Megan Tucker Educational Psychologist

June 26th marks WORLD DRUG DAY or International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The World Drug Report 2021 found that young people aged 15–34 are most at risk for using drugs. SADAG reports that in South Africa, the average age for drug dependency is 12 years, with 50% of South African teens consuming alcohol.

Substance abuse is a problematic pattern of consumption of an intoxicating substance leading to clinically significant impairment.

Addiction can be characterised by:
• The inability to consistently abstain from a substance.
• We can observe impairment in behaviour control.
• An evident craving for a substance or for the rewarding experience when ingested.
• Often an individual displays a diminished ability to recognise the significance of their addition.
• Addiction can also be characterised by a dysfunctional emotional response.
• Overall, with addiction there is significant impairment in executive functioning which can manifest in problems with impulse control, perception, and judgement.

If the above information resonates with you or if a loved one needs assistance, you can contact your nearest mental health professional or contact the helplines below.

Helplines:
• Houghton House 24/7 Emergency Helpline - 079 770 7532
• SADAG- New WhatsApp helpline launched aimed at youth substance abuse- Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Platform is available seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm. WhatsApp 087 163 2025 for a live chat with one of the counsellors.
• National Department of Social Development 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline – 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312

For bookings with Sherlinka Naidoo contact [email protected] or
call. 0661085680 or +010 449-9755

A webinar like this is always insightful

So many new cases, so many new laws, so many new apps, so many new issues! 😱

It’s time to do a few public webinars. The first one is for parents and teens (over 12) at 17.30 on 10 May. If you can’t join live (loadshedding ugh) a recording will be accessible for a limited time afterwards.

Tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/174472-selfies-sexts-and-smartphones-parenting-the-screenager/ #/

Details of corporate/general talk to follow soon.

This is so true
Let’s consider that going into a new week

Next time something comes up where you feel the urge to react, pause and take a moment to reflect on how you want to respond. This can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to our children how to work through emotion.

Like if you agree ❤️

Psycho- Educational Assessments aim to provide insight into your child’s ability (strengths and areas which require support).
When should you have an assessment done ?

If you have identified:
-that your child battles to concentrate in class
-not performing at the expected grade level
-often requests for questions to be repeated
-battles to keep up in class

Contact Megan for an appointment
[email protected]

Megan Tucker presents social and emotional skills development for tweens and teens in the comfort and convenience of the school setting.

The current programme focuses on group dynamics. We interact with diverse individuals on a daily basis and therefore it is beneficial for that communication to be congruent, and to consider alternative perspectives to assist in making this interaction effective

4 sessions of 40min for groups of between 12 to 14 learners is recommended
Contact Megan at [email protected] for more information

Having Unconditional positive regard for your client is so important in fostering a healthy therapeutic relationship where your client feels seen and heard and not judged

To schedule an appointment with Megan contact her on 082 923 838 9
[email protected]

How do you want to spend your time

Children will ask for their needs to be met regardless of how we parent. The more disconnected they feel the louder they will ask. So we may as well approach our relationship with our children from a place of love and compassion then from a place of reaction.