Erica Ivey, MSW,LSW

Mental Health Consultant

Hello! My name is Erica Ivey and I am the Mental Health Consultant that will be working with your child at Carlisle Elementary.  I am originally from San Diego, California but have lived in 6 different states.  I have lived in Ohio for the past 14 years, where I obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from Wright State and Miami University.  I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and have been working in public social services for 10 years. Previously I have worked as a Mental Health Therapist for Warren County TIP Program, providing individual therapy for children ages 3-5 years old who have experienced recent trauma. Prior to that position, I was the director of YWCA's Dove House Domestic Violence Shelter in Butler County. I have educated many community members about domestic violence in monthly classes and speaking engagements. I have facilitated several group therapies in many Butler County Schools focusing on children who have experienced trauma, and/or who have needed additional support for various mental health and behavioral concerns. I have also served as a leader in the Butler County Anti Human Trafficking Coalition working with Congress towards policy change and implementation of supportive services. I also worked with several Butler County Prosecutors as a Victim Advocate. I look forward to serving my second year here at Carlisle Elementary, with my dedication to the social and emotional well-being of each and every student!

Contact Information:

erica.ivey@carlisleindians.org

937-746-8969 ext. 187

 Group Therapy Information       

Mindfulness Group

Mindful awareness practices are “exercises that promote a state of heightened and receptive attention to moment-by-moment experiences” (MARC). This simply means focusing on being fully present in the given moment while working to identify and be aware of our own feelings, sensations, and emotions. Through these practices, children learn how to reflect on what is happening within the context of:

• Their own bodies (self-awareness, coping skill development)

• In the environment that surrounds them (social awareness, relationship skills, time management and organization) 

• Inform how they react or interact with others or alone in various situations (self-management, responsible decision making)

Emerging research shows that the practice of mindfulness can help individuals manage and prevent prolonged stress, respond to anxiety, and respond to an array of emotions to make constructive choices about personal behavior and evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being. Mindfulness and social-emotional learning go hand in hand. By starting from within and leveraging our own unique skills, strengths, and experiences, we can begin to build upon those social-emotional learning skills and craft lifelong, healthy habits.

Grief Group

Children experience the same range of emotions as adults, but because they are still developing cognitively and emotionally, they are not able to grieve in the same way. Children’s coping skills are limited. Grief can be a very confusing emotion for children, and without the proper guidance, they may not be able to grieve properly. Due to their developmental limitations, children need education about grief as well as assistance in identifying their complex feelings. For them, grief issues will resurface throughout their growth. As they develop mentally and emotionally, they will need further education and support to become happy and healthy adults. Grief and loss come in many forms. A child could be grieving the loss of a loved one due to death, divorce/separation, deployment, deportation, incarceration, or trauma. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to let them know that they are not alone. Children will have the opportunity to honor and identify their feelings and develop healthy coping skills to process their grief or loss.

Anxiety & Depression (A&D)

Coping Skills Group Many children have fears and worries and may feel sad and hopeless from time to time. Strong fears may appear at different times during development. Although fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Anxiety and Depression is a common diagnosis in many individuals. Some symptoms of anxiety are:

 • Being very afraid when away from parents (separation anxiety) 

• Having extreme fear about a specific thing or situation, such as dogs, insects, or going to the doctor (phobias) Being very afraid of school and other places where there are people (social anxiety)   

 • Being very worried about the future and about bad things happening (general anxiety) 

Some symptoms of depression are:   

 • Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable a lot of the time

 • Not wanting to do or enjoy doing fun things   

 • Showing changes in eating patterns – eating a lot more or a lot less than usual   

• Showing changes in sleep patterns – sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal   

 • Showing changes in energy – being tired and sluggish or tense and restless a lot of the time   

• Having a hard time paying attention         

 • Feeling worthless, useless, or guilty     

• Showing self-injury and self-destructive behavior

These symptoms can often be disruptive to a child’s academic and social experience. When children struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, they often feel isolated or alone. They feel like others don’t understand them. A & D group gives a chance to help children work through their obstacles with other kids as they occur. In collaboration, children are able to develop coping skills and assist in build self-confidence, assertiveness and empower kids to sidestep negative peer and societal pressures.

Empowerment/ Self-Esteem Group

The goal of this support group is to empower students and help build their self-esteem. Students will be able to further understand who they are, build upon their strengths, and build new friendships. Students will learn growth mindset, assertiveness, and positive affirmations. I also hope by empowering participants and building their self-esteem, students will in return learn how to help build self-esteem and mentor their peers on positive self-actualization.

Anger Management Group

When we become upset about something, we need time to process the emotions we experience. Learning to handle feelings, especially strong ones such as anger, can be difficult, especially for children. Learning to understand how they feel and improving emotional regulation techniques can help children respond to the emotions and environment around them with more control and skill. This group will focus on expressing and managing anger in an effective and healthy way. It is an opportunity for students to recognize physical and emotional responses to anger, explore thoughts/feelings and situations/triggers that lead to anger. This group will assist in developing effective coping skills to manage anger in a positive and expected manner.