“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
-Buddha

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the strength, creativity, and impact that Black leaders, activists, artists, and innovators have had on shaping society. Beyond reflection, this month encourages education, dialogue, and progress, ensuring that the legacy of those who fought for justice continues to inspire future generations. By celebrating Black history, we acknowledge its profound influence and reaffirm our commitment to a future built on unity, respect, and opportunity for all.

News and Updates at River Valley BHWC

Supporting Your Students’ Mental Health

This New Year!

We know that as parents, educators, and counselors, you play a vital role in recognizing and supporting the mental health needs of your students. At River Valley, we are here to partner with you in providing the comprehensive care your students need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.

Our team of skilled Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners specializes in working with children, adolescents, and teenagers facing a range of mental health challenges, including:

• Anxiety & Depression
• Mood Swings
• OCD
• ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent disorders

We understand that some students need more than just talk therapy to manage their symptoms. If a student's mental health concerns are significantly impacting their daily functioning—whether at school, at home, or in social situations—our team can help. We offer expert psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and tailored treatment plans for children and teens ages 8 and up, with immediate availability for new patients.

We are committed to working closely with schools and counselors to ensure that each student receives the appropriate care and support they need to succeed. By referring students to River Valley, you are ensuring they receive the specialized care that can make a real difference in their mental and emotional well-being.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Medication management for mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more
• Personalized treatment plans designed to complement existing therapeutic support

If you have students who may benefit from our services or if you would like to discuss how we can collaborate to best support your students, please don’t hesitate to reach out or have the parent of the child call for an initial intake appointment. We have immediate availability and are here to assist you in helping your students find the care they need to succeed.

Thank you for all the hard work you do to support the mental health and well-being of your students. We look forward to partnering with you.

NEW 

RV TEAM MEMBERS

DANIEL HOLLAND, PhD, MPH

LOCATION(S): TELEHEALTH

STARTING IN JANUARY

Dan Holland has been a clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years, with much of his clinical focus centered on individuals with neuropsychological or neurodevelopmental conditions. He has worked extensively with patients navigating life with conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, concussive injuries, and other acquired brain injuries....find out more

MADYSON WILLS, MA

LOCATION(S): SAVAGE

STARTING IN FEBRUARY

Madyson Wills is a dedicated mental health clinician committed to walking alongside others on their journey. She believes that everyone comes from a unique background and deserves to feel heard and understood. Madyson works with her clients to navigate life’s challenges, recognizing that we are all diverse, interconnected beings. Life’s circumstances can sometimes limit our ability to make choices, and her hope is to help clients reclaim autonomy in their stories...find out more.

RIVER VALLEY IS HIRING!

Are you a passionate mental health therapist looking for a flexible and rewarding career? Join the River Valley team as an Independent Contractor and take control of your professional journey while making a real impact in clients' lives!

River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is accepting resumes for Full and Part time positions for licensed and license eligible therapists in our Savage, Northfield and Waconia locations!

Ask a Therapist or Medication Provider

Submit Your Own Questions!

Have you ever found yourself wondering about a certain aspect of your mental health or relationships? Now is your chance to ask our team of experienced therapists or medication providers for their expert advice. Whether you have a question about managing anxiety, improving communication with your partner, coping with stress, or questions on medication, we are here to help. Simply submit your question in the link below, and we will choose one of these questions to be answered in one of our upcoming newsletters! We look forward to helping you on your journey to better mental health and well-being.

Disclaimer: The information provided in these responses is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute direct medical advice or replace individual professional consultation. Any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided are solely at your own discretion and risk.

River Valley BHWC Client Satisfaction Survey

Are you a current or past client of ours? We would like to invite you to take our survey to help us better serve you and our clients. This survey is just a few questions and should only take about 5 to 10 minutes. Please let us know how we are doing. Thank you!

Broaden My Knowledge

Book of the Month: "Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" by Dr. Sue Johnson EdD

Strengthen and deepen your relationships with revelatory practical exercises, seven profound conversations, and sage advice from “the best couple’s therapist in the world” (John Gottman, PhD, bestselling author)
 
Are you looking to enrich a healthy relationship, revitalize a tired one, or rescue one gone awry? We all want a lifetime of love, support, and companionship. But sometimes we need a little help.
 
Enter Dr. Sue Johnson, developer of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and “the most original contributor to couple’s therapy to come along in the last thirty years,” according to Dr. William J. Doherty, PhD. In Hold Me Tight, Dr. Johnson shares her groundbreaking and remarkably successful program for creating stronger, more secure relationships.

Video of the Month: "The Eternal Memory"

Augusto Góngora and Paulina Urrutia have been a couple for 23 years. Augusto is one of Chile's most prominent cultural journalists and television presenters. His wife, Paulina, affectionately called "Pauli," is an actress who served as Minister of Culture and the Arts of the country from 2006 to 2010. Eight years ago, Augusto was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and since then, Paulina has been caring for him. Throughout his career, Augusto was dedicated to ensuring that the atrocities of the Pinochet dictatorship are not forgotten. Today, it is up to him and his wife to maintain his identity despite the challenges of his illness. Each day, the couple faces the difficulties caused by Alzheimer's disease, but they also maintain the tenderness and sense of humor that bind them together.

When a child is in the middle of a tantrum, their brain is often overloaded with emotions, and their amygdala (the emotional center of the brain) is in overdrive. They may struggle to process logic, reasoning, or even comfort in the moment. One highly effective technique to help "break" the cycle of a tantrum is to engage their sensory system—this shifts their brain out of the emotional state and into the present moment.

1. Giving a Glass of Ice Water (Mild Sensory Shift)

• How it works: The cold temperature engages the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower the heart rate and calm the body.
• Why it helps: The act of drinking and swallowing forces the brain to shift focus from the tantrum to a physical task.
• How to use it: Offer the child a small cup of ice water and say something neutral like, “Here, take a sip; this will help.” Avoid forcing them but gently encourage.

2. Giving a Piece of Gum (Or Something Strongly Flavored)

• How it works: Chewing gum or sucking on a strongly flavored candy (minty, sour, or spicy) provides a sensory “shock” that interrupts the tantrum cycle.
• Why it helps: The jaw movement and strong flavor force the brain to focus on a new, unexpected stimulus rather than continuing the emotional outburst.
• How to use it: Offer a piece of gum, sour candy, or a small peppermint and say, “Let’s chew this together and see if it helps.” If they resist, don’t force it—just make it available.

3. The Extreme Reset: Placing the Child in Water

• How it works: Water immersion is a powerful sensory experience that naturally calms the nervous system. The shift from an overheated, emotional state to the cool sensation of water physically and mentally resets the child.
• Why it helps: This method taps into the diving reflex, which slows the heart rate, lowers stress hormones, and brings a sense of grounding.
• How to use it:
  • If possible, draw a lukewarm or slightly cool bath and calmly place the child in the water.
  • If a full bath isn’t possible, run their hands under cold water or place a wet washcloth on their face and neck.
  • Pair it with soothing encouragement: “Let’s take a bath to feel better.”

Why These Techniques Work

• They engage the body's senses (taste, touch, and temperature) to break the emotional loop.
• They shift focus away from distress and into a new physical sensation.
• They lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) and trigger calming physiological responses.

By using sensory interventions like water, gum, or cold stimuli, you help a child transition from emotional overwhelm to a state of regulation, allowing them to regain control.

Be sure to utilize all the techniques and recipes from our previous newsletters in the "Cue to Be Well" archive: