As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin their spectacular transformation, we’re thrilled to bring the first issue of our new monthly newsletter. October is a time of change and reflection, and we’ve packed this edition with exciting updates, a therapist spotlight, client testimonials, and valuable information to help you embrace the season.

As we navigate through this enchanting month, let’s celebrate the beauty of change and the opportunities it brings. Grab a warm beverage, find a cozy spot, and dive into this month’s content. We’re excited to share what we’ve been working on and look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Warm regards,

The Hamilton Wellness Staff 🌰 🍂

As a mother who has raised two young adult men, I am passionate about helping families reconnect. I enjoy helping children, adolescents, young adults, and families work through their challenges with anxiety, ADHD, parenting concerns, adjustment, OCD, and depression. I am also passionate about lifelong learning in order to provide patients the highest quality of care. In addition, I also have skills and expertise in completing psychological evaluations to help with the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism, anxiety, and depression.

​I believe in coordination of care and helping patients transfer skills learned to their natural environments. With a collaborative, problem-solving approach, and strong emphasis on cognitive and behavioral interventions, I provide a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment for both individuals and families. I am a trained facilitator of the parent and educator Love and Logic™ programs and a licensed school psychologist. In addition, I have participated in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. I welcome the opportunity to partner with you and be a part of your journey to wellness.

A few of Colleen’s favorites:

Favorite Book: "The Women" by Kristin Hannah

Favorite TV/Netflix/Hulu Series: "Firefly Lane" and "Friday Night Lights"

Favorite Coping Strategy or Relaxation Activity: Exercising

Favorite Season: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for its peace and natural beauty!

Q& A's:

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a therapist?

A: I was a practicing school psychologist who began to thirst for more in-depth and ongoing work with students other than only completing evaluations. By engaging in outpatient therapy, I feel honored to connect with patients, and their families, and assist them on their healing journey - whatever that might be.

Q: What types of issues or conditions do you specialize in?

A: Psychological evaluations, ADHD, Parenting guidance, anxiety, perfectionism, depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Q: How do you stay current with developments in the field of mental health?

A: I enjoy keeping abreast of the latest advances in treatment by participating in monthly consultation and a monthly book club with colleagues, listening to podcasts, attending training courses, reading, and subscribing to researchers and leaders in the mental health field.

It’s common for kids to struggle with motivation in school. This can stem from issues like ADHD, anxiety, social challenges, or learning disabilities, but even children without specific diagnoses may find it hard to reach their potential. Here are some ways parents can encourage greater effort in school.

First, show your child that you care about their education. Check in on how their classes are going and let them know you’re available for homework help. Ask about what they’re learning and what they enjoy (or dislike) about their assignments. With older kids, give them space to foster independence; too much pressure can lead to resentment and reduced motivation.

Positive reinforcement is key. You don’t need to offer big rewards; simple gestures like a high five or extra screen time can motivate them. Focus on praising effort rather than just results. For instance, acknowledge their hard work on a challenging assignment or their choice to tackle a difficult class. Remind them that perfection isn’t the goal—nobody gets top grades all the time.

If schoolwork becomes a source of conflict, consider getting help. Hiring an older student or a tutor can provide support and alleviate family stress. Communicating with your child’s teacher can also offer valuable insights and foster a collaborative approach.

Finally, monitor your own emotions. If you find yourself feeling frustrated or angry about your child’s performance, seeking support from a therapist or a support group can be beneficial.

Here is what our clients and families have to say about their experience:

"I can't thank you enough. My experience at Hamilton Wellness has been fabulous. Thank You."

"We love Hamilton. Everyone has been so helpful. Thank you for everything!"

"Mr. Tony is awesome! He even had great suggestions for working with teachers and IEPs. My son doesn't speak to others that often, but he connected well and listened to Mr. Tony, so that says a lot to me about his skills and approach."

"Have been very pleased and would have recommended the office to many parents. Thank You!"

"Excellent staff and very efficient and clean office. Provider is compassionate and professional, takes time to explain recommendations, and listens to concerns."

"I've been here for years - Dr. Aretakis is amazing, along with the front desk staff. Thank you!"

"Everyone is great! Absolutely no complaints :)"

For many, pumpkin spice treats are a fall favorite. But even if you're not a pumpkin fan, these smoothies are a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Unlike traditional pumpkin lattes and desserts that can be overly sweet and rich, these pumpkin spice smoothies offer a healthier option. Made with canned pumpkin puree, frozen banana, and fat-free Greek yogurt, they achieve a creamy texture. Honey, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon provide delicious flavor without excessive sweetness. Plus, shredded carrots add vibrant color and extra nutrients.

Carrots, bananas, and pumpkins are rich in antioxidants and provide good sources of potassium. Both pumpkins and carrots are also high in vitamin A, which supports eye health and boosts the immune system.

We're thrilled to share that we proudly sponsored a hole at the Macomb Charitable Foundation's Annual Women’s Golf Outing! This event not only promotes camaraderie among local golfers but also raises essential funds for charitable initiatives in our community. We’re grateful to be part of such a meaningful event and support the incredible work of the Macomb Charitable Foundation.

October is a month of mental health awareness, with several observances including World Mental

Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week:

• World Mental Health Day: Celebrated annually on October 10, this day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage support for those experiencing them.

• The theme for 2023 was "mental health is a universal human right".

• The theme for 2024 this year is "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace."

• Mental Illness Awareness Week: The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), a national public education campaign led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Email: frontdesk@hamiltonwellnessplc.com