Download Changing Moods—Communication - White Behavioral Consultants

WHITE BEHAVIORAL
CONSULTANTS, P.C.
3840 PACKARD
SUITE 200B
ANN ARBOR, MI 48108
V O L U M E
(734) 995-6755
I S S U E
4
A P R I L
2 0 1 4
Welcome to "Another Piece" White Behavioral Consultants' newsletter. WBC has been a premier
provider of behavioral modification services for clients with traumatic brain injuries for 11 years. WBC
is committed to the entire support system of the client. This newsletter is a part of that commitment to
give back to the clients, families, case managers, and other community members who have helped us get
where we are today. Our sessions with clients are confidential, but there are many general tips and
tools that we use which we would like to share with our readers. Our newsletter will provide a format
to share these strategies, which are simple to use and may be applied to a variety of everyday situations.
INSIDE
THIS ISS UE:
Changing
2 ,
1
Changing Moods—Communication
Moods —
Communication
Monthly Recipe
3
Youth Corner
4
Family Corner
4
Last month we began our communication series with a look at different forms of
communication. Why is it important to communicate effectively? Because every day we are
interacting with others in many different settings. Effective communication can improve
relationships, as well as your ability to be understood and to understand others. In order to
help avoid conflicts, let’s first look at different challenges that people experience with
communication.
Verbal Communication






Non-Verbal Communication
It can be easy to say the wrong things
or not express our thoughts clearly.
Misunderstandings can lead to conflict
with other people.
Our own feelings impact how we sound
and the words we use; if we are
stressed and frustrated it will come out
that way.
Listening

It is easy to forget that actively listening
is a very important part of effective
communication.
People often try to do too many things
while talking.
One cannot respond appropriately if
they are not actively listening to the
message being conveyed.


Non-verbal communication can easily be
misinterpreted.
The listener might misunderstand the
tone of voice or body language.
Written Language

The tone of the message can often be
misinterpreted.
There are no non-verbal cues to “read”.
Continued on page 2
P AGE
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Changing Moods — Communication
(Continued from page 1)
How can we improve?
Now that we’ve learned about common challenges, or barriers to effective communication, what
can we do to improve? First, spend some time with the chart of challenges on the previous page.
Think about which challenges you experience. What about communication is the most difficult for
you? Now look at the chart below to find an appropriate skill to begin building.
Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication

Slow down . . . think about the message you
want to send and the best way to say it.

Think about what your body and tone of voice
are expressing when you talk.

Pay attention to your emotions. If you are
upset maybe wait to discuss until you feel more
in control.

As the listener, think about alternative
meanings to non-verbal observed.

Spend time observing people to improve this
skill.

If you are confused, ask for clarification.
Listening
Written Language

Remember that active listening is a very
important piece of effective communication.

The tone of the message can often be
misinterpreted—be careful what you write.

Give the speaker your full attention, maintain
eye contact, and nod for understanding.


Carefully select the words for your message.
Stick to statements rather than jokes that may
be misinterpreted.
Eliminate distractions, such as TV, phone, video
games, etc.

Take the time to make a phone call for more
difficult subjects.

If you don’t understand something, ask for
clarification.

Avoid interrupting.
As with any new skill, it will take time and practice to
improve. Be patient with yourself and keep these lists handy to
remind yourself of the skills you are trying to build. Begin
practicing with general day-to-day conversations. Our May
newsletter will spend some time on conflict resolution skills.
Be sure to “like” us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whitebehavioralconsultants
V OLUME
2,
ISSUE
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P AGE
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Monthly Recipe
No-Bake Strawberry Icebox
Cake!
Tips Before Starting
 We've provided a shopping list, which can be cut out and taken with you to the store. Be

Yummy
and easy
to do!!



Prep time: 30 minutes
sure to look at home for ingredients you already have. Check off each ingredient as you
gather it.
We've also provided a list of needed cooking utensils. You may already have these items at
home, but check and make sure before you go to the store.
Place this recipe and tip list in an easy to see location before starting.
Gather all the required cooking utensils and ingredients and place them in easy reach
before starting.
We've put checkboxes next to each step. Put a check mark in the box
immediately after completing each step.
Fridge time: 4+ hours
Ingredients
□ 3 lbs. Fresh
Strawberries, sliced
□ 2 (8 oz.) tubs
Whipped Topping
□ 1 (14.4 oz.) box
Graham Crackers
Total time: 5 hours
Cooking Utensil List
□ Strainer
□ Sink
□ Cutting Board
□ Knife
□ Serving Bowl
□ 9 x 13 inch Baking Pan
□ Measuring Cups
□ Spatula
□ Refrigerator
Serves: 12
Refrigeration Time Chart
If you would like
it to be ready
at…
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Start preparing
at…
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Shopping List
Instructions
□ 3 pounds Fresh Strawberries
□ Place 3 lbs. of strawberries into the strainer
□ Rinse strawberries in the sink
□ Using the knife, slice the strawberries on the
□ 2 (8 oz.) tubs Whipped Topping
□ 1 (14.4 oz.) box Graham Crackers
□ Tin Foil Wrap
cutting board
□ Place sliced strawberries into the serving bowl
□ Using spatula, spread ¼ cup of whipped
topping on the bottom of the baking pan.
□ Open graham crackers, place 5 full graham cracker sheets
down the middle of the baking pan.
□ Break 2 graham cracker sheets into quarters and line the
sides of the pan.
□ Using spatula, spread whipped topping over the graham
crackers until evenly covered.
□ Place a layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped topping
□ Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the
strawberries
□ Using spatula, lightly spread another layer of whipped topping over the graham crackers
□ Place another layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped
topping
□ Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries
□ Using spatula, lightly spread another layer of whipped topping over
the graham crackers
□ Place another layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped topping
□ Place a final layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries
□ Using spatula, lightly spread another layer of whipped topping over
the graham crackers
□ Top with a final layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped topping
□ Cover with foil and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or
overnight
Youth Corner: Spring Break
For students in school, spring often brings a short break from school and one’s
general routine. Although it may seem nice to have a break, straying too much
from your routine can increase challenges with mood, information processing
and fatigue. We recommend maintaining as much of your routine as possible,
while enjoying the decreased demands. Some examples might be:
3840 Packard, Suite 200B
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Phone: 734-995-6755
Fax: 734-557-3995
E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the Web!
www.whitebehavioral.com
1. As closely as possible (within 1 hour), keep the same wake-up and bed-time
a. Schedule fun things in the morning so you are excited to get up
i. Going to see a movie with your family
ii. Doing a fun activity with friends
iii.Schedule an earlier video game session
with friends
b. Be active during the day so you’ll be able to
sleep at night
i. Join a weight group at school
ii. Exercise with your sports team
2. Keep your brain working!
a. Read a little bit every day
b. Play games with family members or friends
c. If a concept at school has been difficult to
grasp, look for “real-life” applications:
i. Plan a short road trip to improve with map and distance concepts
ii. Make dinner for your family to build math skills
iii.Go to a museum to learn more in a fun atmosphere
d. Pick a topic of interest and learn as much as you can about it
Family Corner
April activity ideas in the general Detroit area:
What do you think about our
newsletter? Has the information
been helpful? What do you like
the most? The least? Is there a
specific topic you would like us
to touch upon?

Library card holders are eligible for free or discounted museum
admissions through the Michigan Activity Pass. See the website for
further information.
https://www.eventkeeper.com/prmaps/code/index.cfm?mn=628322

March 29th-April 19th—Butterfly Pavilion and Exploration Station
Oakland Mall
412 W. 14 Mile Road
$3 per person; children under 8 are free with paying adult.
Learn about how maple trees are tapped and syrup is made;
must register

April 5th—Oh the Places You’ll Go Family Event
 March 13th to May 29th; Thursday’s @ 6pm-8pm
Atchinson Ford
Cirque Amongus Open Workshop
 9800 Belleville Road, Belleville

Children can be active and learn circus skills
 A family-friendly community celebration featuring food,
 Reservations recommended $6; 9:30 am to 11 am
music and activities.
 $5 per person per hour; 734-525-4335; in Livonia
April 5th-6th—The Nut Job Movie
www.cirqueamongus.com
MJR Digital Cinema
 Check out this PG rated animated film in Allen Park, Chesterfield,
 April 26th—1st and 3rd Saturday
Southgate, Sterling Heights, Westland and Waterford
Nature’s Playhouse in Clawson
 $2 per person; Registration required, contact Kathy
 509 Fisher Court, Clawson; 248-955-3219
http://www.mjrtheatres.com
 Music and Crafts Drop-in with Mrs. Lisa — $6
 9 am until 12 pm
April 6th-30th— every Sunday 12:00pm until 3:00pm; Critter Open House
Leslie Science & Nature Center
 Saturday’s through 04/26/2014; 9am until 12pm
 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor—(734) 997-1553
Saline Indoor Winter Farmers Market
 Stop in to see frogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits and more.
 Liberty School—7265 Saline Ann Arbor Road, Saline
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We welcome your comments. Please visit our
website at www.whitebehavioral.com, click on the
“Our Newsletter” tab, and leave your feedback.
“If you would like to subscribe to our
newsletter please call or e-mail our main.”