Services

Custom-Tailored Psychiatric Care Options

At 247Mental, we believe that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. I work closely with each client to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to their specific challenges and goals. Whether it’s through talk therapy, medication management, or a combination of approaches, you’ll find a space where you’re heard, understood, and empowered to take control of your mental health. My years of experience have taught me that the most effective care happens when we collaborate to find what works best for you. I also embrace a holistic approach that integrates evidence-based treatments with mindfulness techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and even therapy animals to enhance your well-being.

A man sitting on the couch with another person.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Understanding that each person's journey to mental wellness is unique, we create personalized treatment plans encompassing therapeutic techniques and medication management strategies. Our goal is to support you in achieving mental and emotional well-being.

Our Foundation

1. Patient-Centered Care: We recognize each patient’s unique experience and circumstances, providing individualized care that respects their personal journey.

2. Optimal Health: Our goal is for patients to achieve their highest level of functioning in all aspects of their lives.

3. Compassionate Care: We meet patients wherever they are on their journey, offering kindness, grace, empathy, and understanding as powerful healing tools.

4. Integrative Approach: Combining conventional and alternative modalities, we tailor treatment plans to fit individual needs, minimizing side effects and maximizing benefits.

5. Leading by Example: We prioritize our wellness and growth, enabling us to be more present and authentic as we support our patients’ journeys to optimal wellness.

6. Partnering: Shared decision-making is the goal, as an educated consumer of healthcare is ultimately the best consumer. We strive to promote patient education.

7. Holistic Attention: We consider all aspects that make a person unique, including mind, body, spirit, and social context.

8. Prevention: We work not only to treat illnesses but also to prevent them, empowering patients with tools for optimal health.

9. Scientific Approach: Our care is guided by scientific research, both in diagnostic evaluations and ongoing treatment.

10. IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Activism): We empower individuals by fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and activism, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued.

Accessible and Affordable Care

Individual Therapy: This form of therapy allows patients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, providing a safe space for personal growth and understanding. Various modalities, including mind-body approaches, guided imagery, and art therapy, can be incorporated.

Medication Management: We take a customized approach to medication, integrating it with psychotherapy and addressing all aspects of wellness. Proper assessment and monitoring ensure the best care, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Health and Wellness Coaching: Coaches support clients in setting and achieving health goals, promoting holistic wellness. They focus on mobilizing internal strengths and external resources for sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes.

Personalized ADHD Care: Evaluation, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment tailored to individual needs. This includes therapy, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and support groups.

Anxiety: Treatment includes CBT, medications, and mind-body treatments. We address different types of anxiety disorders, providing specialized care to reduce symptoms and improve mental health.

Bipolar Disorder: Treatment involves psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and mind-body techniques. We help patients manage mood episodes and maintain long-term stability and wellness.

Depression: Comprehensive treatment includes psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are key to reducing the risk of suicide and improving quality of life.

Eating Disorders: We support individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns, helping them reclaim a healthy relationship with their body and food through personalized care and therapeutic support.

Navigating Change With Calm and Clarity: We provide support for various life transitions, including career changes, graduation, relationship changes, moving, becoming a parent or caregiver, and more. Our goal is to help individuals navigate these transitions smoothly.

We also offer Mindful Parenting Classes to raise emotionally resilient teens.

Mindful Parenting Classes

Mindfulness in parenting offers a healthy alternative to impulsive reactions, designed for any parent. Some parents find themselves grappling with frustrations that arise along the journey. Strategies for managing oppositionality can be discussed and overview of diagnosis, coping mechanisms, self-care strategies. Each session will be customized based on needs. Initially filled with ideals, new parents can quickly become disillusioned as they confront some of the challenging times invariably encountered while raising children amid daily stressors, like cooking and maintaining order. A critical aspect of effective parenting lies in building strong, emotional connections with children, emphasizing warmth, understanding, and support, even amid inevitable frustrations that may lead to regrettable outbursts. Modeling desired behaviors and helping children articulate their feelings can significantly improve parent-child interactions.

Recognizing triggers that elicit irrational responses is crucial; by expanding self-awareness and practicing mindfulness, parents can break damaging generational cycles and respond to their kids more thoughtfully rather than reactively. The “reactionary mode” often inhibits logical reasoning, making mindful practices essential for effective parenting.

Mindfulness meditation, recommended by Clarke-Fields, serves as a foundation for parents striving to smoothly get through emotional challenges. By focusing on the present and resisting judgment, parents can cultivate nonreactive responses to stressors, remaining aware of how their upbringing influences their parenting styles.

Labels can misrepresent children, as they are constantly evolving; thus, parents should approach misbehavior as learning opportunities, fostering education rather than punitive measures. Strategies to minimize stress include mindful walking, ensuring adequate rest, and viewing misbehavior as a chance to teach. Creating a calm environment can dramatically enhance how parents navigate the demands of raising children. Research shows that yelling can lead to aggressive behavior in children, making it imperative for parents to practice self-compassion and avoid guilt, which can undermine personal growth. Brené Brown distinguishes guilt from shame, noting that while guilt can motivate improvement, shame is destructive.

Instead of succumbing to self-criticism, adopting self-compassion, encompassing self-kindness, mindfulness, and recognizing shared humanity, can transform how parents engage with their emotions. By confronting negative self-talk and practicing emotional understanding, parents can lead emotional recoveries and establish a nurturing household atmosphere. An effective technique called RAIN (recognize, accept, investigate, and nurture) encourages parents to manage emotions by acknowledging feelings without judgment and exploring their causes with curiosity. This method fosters resilience and a greater sense of peace, reinforcing a solid emotional foundation for children during turbulent times.

Active listening and empathetic communication are pivotal in parent-child relationships; understanding a child’s needs fosters emotional connection while reducing conflicts. Parents must respond mindfully to children’s requests for attention, maintaining boundaries to honor their own needs as well. Recognizing that children often act impulsively can help manage parental frustration and avoid explosive reactions. Establishing a balance is crucial in parenting; it requires caregivers to prioritize their well-being while attending to their children’s needs. Just as you are instructed to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, it’s important to get enough self-care, particularly sleep, as it prepares us all for the stressors of tomorrow. Utilizing humor during interactions can further ease communication, infusing joy into the routine and strengthening the parent-child bond. As parents prioritize dignity and respect, children naturally develop empathy, fostering cooperation and reducing resistance.

Conflict between parents and children, often aggravated by unmet needs, necessitates a nuanced approach to resolution. Punitive measures often fail to impart valuable lessons, leaning instead towards an authoritarian style that disregards personal feelings. Rather than swinging to permissiveness as an alternative, effective parenting necessitates collaboration in understanding and addressing conflicts of need. By working together, families can enhance their connections and ensure love remains the central force binding them. Raising emotionally intelligent children requires a blend of compassion, guidance, and established boundaries, with the mindful approach simplifying parental responsibilities and nurturing children’s growth.

Ultimately, mindful parenting is not merely about achieving specific results but about fostering genuine, loving relationships that inspire cooperation. Children thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and loved, reflecting these positive experiences in their interactions with parents. Instead of focusing solely on behavioral outcomes, parents should prioritize being present in their children’s lives, affirming their feelings, and building mutual respect. Embracing the fundamentals of mindfulness and self-compassion strengthens families, nurturing responsible, empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society. The transformative power of mindfulness in parenting facilitates enduring connections, ensuring that seeds of kindness, understanding, and collaboration are sown for future generations. Mindful parenting ultimately enhances not just individual families, but the community at large, fostering a legacy of engaged and compassionate adults. The call is clear: commit to changing parenting styles with intention and embrace the myriad rewards this path offers for families and society.

Additionally, parents of children with psychiatric diagnoses are provided with tailored psychoeducation to meet the specific needs of their family.

Ask about our packages at www.247Mental.com

Trauma and PTSD: We offer a safe space for individuals to process traumatic experiences and develop coping skills. Our therapy aims to integrate past experiences into a healthier path toward healing.

Arjun brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to these services, having played first singles as a Division 1 athlete, worked with coaches of professional NFL teams, and high school, college, and professional athletes. He trained at the Rick Macci and Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Academies. Arjun holds an MBA degree and also a Master’s degree as a PMHNP from Columbia University.

Sports Psychology Services and Mental Strength: Our sports psychology services cater to child, adolescent, adult, collegiate, and professional athletes and coaches. We focus on enhancing mental strength and overall performance through a variety of tailored strategies and techniques.

  • Building Confidence: Helping young athletes develop a strong sense of self-belief and resilience.
  • Performance Anxiety: Techniques to manage and reduce anxiety during competitions.
  • Goal Setting: Establishing clear, achievable goals to maintain motivation and focus.
  • Team Dynamics: Improving communication and cooperation within team sports.
  • Mental Toughness: Developing strategies to cope with pressure and adversity.
  • Focus and Concentration: Techniques to enhance concentration during training and competition.
  • Recovery and Injury Management: Psychological support for dealing with injuries and maintaining a positive outlook during recovery.
  • Balancing Life and Sport: Helping athletes manage the demands of their sport alongside other life responsibilities.
  • Academic and Athletic Balance: Strategies to manage the dual demands of academics and high-level sports.
  • Transition Support: Assisting athletes in transitioning from high school to college sports.
  • Stress Management: Techniques to handle the unique pressures of collegiate athletics.
  • Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership skills for team captains and aspiring leaders.
  • Peak Performance: Advanced mental techniques to achieve and sustain peak performance.
  • Career Longevity: Strategies to maintain motivation and performance over a long career.
  • Public and Media Pressure: Coping mechanisms for dealing with public scrutiny and media attention.
  • Retirement Transition: Preparing for life after sports and finding new purpose.
  • Communication Skills: Improving communication with athletes to enhance performance and morale.
  • Team Building: Strategies for creating a cohesive and motivated team environment.
  • Mental Training Programs: Developing and implementing mental training routines for teams and individual athletes.
  • Conflict Resolution: Techniques to manage and resolve conflicts within the team.

When you step into your first session with me, you’re starting a partnership designed to bring out your peak performance and mental strength. Whether you’re an elite athlete or striving to reach the next level, my goal is to support you with a plan tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

That initial session is pivotal. It’s not just a casual meet-and-greet; it’s an opportunity to establish a strong working alliance. I’ll focus on understanding your unique challenges and your history, both in and out of your sport, to create a plan that’s effective and actionable. This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach. This is about you! Together, we’ll paint a comprehensive picture of where you’re coming from and where you want to go.

You’ll get to tell your story in your own way, with no pressure. I aim to create a comfortable space where building trust and rapport is a top priority. From discussing what fuels your passion in your sport to understanding the barriers that might be holding you back, I’m committed to creating a partnership based on authenticity and a genuine investment in your goals.

We’ll also set clear expectations. You’ll leave that first session with a full understanding of how the process works, what we can accomplish together, and the boundaries of our professional relationship, including confidentiality. I know that trust is essential, and I’m here to address any concerns you might have from the very start.

But we won’t stop at conversation. I believe in giving you something practical right away. By the end of our first meeting, you’ll walk away with a strategy or skill that you can start using immediately in your sport. Whether it’s a breathing technique, a mental imagery exercise, or a focus tool, I want to make every minute count. I try to incorporate many useful strategies from Masterclass which intersects variety of avenues.

I understand that seeking help can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect. My aim is to make this process as approachable and relevant to you as possible. I’m here to demystify sport psychology and show you the value it can add, both in competition and in your daily life. I’ll share real-world examples from top athletes to highlight just how impactful mental performance work can be.

Having worked with athletes at all levels, I understand that your path to success is unique. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I’ll work with you to create an individualized roadmap, addressing the specific concerns that brought you here and focusing on your long-term goals.

Are you ready to elevate your performance and build lasting mental strategies? Let’s get started with a first session that lays the foundation for your success. Whether you’re looking to break through mental barriers or fine-tune your focus, my personalized approach is here to empower you every step of the way.

Note: Book/Video resources I include are carefully curated to the individual client based on their needs/goals and intended to inspire athletes and offer practical strategies to enhance both performance and leadership skills. If you have other favorites motivational books or videos, I would love to hear about them. Phil Jackson famously hand picked a book for each member of the Bulls over the years that matched their personal and professional growth goals and needs. Most players found that process and the selections inspiring.

Sample High School Basketball Plan (12 Weeks)

Goals: Improve mental resilience, enhance focus, develop game-day routines, increase on-court communication, and fine-tune post-game reflection.

Week 1-2: Foundation and Assessment

Objective: Establish a baseline understanding of mental and physical skills.
Mental Skills:
Assessment: Conduct an initial assessment of mental strengths and areas of improvement.
Goal Setting: Create short-term (seasonal) and long-term (college recruitment) performance goals.
Mindset Work: Introduce growth vs. fixed mindset concepts.
Motivational Book: “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck.
Leadership Resource: “The Captain Class” by Sam Walker – Discuss the traits of the best team leaders in history.
Physical Conditioning:
Evaluation: Assess physical fitness levels and work on injury prevention exercises.
Strength Training: Emphasize lower body strength, stability, and core endurance.
Basketball Focus:
Game Film Review: Analyze key games to identify areas needing improvement.
Homework: Start a performance journal, writing daily entries on mindset and motivation.

Week 3-4: Building Mental Toughness

Objective: Develop routines and mental tools to manage pressure.
Mental Skills:
Visualization: Guided imagery sessions, visualizing key plays and scenarios.
Focus Drills: Practice mindfulness techniques for maintaining concentration during drills.
Motivational Book: “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” by Kobe Bryant.
Leadership Resource: “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success” by Phil Jackson – Learn about leadership and the psychology of teamwork from one of the greatest NBA coaches.
Physical Conditioning:
Agility Training: Ladder drills, cone work, and explosive jump training.
Stamina Building: Increase aerobic capacity with interval running.
Basketball Focus:
Pressure Situations: Practice clutch free throws and end-of-game scenarios.
On-Court Communication: Work on calling out plays and defensive assignments.
Homework: Reflect on visualization effectiveness in the performance journal.

Week 5-6: Refining Focus and Leadership

Objective: Sharpen focus and communication under stress.
Mental Skills:
Focus Cues: Develop pre-shot routines and use keywords to maintain focus.
Leadership Training: Discuss ways to lead teammates by example.
Motivational Book: “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” by Tim S. Grover.
Leadership Resource: “Lead… for God’s Sake!” by Todd Gongwer – An inspirational look at what true leadership means both on and off the court.
Physical Conditioning:
Strength and Endurance: Circuit training with emphasis on functional basketball movements.
Basketball Focus:
Scrimmages: Simulate game-like pressure situations.
Film Study: Analyze personal and team performances.
Homework: Write a game-day affirmation and practice saying it aloud.

Week 7-8: Performance Under Pressure

Objective: Enhance performance consistency in high-stakes moments.
Mental Skills:
Breathing Techniques: Teach diaphragmatic breathing for stress management.
Mental Rehearsal: Visualize playing in high-pressure environments.
Motivational Book: “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink.
Leadership Resource: “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon – Learn to maintain positive energy and motivate teammates.
Physical Conditioning:
Explosive Drills: Plyometrics and resistance band exercises.
Conditioning: Incorporate sprint intervals and endurance sets.
Basketball Focus:
Situational Awareness: Work on defensive reads and offensive set plays.
Homework: Reflect on practice sessions and performance under pressure.

Division 1 College Tennis Plan (12 Weeks)

Goals: Enhance focus and consistency, master mental toughness, develop pre-match routines, and create effective recovery strategies.

Week 1-2: Initial Evaluation and Goal Setting

Objective: Assess mental and physical states; set goals.
Mental Skills:
Assessment: Evaluate match-day anxiety, focus levels, and confidence.
Goal Setting: Establish specific performance and ranking goals.
Motivational Book: “Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis” by Brad Gilbert – Focuses on winning strategies and mental preparation for matches.
Leadership Resource: “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey – Master self-awareness and focus.
Physical Conditioning:
Assessment: Physical fitness, strength, and flexibility evaluations.
Injury Prevention: Focus on shoulder and knee stability.
Tennis Focus:
Serve and Return Practice: Emphasize consistency under pressure.
Homework: Create a daily log tracking physical training, nutrition, and mindset.

Week 3-4: Visualization and Stress Management

Objective: Introduce stress management and focus drills.
Mental Skills:
Guided Visualization: Practice imagining winning points and high-pressure tiebreakers.
Breathing Techniques: Use progressive muscle relaxation for pre-match anxiety.
Motivational Book: “Open” by Andre Agassi – An honest and motivational autobiography.
Leadership Resource: “Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence” by Gary Mack – Strengthen mental focus and resilience.
Physical Conditioning:
Strength Training: Focus on upper body, core strength, and explosive leg work.
Footwork Drills: Agility ladder and movement patterns for court coverage.
Tennis Focus:
Tiebreak Simulations: Practice playing under tiebreak conditions.
Homework: Reflect on the effectiveness of stress management techniques.

Week 5-6: Pre-Match Routines and Recovery

Objective: Develop routines for consistency and mental sharpness.
Mental Skills:
Pre-Match Routines: Establish a consistent warm-up routine for focus.
Recovery Rituals: Introduce post-match stretching and nutrition strategies.
Motivational Book: “Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice” by Matthew Syed – Insights on hard work and dedication.
Leadership Resource: “Legacy” by James Kerr – Leadership lessons from the All Blacks, focusing on teamwork and discipline.
Physical Conditioning:
Speed Training: Short sprints and reaction drills for quick court movements.
Tennis Focus:
Point Construction: Practice constructing points with a clear strategy.
Homework: Journal about pre-match routines and how they influence performance.

Week 7-8: Mastering Mental Toughness

Objective: Build resilience and confidence under pressure.
Mental Skills:
Self-Talk Strategies: Develop positive affirmations for in-match use.
Focus on Process, Not Outcome: Mindfulness drills to stay present.
Motivational Book: “Chasing Excellence” by Ben Bergeron – Insights on mental toughness and performance excellence.
Leadership Resource: “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday – Using challenges as a path to improvement and my favorite tennis book “Tennis: Winning The Mental Match” by Allen Fox, PhD Foreword by Justin Gimelstob
Physical Conditioning:
Power Training: Medicine ball throws and resistance exercises.
Tennis Focus:
Situational Practice: Work on playing from behind and saving match points.
Homework: Analyze matches focusing on mental strength and prioritizing personal goals.

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Adult Ballroom Dancing Plan (12 Weeks)

Goals: Enhance performance quality, improve communication and teamwork, develop social connections, handle adversity gracefully, and maintain emotional balance.

Week 1-2: Foundation and Goal Setting

Objective: Establish foundational goals and assess mental and physical skills.
Mental Skills:
Assessment: Evaluate comfort levels with performance, confidence, and communication.
Goal Setting: Discuss personal goals, whether for competition or personal fulfillment.
Motivational Book (Adult Rec): “Dancing on My Grave” by Gelsey Kirkland – Insight into the mental and emotional aspects of a dance career.
Relationship and Adversity Resource (Adult Rec): “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant – Handling loss and building resilience.
Physical Conditioning:
Dance Technique: Focus on footwork fundamentals and core strength for improved posture.
Flexibility Training: Introduce daily stretching routines.
Ballroom Focus:
Partner Communication: Practice nonverbal cues and leading/following exercises.
Social Connection: Discuss the benefits of building a supportive dance community.
Homework: Start a reflection journal, noting emotions during practice and areas for improvement.

Week 3-4: Building Confidence and Connection

Objective: Enhance confidence and communication with a partner.
Mental Skills:
Visualization: Imagine performing flawlessly with a partner in front of an audience.
Self-Talk: Develop positive affirmations to use before dances.
Motivational Book (Adult Rec): “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander – Embrace creativity and new opportunities.
Relationship and Communication Resource (Adult Rec): “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg – Techniques for empathetic communication.
Physical Conditioning:
Strength Training: Light resistance exercises to build core and lower body stability.
Ballroom Focus:
• Lead/Follow Techniques: Drill exercises to improve responsiveness and timing.
Social Connection: Participate in a social dance event to meet new people.
Homework: Reflect on your social interactions and any new connections made.

Week 5-6: Refining Technique and Handling Adversity

Objective: Work on technique refinement and handling setbacks with grace.
Mental Skills:
Adversity Training: Discuss strategies for overcoming mistakes in competitions.
Gratitude Practice: Focus on what you appreciate about dancing and your partner.
Motivational Book (Adult Rec): “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown – Insights on vulnerability, resilience, and handling failure.
Relationship and Community Resource (Adult Rec): “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman – Understanding how to express and receive love, useful for dance partners and personal relationships.
Physical Conditioning:
Balance Drills: Exercises to improve control and stability in spins and dips.
Ballroom Focus:
Dance Variations: Experiment with different ballroom styles to build versatility.
Social Connection: Organize or join a small group dance practice.
Homework: Reflect on how you handle mistakes and think of a moment when you showed resilience.

Week 7-8: Leadership and Social Skills

Objective: Develop leadership, etiquette, and refined communication.
Mental Skills:
Leadership Exercises: Practice taking the lead in social and competitive settings.
Etiquette Training: Review proper ballroom etiquette for social events.
Motivational Book (Adult Rec): “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown – Insights on effective and empathetic leadership.
Relationship Resource (Adult Rec): “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson and others – Handling difficult conversations with grace.
Physical Conditioning:
Endurance Work: Cardio exercises to maintain stamina for long routines.
Ballroom Focus:
Advanced Patterns: Focus on foot placement and timing for complex sequences.
Social Connection: Attend a dance workshop focused on meeting and connecting with others.
Homework: Practice social introductions and write about the experience.

Week 9-10: Performance Preparation and Emotional Balance

Objective: Prepare for performances and maintain emotional balance.
Mental Skills:
Mindfulness: Practice staying present during high-endurance performances.
Pre-Performance Rituals: Develop routines to reduce anxiety.
Motivational Book (Adult Rec): “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – Confidence-boosting advice.
Relationship Resource (Adult Rec): “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown – Embracing imperfections and living wholeheartedly.
Physical Conditioning:
Plyometrics: Jump training to improve explosiveness for dramatic moves.
Ballroom Focus:
Performance Practice: Rehearse in full costume and simulate competition settings.
Social Connection: Discuss the importance of staying connected to the dance community.
Homework: Reflect on what you love about performing and how to stay balanced.

Youth Ballroom Dancing Plan (12 Weeks)

Goals: Improve dance technique, develop leadership and social skills, and understand the importance of good manners and teamwork.

Week 1-2: Introduction and Etiquette

Objective: Establish basic goals and learn ballroom etiquette.
Social Skills Training:
Introduction Techniques: Practice polite greetings and handshakes.
Motivational Book (Youth Rec): “How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls” by Donna Dale Carnegie – Adapted lessons on social skills and making friends.
Leadership Resource (Youth Rec): “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey – Principles of leadership and personal effectiveness.
Physical Conditioning:
Basic Exercises: Warm-up routines and stretches for flexibility.
Ballroom Focus:
Posture and Frame: Learn the fundamentals of holding a strong dance frame.
Homework: Write a reflection on your first impressions of ballroom dancing.

Week 3-4: Building Social Confidence

Objective: Develop confidence and improve partner communication.
Social Skills Training:
Compliment Practice: Learn to give and receive compliments graciously.
Motivational Book (Youth Rec): “The Confidence Code for Girls” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman – Building confidence for young dancers.
Leadership Resource (Youth Rec): “Manners Can Be Fun” by Munro Leaf – A fun approach to understanding manners and etiquette.
Physical Conditioning:
Balance Drills: Simple balance exercises to improve control.
Ballroom Focus:
Basic Dance Steps: Practice simple sequences in various ballroom styles.
Homework: Practice giving a compliment and write about the experience.

Week 5-6: Mastering Good Manners and Respect

Objective: Reinforce the importance of manners and respect in dance.
Social Skills Training:
Table Manners: Discuss how good etiquette extends beyond the dance floor.
Motivational Book (Youth Rec): “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio – A story about kindness, respect, and inclusion.
Leadership Resource (Youth Rec): “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris – A guide for young leaders to take on challenges.
Physical Conditioning:
Footwork Drills: Practice precision in steps and turns.
Ballroom Focus:
Lead and Follow Skills: Understand how to respectfully guide and follow.
Homework: Reflect on how good manners make dance more enjoyable for everyone.

Blinkist Book Summary Recommendations

For Adults:
1. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – Emphasizes mindfulness and staying present.
2. “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman – Practical insights on understanding and managing emotions, useful in high-pressure situations.
3. “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant – Strategies for building resilience after loss or setback.
4. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – Focuses on embracing vulnerability and taking risks, both in dance and life.

For Youth:
1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey – A guide to making smart choices and being a leader.
2. “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck – How a growth mindset can improve performance and resilience.
3. “The Confidence Code for Girls” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman – Tools for building self-assurance.
4. “How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls” by Donna Dale Carnegie – Social skills and making meaningful connections.

Balance and Ballet/Yoga Resources

“The Dancer’s Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mindful

Leadership Training: This program is designed for private and specialized high school students applying to college, focusing on ways to stand out and achieve personal and professional growth. Emphasizing nonverbal communication, the program includes:

  • Values-Driven Leadership: Encouraging students to lead with their core values and principles.
  • Ideas on Activism: Providing guidance on how to get involved in activism and make a positive impact.
  • Creative Application Strategies: Offering unique and creative suggestions to make applications stand out.
  • Nonverbal Communication: Teaching the importance of body language, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues in interviews and presentations.
  • Personal Growth: Fostering personal development through self-awareness and self-improvement.
  • Professional Growth: Equipping students with skills that will benefit them in their future careers and endeavors.

This program is strongly recommended for any student looking to improve their professional growth and long-term development.

Animal Grieving and Pet Therapy: We offer support for individuals grieving the loss of a pet, recognizing the deep bonds that exist between humans and animals. Our pet therapy services also provide comfort and support, particularly for athletes, leveraging the calming and therapeutic benefits of animal interaction.

Arjun has a personal love for animals and volunteers his time connecting with them. He specifically focuses on pet therapy for athletes and has also volunteered to connect homeless individuals with animals, recognizing the profound impact this can have on their well-being.

Emergency Psychiatric Evaluations: We provide emergency psychiatric evaluations for individuals with legal court cases due to substance use-related charges (DUI/DWI) in need of priority evaluation and assessment.