Stomp Out The ANTs - Professional Development

• Professional Development
• Prize valued at $121
• Child / Teen Program
• For Individuals & Businesses
• ANTSA Psychology
• Tips for stress-free celebrations
• Recent media story

Friday March 25th, 2011 (9.30am - 12.30pm)

Don't forget that there is only one day to go for the Early Bird price (ie. $99) for this professional development, [NAME].  On or after March 1st, it will be $121 (including GST) to attend this valuable session for those who work with children and adolescents.  Remember, there will be useful tips that you can use yourself and teach your family and friends!  If you are a parent, teacher, mental health professional, or anyone who has an interest in children and teens, then this is for you!

For more information or to register yourself, follow this link.  For schools/organisations, there are discounts if you send 3 or more staff members.  Please contact me via email or on (03) 881 22 373 for more information.  The presentation will be held in Mount Waverley.  If you would like me to present in your area/organisation, please contact me and provide me with your details.

MARCH MADNESS - there could be a "birthday" present worth $121 for YOU, [NAME].

My birthday is March 12th, and my husband and one child also have birthdays this month.  It is a time of presents and giving in our household, and I would like to share this with you!

For EVERY person/business that purchases an ANT Poster between now and the 12th of March, they enter the draw for a FREE ticket to my talk on Friday 25th March (value $121).  The winner will be drawn on March 13th, and their name will be published on the front of my website (or your initials/suburb if you prefer privacy). If you purchase 2 or more posters, you double your chances (ie. 2 posters = 4 entries, 3 posters = 6 entries)! Click HERE to purchase this poster and enter the draw.

Programs for children/teens - Stomp Out The ANTs

[NAME], I have now organised some times for the "Stomp Out The ANTs" programs for children in Years 5 to 10.  It is a 6 week program (partial Medicare rebates apply for children with current Mental Health Care Plans).  The classes will be run on 6 consecutive Tuesdays during 2nd Term starting May 3rd.  The younger group will be running from 4.30pm-5.30pm, and the older ones start from 6pm-7pm.  If you would like me to run one of these programs in your school, please let me know and I will send you some forms to give to prospective parents.

For Individuals and Businesses

Stomp Out The ANTs is a great concept for EVERYONE, [NAME]. If your work mates, colleagues, employees or partners would like to learn some ways of reducing stress, depression and anxiety, please give me a call (03 881 22 373) or email me to organise a presentation or an individual session.

Looking for an ANTSA?  Try ANTSA Psychology.

ANTSA Psychology (Automatic Negative Thoughts - Strategies for All).

Sally-Anne McCormack (endorsed Clinical Psychologist) has a private practice where she sees individuals daily.  Her interests are depression, anxiety, stress, computer addiction and sleep issues.  In addition, she sees children and teens with various concerns, as well as doing cognitive assessments (IQ testing), dealing with giftedness issues and parenting concerns.  Please visit her other website - "ParentsOnline" for FREE newsletters, articles, and other interesting information!

Here are some tips for stress-free birthday celebrations, [NAME].

Each morning we are born again.  What we do today is what matters most.

- Buddha -

Tip One.  Set a budget.  Whether you are going to have a small celebration or a huge function for your birthday, make sure that you know how much you have to spend.  You might choose to go out somewhere, but I believe that if your guests have to pay for their own entertainment/meal, then you need to let them know that you do not expect a present.  We have to make sure that we take into consideration EVERYONE'S financial situations!

Tip Two.  Presence not presents.  I always ask people NOT to bring me presents.  If I expect people to bring their own drinks, then I do not want them to "double-dip" into their purses and purchase something for me as well.  I want my friends and family to know that I value THEM, not what they can give me.  If you think about it, they may get you things that you do not want or need, which then either ends up being "junk" in your house, or it gets "re-gifted" to someone else.  I would feel badly if that were to happen, so I choose to have the presence of my loved ones without their presents!

Tip Three.  Gifts.  If there are some people who are insistent on providing you with a gift, suggest either a price limit, or even better might be for them to give you something that you can donate.  I heard about one person who asked everyone to bring dog food/products to be donated to the local kennel.  Tins of food or blankets for the homeless are great ideas as well, and you will feel wonderful taking them down to a homeless shelter.  It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Tip Four.  Make your own food.  Ordering food is often expensive and not nearly as nice as something you might cook for yourself!  If you have children, get them involved in this process as well!

Tip Five.  Organise some fun music.  Music is wonderful at parties - people can dance to it if they are so inclined.  It also reduces any tension that some people have when there are "awkward silences".  And remember the old adage - music soothes the savage beast!  If there are family/friendship issues with some of the guests, the calming, positive music filtering through the evening may decrease the likelihood of things getting out of hand.  It can't hurt anyway!

My immediate family always gives each other gifts - this is different to friends and others.  We choose to find something thoughtful and meaningful rather than expensive.  I have made it easy for my children - they always buy or make me something to do with Frogs or Ants!  For those of you who have visited my office, you will know that my wonderful collections continue to grow!

AND FINALLY, [NAME]... 

During the week I was quoted in the Herald Sun talking about the increase in children with anxiety.  Please read the article here.

Keep well, [NAME]!

Sally-Anne McCormack
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST M.A.P.S.

(03) 881 22 373

"Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so"

www.ANTSA.com.au

www.ParentsOnline.com.au

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