Hello!

Wow! Who would have thought we would be in this space together for so long?

I'm seeing the "scaffolding" of our lives that provide the foundation of our mental health (routines, commitments, structure) coming apart...for some crashing to hault, for others reconfiguring.

There are two main emotions that people seem to be flipping back and forth between: HOPE AND GRIEF. My advice: focus yourself to pick one at a time. If you are sad about your losses, then allow yourself time to be sad, but only about the things or people you have truly lost. If you feel hopeful, then stay hopeful in the moment and make a list of things that are good in your life.

We are here for you. Our tele-therapy services will continue indefinitely and we also have systems in place for seeing patients in the office if that is your preference (see end of newsletter for our updated COVID-19 office policies).

I am with you each step of this journey. Let's stay strong together.


Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098

McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Spring | Issue 5 | May 19, 2020
Our Top Ways of Coping With Grief and Loss
By Emily Brzak, M.A., TLLP

Although the emotional experience of grief is typically associated with death, it can arise within us after any form of loss. During this global pandemic, many individuals of all ages and backgrounds are experiencing some form of grief, whether it be due to job loss, the loss of future plans, the death of loved ones, even just the loss of normalcy in our day-to-day lives. Click the link below for some of our highly recommended tips for working through grief.

At McCaskill Family Services, we have clinicians who specialize in grief and loss who are eager to help! We are also offering a grief therapy tele-health support group (more information can be found below in our Upcoming Zoom Group section). If you or someone you know would like additional support and assistance through the grieving process, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 and/or email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.
Self-Care 101: PLEASE
Self-care is one of the most important acts you can take to preserve your strength, resilience and mental health while grieving. PLEASE is an acronym taken from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to represent some of the top ways to care for yourself. Click below to learn more!
Video Messages To You From The MFS Team!
Grief In Children:
What Do They Understand and What Should You Expect?

Click the link below for a handout covering children's understanding of death based on their age and stage of development, as well as what behaviors to expect from them after losing a loved one.
Available Webinars
Survival Strategies for Parents on Coronavirus Triple Duty:
Teaching, Parenting, Working

Our Most Effective Stress Management Strategies
Upcoming Zoom Groups

PARENTING STRATEGIES AND SUPPORT*
Please contact our office for upcoming dates and availability

DBT SKILLS (Teens)*
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Rolling Admission

GRIEF Support*
Losing a Loved One to Covid-19: Mondays and Fridays, 10-11:30 AM
Losing a Loved One During a Pandemic: Mondays and Fridays, 1:30-3 PM
Begins May 25th, runs for 4 weeks

Social Skills Group for Middle Schoolers*
Mondays and Thursdays, 1:30 - 3 PM
Begins May 25th, runs for 4 weeks

Support Group for Parents of Children with ADHD (ChADD)
Virtual Meeting on May 21st
6:30-8 PM


*Dates subject to change

Newsletter Editor
My name is Emily Brzak. I'm a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of child behavioral difficulties, depression, grief, and anxiety. I am also our monthly newsletter editor! At MFS, I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and have experience working with a large array of presenting difficulties. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to meeting you!