Join the Conversation

By Heather Miller-Edwardson, LPC, LLMFTIt is oftentimes in the wake of tragedy that we begin to create space for the tough conversations. With recent tragedies in our communities nationwide, we are beginning to discuss our approach to mental health care. Too often individuals face significant barriers to receiving mental health care. Helping Professionals have continued […]

Attached

Attached. The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find- and Keep- LoveAuthor: Amir Levine, and Rachel Heller“Do you want to know why your spouse doesn’t pay attention to you?  Attached is the science of love.”Attached is an easy to read summary of Attachment theory.  Attachment theory is a helpful model […]

Girls and Sex

Book Review: GIRLS and SEX: Navigating the complicated new landscape by Peggy Orenstein TOPIC: Parenting, Teenagers, Sex/SexualityBy David Burke“This is what your daughter is facing!”The older generation often worries and doesn’t understand the younger generations.  This book is a helpful compilation of young women’s attitudes and reflections about sex.  It’s scary and eye opening.  It’s […]

Untangled

  Book Review: Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour, PhD TOPIC: Parenting, teenagersBy: David BurkeA must read for parents of teenage girls:As a father of two teenage girls I was strongly encouraged to read this book.  At best, teenage girls are loving, caring and tons of fun, at […]

Behind the Chaos

Vance OsterhoutBy Chad Boehm, LMSWADHD, Autism, oppositional defiant disorder, depression and anxiety are some of the most common diagnosable childhood disorders. However, knowing what your child or teen is experiencing may be difficult to decipher as symptoms of these may overlap. Kids, teenagers, parents, guardians and primary care takers are often left with more questions […]

Jedi, Birds, and Hope

As a young boy growing up in the 80s, one of my favorite things to do was to sit down with my Dad, pop in the old VHS recording of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope and sit and watch Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance valiantly wage their battle against The Dark Side.I […]

An Attitude of Gratitude

In today’s post I thought it might be helpful to take a moment and focus on the attitude of gratitude in our lives.  The daily grind, our thoughts, and our experiences can often be overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with commitments, desires, and distractions.  We’re constantly thinking about how we can get ahead in life or […]

Announcement

Recently we announced our new partnership with Byron Community Ministries (BCM).  This is an exciting step for us as we build a reputation in the communities we serve.  BCM is an ideal partner because we both value compassion and hospitality.  BCM has served Byron Center by connecting those in need with practical support.  ACG is […]

Healing from Sexual Trauma: Hope Working Its Way to the Surface

By Krista LeinbergerIt is fitting that during the first month of spring, we clinicians at Alliance join with others around the world to remember those survivors of sexual assault. We have a desire to engage in the ongoing conversation about how to best support children, women and men who have lived through this type of […]

Surviving Sexual Assault: You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

By Heather Miller-EdwardsonThe National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports, on average in the United States, 500 women are sexually assaulted every day. One in five women and one in 71 men will experience sexual assault throughout their lifetime. Women ages 20-24 hold the highest risk for sexual assault. Sexual assault as the United States Department […]