Dr. Ray Chin to Present Mindfulness Program for Parents: April 27
April 12, 2018
Dr. Ray Chin, Thetford resident and expert in pediatric behavioral medicine, will present a special program on Friday, April 27, on the subject of Mindfulness. Sponsored by TAPA (Thetford Academy Parents Association), this free program will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the TA Library. Snacks will be provided.
Mindfulness is the cultivation of focused attention on purpose to the present, moment-by-moment, without judgment (Jon Kabat-Zinn). From a neuropsychological perspective, it is the practice of integrating mind and body to promote health and well-being. Mindfulness practitioners can: increase awareness and alertness, increase cardiac health and strengthen immune systems, reduce anxiety and depression, etc. From an educational perspective it is the act of developing the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with executive functions (EF) that is most actively developing in adolescence. From a social perspective it is the fostering of our natural interdependence and compassion. Dr. Chin will explain the neuroscience of mindfulness as it applies to education and parenting. Attendees will be able to practice a variety of mindfulness techniques for working with children and adolescents.
Dr. Chin received his doctorate from Michigan State University in Child and Family Clinical Psychology with a fellowship at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital. He specializes in pediatric behavioral medicine. His areas of interest include: neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD), trauma, and chronic illness. He incorporates neuropsychological consultations, mindfulness-cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, and teacher training to develop programs for complex children. He frequently gives presentations and training for neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma, and mindfulness. Dr. Chin is also a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with an MFA in printmaking and has taught art at all grade levels.
The TA Middle School Dance will also take place on Friday, April 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Anderson Hall. If you have a middle school student, drop him or her off at the dance, and come over to the library for Dr. Chin’s presentation.