struggling with PTSD and other challenges.

Understanding PTSD

  • A mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
  • Affects individuals from all walks of life, including survivors of abuse, military personnel, first responders, and those who have been through accidents or natural disasters
  • Symptoms of PTSD range from intrusive thoughts and nightmares to severe anxiety and hypervigilance

Why is PTSD Screening Important?

  • Early Detection: By identifying symptoms and providing prompt intervention, individuals can receive the necessary support and treatment to alleviate their suffering
  • Improved Quality of Life
  • Reduced Stigma: Raising awareness about PTSD can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. By promoting open dialogue and understanding, we create an environment where individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and support.

At Lumina Counseling, we understand the significance of mental health support and the journey to overcome PTSD. Our counseling services are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to individuals seeking healing and growth.  We offer specialized counseling services specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with PTSD. Our experienced and compassionate therapists provide evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to facilitate recovery. Lumina Counseling acknowledges that individuals may face multiple challenges alongside PTSD. We offer support for various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties. Our goal is to address the holistic well-being of each individual we serve.

PTSD Screening Day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to address PTSD. Early detection through screening can provide individuals with the necessary support and resources to overcome their challenges and reclaim their lives. At Lumina Counseling, we offer specialized counseling services that empower individuals to heal, grow, and embrace their journey towards recovery. Together, let us shine a light on mental health and work towards a more empathetic and resilient society.

Learn how to get started at Lumina Counseling at  luminacounselingla.com/get-started.

To access the self-screening test visit ptsd.va.gov/screen

Navigating Your Child’s Coming Out Journey Together 720 720 Lumina Counseling

Navigating Your Child’s Coming Out Journey Together

Navigating Your Child’s Coming Out Journey Together

All parents desire the best for their children, but many are caught off-guard when their child comes out as LGBTQ+. They are unsure of what to say and/or how to react or even “what this means.” LGBTQ+ youth can also face some unique challenges that parents often feel unprepared to tackle. In this webcast you’ll learn how to navigate this journey, find support, and ensure everyone’s well-being.

This webcast welcomes parents, educators, professionals, and the community at large.

During this webcast, we discussed:

  • Understanding the coming out process for young people
  • Exploring and normalizing common reactions when a child comes out
  • Learning how to compassionately support you and your child during their coming out process
  • Hear from a parent about their experience and journey

Speakers:

  • Dr. Jason Bolton (He/Him, Moderator), VP of Admissions & Community Partnerships at The Help Group
  • Jay Baldwin (They/Them), Program Director of The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope
  • Christina K. (She/Her) – Proud Parent

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit…

thehelpgroup.orgkaleidoscopelgbtq.org

Let’s Flip the Script: What if ADHD is a Strength, Not a Weakness? 1024 1024 Lumina Counseling

Let’s Flip the Script: What if ADHD is a Strength, Not a Weakness?

Let’s Flip the Script: What if ADHD is a Strength, Not a Weakness?

Practical Tips and Tools for Teens and Adults with ADHD to Improve Your Outlook and Life

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. However, there are numerous strengths and benefits that also come with ADHD.  Learn more about the ways that ADHD can be a strength rather than a weakness.

Open to parents, educators, professionals, and the community at large.

In this webcast, discussed:

  • Why do I do that? Understanding what your symptoms are, what they mean, and the emotions tied to aspects of having ADHD.
  • What are the benefits of having ADHD?
  • How do I harness my newfound strengths for success?

Speakers:

  • Dr. Jason Bolton (moderator), VP of Admissions & Community Partnerships, The Help Group
  • Heather Humphrey, MA, LMFT, Sr. Director of Adult & Clinical Services, The Help Group

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit…

www.thehelpgroup.orgluminacounselingla.com

April 2022 Webinar
The Benefits of Psychotherapy in Autism 1024 1024 Lumina Counseling

The Benefits of Psychotherapy in Autism

Webinar Apr 2022 header image
Addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma Through Therapy

The Benefits of Psychotherapy in Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we covered an important topic in this month’s webcast.

Recent statistics show that about 75% of autistic children have a comorbid mental health challenge, and nearly 50% have two or more comorbid mental health challenges. Common conditions include anxiety, depression/mood disorders, ADHD and OCD.

This webcast is designed to present the latest research on mental health issues in autism spectrum disorder and provide information on the most up-to-date and innovative therapies for helping autistic youth and their parents cope with these challenges. We’ll hear from an autistic young adult what was most beneficial in therapy for them and also a parent’s perspective on how therapy helped their child.

Takeaways:

The benefits of therapy for autistic youth
How therapy does not make a person “non-autistic” but rather provides the coping skills and life tools to deal with everyday stressors and emotional upsets
Specific intervention tools for use in the therapy room and more generalized environments

Expert Speakers:

Jason Bolton, PsyD (moderator) – VP of Community Partnerships & Admissions at The Help Group

Laurie Stephens, PhD – Sr. Director of Autism and LGBTQIA+ Programs at The Help Group

Syd F. – Autistic young adult who has participated in individual play and psychotherapy beginning at age 10

Deborah F. – Arts Advocate & Syd’s mother

tudela fc logo
Tudela Futbol Club LA & Lumina Counseling LA 1024 1024 Lumina Counseling

Tudela Futbol Club LA & Lumina Counseling LA

Tudela Futbol Club LA & Lumina Counseling LA

tudela fc logo

The partnership of two well-respected Los Angeles nonprofits comes together to support young female athletes’ mental health with the Our Mental Health First initiative.

Tudela FC LA

– building the future of soccer in Los Angeles.

Tudela FC LA is an all-girls soccer club, born out of the experience of being girls’ teams playing within historically boys’ clubs in Los Angeles. It is difficult for girls to receive the same level of training, the same access to facilities, the same attention to their development as boys;. However, things are changing for the better, soccer is still an unequal playing field when it comes to gender.

Lumina Counseling

– building strong futures through leading-edge mental health services.

The Help Group has provided educational and mental health services to children and their families for almost 50 years. THG has a long history of meeting the community’s mental health needs. Lumina Counseling, a program of THG, believes every child deserves a great future. Lumina Counseling is acutely aware of the increased need for quality mental health services, especially for young girls.

Lumina Counseling Services

  • Counseling for children, teenagers, and adults
  • Family Therapy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Payment. – Lumina takes most insurance plans, private pay, and have programs through Medi-Cal

Why a Partnership Now?

Our Mental Health First

The Surgeon General recently issued an advisory concerning the urgent need to address the youth mental health crisis. In Los Angeles, 1 in 5 youth have a mental health challenge, and these numbers are rising due to the disruption and trauma of the pandemic. Recently, we have seen the need for service availability for young female athletes emerging in the media due to the unfortunate death of Katie Meyer, the Stanford soccer player, and Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles putting their mental health first during high profile events. Our Mental Health First initiative is an opportunity to reduce the stigma of mental health prevention and treatment in real-time in a soccer club with young girls.

Partner Responsibilities

Lumina Counseling

  • Accept counseling referrals from the Tudela FC LA community. Provide a special contact for Tudela members to expedite services
  • Mental Health Consultation to the Club as needed
  • A quarterly mental health webinar for Tudela FC LA staff, parents, and or youth

Tudela FC LA

  • Offer and Promote Lumina Counseling services within the Tudela FC LA community