School’s out for the summer, but our school-based clinical team is using this time to engage local students in social, educational and team-building activities. Younger kids gather weekly on Mondays, while older youth meet on Thursdays for fun, interactive sessions designed to strengthen their voices and relationships. Students are given opportunities to make new friends and try new skills. “Each week students experience new challenges for themselves as individuals and as a g

Back-to-school is a frequent topic of conversation for parents, educators and community leaders. In person or virtual? With or without masks? How to keep everyone safe? How to provide the best learning opportunities? These decisions may be causing stress for parents, kids and staff. Your emotions and thoughts may be scattered or overwhelming like the changing information. Take a deep breath and give yourself credit for providing safety and love for your kids throughout this c

Molly Woods, LSW, is a school-based Encompass therapist serving students and families in Orrville. She recommends “The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family” by Dr. Karyn Purvis who is one of the masterminds behind Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) – an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. This book goes right along with the incredible annual conference, Empowered to Connec

Abby Fischer, LISW, a school-based therapist with Encompass, created a read-aloud video of a wonderful book called “A Little Scribble Spot: A Story About Colorful Emotions,” by Diane Alber. We’re happy to share this book that focuses on our complex emotions and how difficult it can be to deal with them – especially for kids but also for adults. See the video below, followed by Abby’s thoughts on the book. Be sure to visit our resources page for more recommendations and tips.

Today’s Mental Health Minute is from Encompass School-Based Therapist Molly Woods. Molly reminds us of the importance of connecting with our family, friends and community. Social connection makes us healthier in many ways. It can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. Here’s what Molly had to say: “Are you starting to feel a bit stir-crazy? Feeling disconnected from people y

Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO), the parent organization of Encompass is celebrating 50 years of ministry this year! Throughout 2019, we will be sharing 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry to demonstrate the transformational work God has done through our family of ministries (CCHO, Encourage Foster Care and Encompass Christian Counseling). In story 6, school-based Encompass Therapist Abby Fischer, LISW, shares about a young student at Triway Local Schools whose life