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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 2 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 4 P AGE 3 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 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.”