Parenting Advice: Do You Foster PAS?

Have you heard the term Parent Alienation Syndrome, or PAS? It’s not a disorder, it is a behavior that I see on a regular basis in my practice. In a nutshell, it is a term used to describe distinctive behaviors shown by children who have been psychologically manipulated. These behaviors include unwarranted fear, disrespect or…

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Counseling for Boys-Today’s Challenges

I wrote about the challenge of “parenting boys today;” here’s some insight into the challenges we face as counselors you may find helpful as well. I Don’t Need Counseling! The first most obvious hurdle to overcome is “in general” males aren’t comfortable with counseling!  That goes for the young adolescent boy all the way to the…

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Giving Your Son Permission to Cry

Has anyone ever said to you “maybe you just need a good cry?”  In the therapy field we call those “cleansing tears!”  Bottom line is it’s okay to cry; and frankly, it can be very good for you especially when you’re grieving.  And guess what, kids feel grief and need to grieve too! The Grief…

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Warning Signs of Opioid Abuse

I’ve written many times about teens addicted to and dying from heroin, smoking pot and drinking. I recently covered the warning signs of suicide. There’s another potential killer you should be aware of, opioid abuse. I am dedicating this blog to my dear friend who recently lost his 29-year-old son. Opioids Can Kill According to the…

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Raising Sons? The Need For Healthy Masculinity

Masculinity continues to be debated in the media as “bad” and “toxic” I’m motivated to bring some alarming facts to your attention.   Perp’s in Sheep’s Clothing If you’re watching the news you are hearing weekly sometimes daily of arrests of female teachers, female coaches perpetrating adolescent boys.  It’s becoming epidemic, CBS news reports there are more than…

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Masculinity Is Not The Enemy

We’re hearing a lot these days about masculinity and boys.  Most of what’s being said I disagree with! Masculinity Masculinity is being attacked as a problem, a bad thing, that it’s toxic.  As a facilitator, researcher and male I find this disturbing!  Masculinity isn’t why a boy would walk into a school and begin shooting.  Masculinity…

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FL School Shooter-Was Perfect Storm

It was a tragic sight on the T.V. screen.  Another school shooting; this time 17 innocent lives taken.  When will it stop?  Not until change happens! The Tom Roten Morning Show The link below will take you to my recent interview with Tom.  Why this was a “perfect storm.”  Dr. Clay – FL School Shooter…

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Broken Boys-Signs to Watch For

How can a parent not be worried sick to send their kid off to school; a place trusted for years to keep children safe.  We send our prayers and condolences to the families in Florida that lost loved ones.  I’m reminded of this saying: “Bad things happen to good people.” Help with the Grief In…

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The Quest Project-A Testimonial

Sharing a testimonial that is both validating and inspiring for me in the work that I do in The Quest Project®. Saying Thank You After a recent The Quest Project graduation, I received a very special Thank You note from a parent.  Here’s what they said: Dr. Clay, We wanted to say THANK YOU for…

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Parenting Teens? Heroin Spares No One

The stories are disturbing; teens addicted to and dying from heroin.   It’s happening right under our nose, in our own backyard, rich and poor communities.  It is pervasive, from schools to homes to the streets and parks. The numbers are staggering.  But they don’t show the complete picture. “My Son Wouldn’t Do Drugs” That’s the most common response…

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