Category Archives: Health: Psychology

Whats New in the World of Psychology? These Press Releases, will keep you up to date on all things Psychology related.

The OCD Recovery Project continues helping sufferers identify and recover from OCD with new innovative Types of OCD Test and improved site


One in 40 adults and one in 100 children in the USA suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. A lot of these people are unaware that they are suffering from the disorder and the type of OCD they suffer from.

This is typically because OCD is generally displayed in our media as being a condition of washing hands, cleaning, or checking door locks. Unfortunately, those are only two of the many types of OCD.

As a result of the lack of awareness and media portrayal of ‘typical OCD’, most people do not know about these other types of OCD. In light of this, The OCD Recovery Project has come up with an innovative, one-of-a-kind “Type of OCD Test” that enables those suffering from the condition to quickly identify the subtype of OCD they are suffering from.

The OCD Recovery Project is founded by Bradley Wilson, a fellow sufferer of OCD for over a decade. Bradley is the pioneer and creator of the Type of OCD Test which is available exclusively with The OCD Recovery Project website.

In an exclusive interview, Bradley shared that he has launched The OCD Recovery Project with the mission to help people gain clarity about their specific OCD type, as well as, support them with education and understanding how to End the OCD Cycle. According to the website, their Types of OCD Test includes 38 types of OCD disorders have been identified. These are:


  •     Checking OCD
  •     Contamination OCD
  •     Counting OCD
  •     Existential / Philosophical OCD
  •     Food / Exercise OCD
  •     Fortune Telling OCD
  •     Harm OCD
  •     Health / Hypochondria OCD
  •     Hit n Run OCD
  •     Homosexual OCD (HOCD)
  •     Incest OCD
  •     Intrusive Thoughts OCD
  •     Just Right OCD
  •     Magical Thinking OCD
  •     Mental / Emotional Contamination OCD
  •     Mindreading OCD
  •     Morality OCD
  •     Need to Know OCD
  •     Olfactory Reference Syndrome
  •     Paranoia OCD
  •     Pedophilia OCD / POCD
  •     Perfectionism OCD
  •     Perinatal OCD
  •     Postpartum OCD
  •     Pure O / Pure Obsessional OCD
  •     Relationship OCD / ROCD
  •     Religious OCD / Scrupulosity
  •     Responsibility OCD
  •     Rumination OCD
  •     Schizophrenia / Fear of Going Crazy OCD
  •     Self-Harm OCD / Suicidal OCD
  •     Sexual Aggressive OCD
  •     Sexually Orientation OCD
  •     Social Anxiety OCD
  •     Somatic OCD / Sensorimotor OCD
  •     Superstitious OCD
  •     Symmetry OCD / Orderliness OCD
  •     Violent OCD / Aggressive Thoughts OCD

“When I created The Types of OCD Test, I set out to create the most comprehensive OCD test on the internet to truly support those suffering from the condition with quickly understanding which type(s) of OCD they are currently dealing with. The test includes 38 well known and lesser-known types of OCD. We hope that this test gives test takers an understanding that they are not alone and that their type of OCD is common, even the lesser known ones. Our goal in this is to help them quickly identify that they are not alone, there are others suffering from the same types, and most importantly, that recovery is possible.”, stated Bradley.

The test comprises 152 questions altogether and will take around 5-10 minutes to complete on an average.

No two OCD types are completely are alike. One person’s symptoms could be completely different from another. Thus, it’s extremely important to be aware of your OCD subtype to ensure the most effective treatment for your specific kind of OCD.

Added to the Type of OCD Test, The OCD Recovery Project offers 2 other types of tests. One is The OCD Test. This test is designed to help people attain clarity on whether or not they are suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The assessment method used for the test deploys the “gold standard” assessment tool that is used by OCD therapists and treatment providers to identify Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

“The first step in the OCD recovery process is to find out whether you are suffering from the condition and what type of obsessional themes you are suffering from. A lot of people might be unaware of the underlying OCD condition and unless they identify the condition, they will not won’t be able to start the recovery process. Our OCD Test will help you to attain clarity regarding your OCD (if any) so that you can begin the recovery procedure as soon as possible.”

The other type of OCD test offered by The OCD Recovery project is The OCD Severity Test. As the name says, this test will help people to gauge the current level of severity of their OCD issues. “Our OCD Severity Test will shed light on where you currently stand on your OCD issues which will eventually help to map the course of recovery for the problem. The test also offers a great way to keep a tab on your progress continually and check the success of the recovery process after certain intervals.”

The OCD Recovery Project also offers a video guide on how to interpret test results at the end of the test. These are included within the results section of each test.

The OCD Recovery Project doesn’t stop supporting those suffering from OCD with just tests. Bradley has also created The OCD Recovery Formula, which he states can help clients, “end the OCD cycle.” This can be found under the Recovery section of the website.

For more information, please visit https://ocdrecoveryproject.com/our-tests/

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Summit BHC Continues Growth with Acquisition of Seven Psychiatric Hospitals from Strategic Behavioral Health


Summit BHC (“Summit”), a leading national provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services based in Franklin, Tennessee, continues to expand its national footprint with the acquisition of seven psychiatric hospitals in six states from Strategic Behavioral Health. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The seven hospitals are: Eagle View Behavioral Health in Bettendorf, Iowa; Peak Behavioral Health in Santa Teresa, New Mexico; Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health near Wilmington, North Carolina; Creekside Behavioral Health in Kingsport, Tennessee; Palms Behavioral Health in Harlingen, Texas; Willow Creek Behavioral Health in Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Miramont Behavioral Health near Madison, Wisconsin. These hospitals have a total of 613 inpatient psychiatric beds serving children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. In addition, they also operate several outpatient programs serving adults and adolescents.

With these facilities, Summit is expanding its presence in Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas, and entering New Mexico, North Carolina, and Wisconsin for the first time. Summit now owns and operates 31 facilities across the United States.

“We are excited to welcome these facilities and their staff members to the Summit family,” said Brent Turner, CEO of Summit. “We are committed to providing these communities with the high-quality care they have come to expect, and we look forward to working closely with them.”

About Summit

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, Summit operates a leading network of behavioral health hospitals and addiction treatment centers throughout the country. The company’s primary focus is on psychiatric and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible and dynamic continuum of care. The leadership team at Summit is composed of senior executives with decades of combined experience in the behavioral healthcare industry. The company currently owns and operates 31 inpatient facilities nationwide.

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Family-owned learning center brings a much-needed refresh to child social development programming


“Computers and social media have a place in the modern world but should not be in lieu of learning healthy interactions that will last a lifetime.”

Certified School Psychologist Bari Bristow has launched the Bristow Center in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. After 33 years in public education and advocacy for families, she discovered that many children evidence social developmental gaps and are struggling with peer interactions and at an increasing rate.

She found that many young people are not being equipped with the skills and training necessary to navigate the modern social world. The goal of the Bristow Center aims to help children and parents gain the social skill training and guidance necessary to thrive at school, at home, in the community and throughout their lives.

“There just aren’t any comprehensive programs out there. Evidence based research and experience have convinced me that social skills can be taught! On the heels of COVID, we as a society now know how fragile social emotional development can be,” said Bari Bristow, the Center’s founder.

She continued, “My passion has led me to understand the importance of being proactive and to this end I am committed to teaching these skills to children who are not innately armed with the tools needed to develop strong relationships, problem solve and conscientiously make the decisions needed during challenging situations.”

Utilizing strategic teaching, PRACTICE and ongoing feedback from trained mentors, these skills will generalize to all settings and provide the long-term benefits that last a lifetime.

The Core Program will work by offering assessments and placement of a child’s current social skill level, based entirely on social development, not age. From there, students will actively engage in social group classes with dedicated mentors and other students, where they will be able to practice the skills they learn along the way.

The Center’s programs will be tailored to each child and will teach children the core social skills concepts they lack to help students become stronger social problem solvers and effective communicators. This approach is key in developing modern skills that are relevant to how we socially interact in today’s times.

“The world is changing,” Bari says, “So what children need socially should change too. Computers and social media have a place in the modern world but should not be in lieu of learning healthy interactions that will last a lifetime.” That’s why Bristow Center will make a huge impact on today’s youth.

Contact us at:

973-234-5899

info@bristowcenter.com

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Trend Forecaster Gerald Celente Reveals Top Ten Trends For 2022


The Top Ten Trends For 2022

Forecasting worldwide since 1980, the key socioeconomic and geopolitical trend dynamics that will shape 2022 and beyond – for both better and for worse – are among the most critical we have ever encountered in our 41 years of trend forecasting.

From fighting to win the COVID War, to emerging into the METAWORLD, the 2022 trend dynamics will be felt far and wide. Get ready for a wild ride into the future.

COVID WAR 2.0: MASS DESTRUCTION

The world has entered COVID War 2.0, with another round of lockdowns and mandates being imposed in many nations across the globe. The socioeconomic and geopolitical implications of fighting the COVID War 2.0 will affect the lives and livelihoods of billions. Here are some of the critical ones that will negatively and positively shape the future….

VAX WARS

When the COVID War began and they pushed the Operation Warp Speed vaccines – we forecast that there would be a “Vax War.” And now with Governments imposing “No Jab, No Freedom,” mandates, an irate, tireless minority will fight for their freedom of choice. Get ready for new anti-establishment third parties and ….

DRAGFLATION

It won’t be Stagflation that will shape 2022 economies. It will be a DRAGFLATION; Economies decline as inflation rises. How long will it last? Will there be more supply chain disruptions and labor shortages? There will also be political and social consequences such as…

HOMELESSNESS: THE CELENTE SOLUTION

Driven by lockdowns, mandates and other dictates, as we forecast, poverty, homelessness, mental illness, drug use and crime, will continue on the upswing. Trends Journal Publisher, Gerald Celente, proposes a homeless solution that is financially, morally and humanely more practical than the current system. This is unique, here it is….

MASSIVE MIGRANT CRISIS

We forecast that the migrant crisis in regions across the globe would worsen as people escaped poverty, crime, violence and government corruption. Beyond dramatically escalating anti-immigration, anti-establishment populist movements in nations where they seek refuge, these are some of the other critical trends that will shape the migrant future…

METAWORLD

AI and VR technologies will sweep industries, households and governments worldwide. More and more jobs will be replaced by robotics and AI programs will become, in effect, virtual human beings. For both advancement and decline of the human spirit, these are some of the mega-trends the METAWORLD will create…

CRYPTO CAPITOL: WALL STREET 2.0

Crypto is disrupting the world, governments, central banks and even established mega-corporations. To capitalize on this megatrend, as El Salvador builds a “Bitcoin City” and makes BTC legal tender, other Nations, States, and Cities will compete for the ranking of World’s #1 Crypto Capitol. Are crypto currencies a dying fad that governments will abolish… or will Wall Street become the new Crypto Street?

LABOR UNION COMEBACK

After long periods of decline, unionization will continue to be a top trend. The more limited the supply of workers, the more powerful the trend toward unionization will be. Will this current trend become a passing fad? And why are masses not going back to work? Here are the answers…

SELF-SUFFICIENT ECONOMY

After a year of clogged and kinked supply chains, shortages of things from computer chips to corn chips, and prices rising through the stratosphere, in 2022 nations will rediscover the necessity of being SELF SUFFICIENT. China is leading the way. How are they doing it? Will they be successful? What nations can succeed? This is how the trend will develop, and these are the nations that will be the most successful in becoming SELF-SUFFICIENT…

LOW-TECH SIMPLICITY

Going high-tech in cars, trucks, tractors, machinery, equipment, and a variety of products has become too costly, excessive, and unproductive. Spurred in part by supply chain backups, there will be a push for less complicated and less expensive components. LOW-TECH SIMPLICITY will be a big money winner and OnTrendpreneur opportunity for those who target the trend in these sectors…

ABOUT THE TRENDS JOURNAL

The Trends Journal is a publication of the Trends Research Institute that was founded by Gerald Celente in 1980. Publishing since 1991, the Trends Journal is a weekly magazine that provides subscribers with a vast array of current and emerging socioeconomic and geopolitical trends.

Providing vital information for businesses and individuals who want to prepare, prevail, and prosper – now and in the future – the magazine provides essential articles on economics, geopolitics, health, survivalism, crypto, technology, science, and much more.

GERALD CELENTE: With a 40-year track record of identifying, tracking, and forecasting trends, Celente is world-renowned as today’s #1 Trend Forecaster. Celente has earned the reputation as a trusted name in trends for his many accurate forecasts; among them the 1987 Stock Market crash, Asian Currency Crisis, 2000 Dot.com bust, “Gold Bull Run,” the “Panic of 2008… to forecasting the gourmet coffee trend, coining the term “clean foods” and many more.

Mr. Celente has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS New, Fox, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, NPR, BBC, France 24, and other print and broadcast major media. Unencumbered by political dogma, rigid ideology, or conventional wisdom, Celente, whose motto is “Think for Yourself,” observes and analyzes current events forming future trends for what they are, not for how he wants them to be.

MEDIA CONTACT

Gerald Celente is available for live videos, interviews, podcasts, and other engagements. Please contact Jane Campbell: janecampbell@trendsjournal.com or call: (845) 331-3500.

3rd Annual National Conscience Month Provides Opportunities to Heal Personal, Political, and Professional Relationships


Leonard Perlmutter –
Originator of National Conscience Month

“Regardless of your unique situation, when you experiment with the creative power of your Conscience you’ll always be guaranteed rewarding outcomes.” — Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev)

The American Meditation Institute (AMI) announces that the third annual National Conscience Month will be observed January 2022 with the goal of encouraging individuals across the nation to practice consciously using their Conscience as their guide. Since 1996, AMI has provided comprehensive training in the world’s oldest holistic mind/body medicine centered around one revolutionary principle: the human Conscience is the key to unlock limitless wisdom and creativity to solve all of life’s challenges.

This month-long observance is an auspicious time to raise awareness about the value of using the Conscience as an inspired guide to making better lifestyle choices. In his new book, YOUR CONSCIENCE, National Conscience Month originator Leonard Perlmutter clearly explains how the mind can be trained to harmoniously and rewardingly reduce inner mental conflict, which in effect, will ameliorate external conflict. Always emphasizing a scientific approach, Perlmutter never asks people to blindly believe him, but rather to experiment with time-tested practices.

In today’s world people often move quickly and react automatically––rather than making discerning choices. Currently there are few coordinated opportunities to teach people how to evaluate options or to use their Conscience as a guide. Because of this, people suffer personally and as a culture from ills like addictions, gun violence, political upheaval, chronic and debilitating health conditions, suicide, racism, bigotry, stress, and depression––to name just a few.

According to Perlmutter, “Today’s problems were born in the human mind, and their solutions can only be found in the human mind. When we allow the mind’s Conscience to connect us to the Source of our creativity, we will discover unimaginable answers that will transform our world.”

National Conscience Month’s (January 2022) campaign will:

  • Remind, educate and raise awareness about the value of using your Conscience as a guide to making better decisions.
  • Build and activate a national movement that embraces the role of conscience-driven choices in experiencing more health, happiness, security, and creating more rewarding lives for our families, communities and nation.
  • Encourage individual actions through simple experiments that aid in increasing positivity, self-confidence, and self-reliance.
  • Offer an opportunity for citizens to work in partnership with governments, school systems, faith leaders, non-profits, community organizations and corporations across the United States.

More resources and information about National Conscience Month are available at ConscienceMonth.org.

Perlmutter’s book, YOUR CONSCIENCE, is available at all fine booksellers nationwide including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Leonard Perlmutter, originator of National Conscience Month and founder of The American Meditation Institute for Yoga Science and Philosophy is available for interviews.

About the American Meditation Institute

The American Meditation Institute (AMI), a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization devoted to the teaching and practice of Yoga Science and AMI meditation as holistic mind-body medicine. In its approach to wellness, AMI combines the healing arts of the East with the practicality of modern Western science. Throughout the year, The American Meditation Institute presents Leonard Perlmutter’s Foundation Course for solving all of life’s challenges, and publishes Transformation a quarterly journal of Yoga Science that contains helpful news and a complete upcoming calendar of classes.

To schedule an interview with Leonard Perlmutter, please contact:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMeditationInstitute

To schedule an interview, please contact:

Media Contact:

Robert Washington

American Meditation Institute

60 Garner Road

Averill Park, NY 12018

Tel: 518.674.8714

Fax: 518.674.8714

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EQ is the New IQ! The key to unlocking higher self-confidence, manageable expectations and successful relationships


The new transformational book, EQ is the New IQ: The Key to Unlocking Higher Self-confidence, Manageable Expectations and Successful Relationships marks Michelle Carson’s debut as a published Author. This powerful book by Powerful You! Publishing ($22US/$29CAN, ISBN 978-1-7356579-8-1) is sure to capture readers and inspire them in their lives.

How do you want to spend your time? Digging up the past or building a bright future?

You are not a victim. Life has not happened to you. It is never too late to begin again. Don’t allow your emotions to stop you from being everything God created you to be. By learning the language of emotions – how to receive guidance from your intuition, healing emotional wounds, and taking proactive care – you will become the master of your emotions, not the servant and watch your life magically unfold!

Michelle’s passion is teaching life skills that increase Emotional Intelligence, because she has experienced the life-altering impact it has had on her self-confidence and in her relationships. She uses her gifts as an HSP (highly sensitive person) and Empath, along with her professional training, to help others heal from their stories by teaching the Language of Emotions.

“We are grateful to be Michelle Carson’s publisher and share her empowering book. We know it will assist readers in their own lives as they move through their emotional healing journeys,” says Sue Urda, co-founder of Powerful You! Publishing. Available for purchase: EQ is the new IQ: The Key to Unlocking Higher Self-Confidence, Manageable Expectations, and Successful Relationships – Kindle edition by Carson, Michelle. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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Top Toys, Games, Books and Media That Spark Fun and Encourage Language


Language catalyzing PAL Award winning toys and games are powerful additions to a child’s tool box, since children learn through play, and language is integral to learning!

Regular interaction with children guides Play On Words CEO and speech-language pathologist, Erika Cardamone, to unique set of the best toys, games, books and media that have the chemistry to develop language while delivering great play. Today, Play On Words is announcing its annual “Top 10 PAL Picks for 2021/Holiday Gift Guide” by age and product category. Our Top 10’s take the guesswork out of giving great holiday gifts. Parents and grandparents use our lists to shop for smart toys with lasting play value.

Winners are assessed and reviewed by Erika with input from parents, kids and educators. Observing kid’s play in action, combined with her critical eye for language potential, Erika awards products and writes insightful reviews offering practical tips on how to maximize the educational value in each winner catalogued on Playonwords.com.

Language catalyzing PAL winning toys and games are powerful additions to a child’s tool box, since children learn through play, and language is integral to learning! Our 2021 Top 10’s include a number of great winners that inspire imagination and story-telling with engaging props, from Schleich’s “Happy Cow Wash” and recreating fairytales with “Papaton Shadow Theater,” to the “Jungle Set” by Magna-Tiles. Promoting children’s critical thinking is a strong theme throughout this year’s winners, often combined with STEM skills as children design and build cardboard forts with “Make-A-Fort,” conduct daily experiments with MindWare’s “12 Days of Science,” and learn about physics while building with sticks from “Craft Stick Creations” by hand2mind. The toy industry continues to value new toys, games and books to promote literacy. Kids make a rhyme to rhythmic beat in “Rhyme Antics” to encourage phonological skills, learn sound-letter correspondence with a flying kangaroo in “Rooby’s ABCs by SimplyFun and build confidence reading with some help from a magic stylus in LeapFrog’s “LeapReader Learn to Read Mega Pack.”

Erika’s expertise has been tapped by FOX TV News 6 Milwaukee, Honest Company Blog, ASHAsphere (official blog of the American Speech Language Hearing Association), and ASHA LEADER magazine.

For Erika, great play is not just about fun, or language development, it’s about going deep in both. Her expertise has been built on science and thousands of hours of client experience. Each set of Top 10’s represents a breadth of themes and genres, but they all have one thing in common – they are trusted lists of fun products that boost learning through play. Here are 2021’s Top 10 PAL Picks – See her reviews at http://www.playonwords.com

TOP 10 TOYS: INFANT

  • 150 First Words by Merriam Webster
  • Cozys by GUND
  • Cookie Monster Construction Worker by GUND
  • Everybody Loves Acorn Soup by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Fab Pals by GUND
  • Kissy Animated Penguin by GUND
  • Lil’ Critters Soothing Starlight Polar Bear™ by VTech
  • Magical Mermaids Bath Puzzles by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Musical Whale Fountain by Hape
  • Oh So Snuggly Collection by GUND


TOP 10 TOYS: TODDLER

  • AQUA Splish Splash Water Park by PLAYMOBIL
  • Count Along Basket & Scanner by LeapFrog
  • Eating in Season by Adventerra Games
  • Jungle Animal 25-Piece Set by Magna-Tiles
  • Light-Up Activity Board by Crayola
  • My First Math Dice by ThinkFun
  • Panda Playground Indoor Jungle Gym by EZ Play Toys
  • Seek-a-Boo Mix-and-Match Memory Game by MIndWare    
  • Sort & Recycle Ride-On Truck by VTech
  • WOWmazing Kit by South Beach Bubbles

TOP 10 TOYS: PRESCHOOL

  • Create A Scene Neighborhood by The Learning Journey
  • DJ Miz and Spin Studio by Hape
  • Get Ready for Preschool with Monkey Around by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Kinetic Sand Scented Ice Cream Playset by Spin Master
  • Magna-Tiles Structures: Monster at the End of This Story by CreateOn
  • On-the-Go Story Pal by LeapFrog
  • Rocky Reuse It Truck by Spin Master
  • Scribble Scrubbie Ocean Pets Lagoon Playset
  • Scribble Scrubbie Pets Backyard Bungalow and Cloud Clubhouse
  • Together Set by Joguines Grapat

TOP 10 GAMES: PRESCHOOL

  • Busy Busy Bake Shop by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom    
  • Candy Collections by Cybele’s Games
  • Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt by hapinest
  • Happy Birthday to You by Funko Games
  • Imagination Links by MindWare
  • Mickey and Friends Magical Treats by Wonder Forge
  • Rhyming Bingo by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Rooby’s ABCs by SimplyFun
  • Stack Your Chickens by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • With a Cherry on Top by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom

TOP 10 TOYS: SCHOOL AGE

  • 12 Days of Science by MindWare
  • Builder 32-piece Set by Magna-Tiles
  • Craft Stick Creations by hand2mind
  • Dinosaurs in Space 3X49-piece Puzzle by Ravensburger
  • Gravitrax PRO: Starter Set and Expansion Accessories by Ravensburger
  • Happy Cow Wash by Schleich
  • Papaton Shadow Theater by Papaton Kids
  • Q-BA-MAZE 2.0: Super Race Set by MindWare
  • Sunny Day Mobile Farm Stand by Schleich
  • Toca Life Subscription Boxes by Spin Master

TOP 10 GAMES: SCHOOL AGE

  • Block Chain by ThinkFun
  • Bold Made by Hot Taco Inc
  • Bubble Gum Rummy by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Idiom Addict by Good Game Company
  • Raya’s Journey: An Enchanted Forest Game by Ravensburger
  • Rhyme Antics
  • Secret Squad by Gamewright
  • Tapple by USAopoly
  • With A Cherry On Top Game by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Word Witt by Darling

TOP 10 BOOKS AND MEDIA

  • 100 Words About Places I Go by VTech
  • 150 First Words by Merriam Webster
  • Aaron Slater Illustrator by Andrea Beaty
  • Bizy Buddies Explore Digestion by Kevin Kohlstedt and Rudy Valenta
  • Everybody Loves Acorn Soup by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • LeapLand Adventures by LeapFrog
  • LeapReader Learn-to-Read 10-Book Mega Pack by LeapFrog
  • LeapStart Learning Success Bundle by LeapFrog
  • Tales of Courage and Kindness by Disney Books
  • Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board by LeapFrog

Each holiday season, millions are spent on kids’ toys, games and books. These PAL winners above are not only great fun but also encourage rich language development. Think “tastes like ice cream, fortifies like spinach,” optimizing your toy purchases to build language while maintaining all the fun. Now’s the time to be intentional about your child’s toy chest, game drawer, bookshelf and tablet!

Playonwords.com is fueled by speech-language pathologist and Mom of 4, Erika Cardamone. Her 15 years championing language rich play, esteemed PAL Award, and insightful tips to parents set her apart as the leading advocate for the language component in toys. With thousands of hours working directly with children has shown her that a unique set of the best toys, games and books have the capability to develop language while delivering great play. Studies show:

    Kids with highest IQs at three, had the most words at one and two

    Language learning is cumulative – early words => early sentences => language & reading

    Most kids maintain their verbal advantage through childhood

    Creative pretend play that sparks story-telling can advance future literacy

Founded by fellow speech-language pathologist, Sherry Artemenko, the PAL Award identifies unique toys, games and books that through their design, quality and character, encourage play that advances language. PAL winners in the hands of kids, spark fun and creative play with lots of talk. Such toys, recognized on the basis of her child development expertise, are complemented by practical coaching in her blog, showing parents and caregivers how to get the most from toys, games and books to build language and underlying cognitive skills.

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Employee Points Programs are a Powerful Motivation Tool


News Image

Points can have such an enduring emotional impact on your workforce. There’s gratitude when points are awarded, anticipation as employees plan for and select their reward, and finally the excitement of redeeming points for the reward.

The Incentive Research Foundation’s new study, The Psychology of Points, reports that points reward programs are memorable and effective at motivating employees. The study explores how participating in points programs increases employee engagement, intrinsic motivation, and identification with the organization. The Psychology of Points also provides practical guidance on how to design and implement a successful points program.

“The Psychology of Points helps build a strong case for including points rewards in a broader incentive and reward program,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF President. “Points can have such an enduring emotional impact on your workforce. There’s gratitude when points are awarded, anticipation as employees plan for and select their reward, and finally the excitement of redeeming points for the reward.”

The IRF conducted an online survey of 1,018 workers, complementing the survey data with aggregate redemption data from several points platform providers. The research also included interviews with ten experts who design and measure employee points rewards programs for hundreds of customers. A thorough review of existing academic research and articles on the topic was also conducted.

Key findings and insights in The Psychology of Points include:


  • Survey respondents indicated a greater preference for working for an organization with a points reward program.
  • The top reasons employees can earn point rewards are individual performance (70%), period of service (46%), group performance (46%), and peer recognition (40%).
  • Points rewards participants care more about the recognition, appreciation, and belonging associated with receiving points rewards than what the what the points are redeemed for.
  • Participants plan for their reward significantly more than cash or gift card recipients, resulting in greater satisfaction with the reward.
  • Points reward earners are more likely than cash recipients to talk about the rewards they receive.
  • Points reward programs often reach close to 100% of the workforce, making them more effective at motivating performance across a much larger group.
  • 79% of survey respondents prefer to save their redeemable points to exchange for large-dollar item(s).

The IRF also released the supplemental report How to Run an Effective Points Program: 30+ Tips from the Experts. This report includes additional best practices collected from incentives experts during the interview and research process for The Psychology of Points.

To download the full study and supplemental report, visit the IRF’s The Psychology of Points webpage.

The release of The Psychology of Points was supported by Research Advocacy Partner HALO.

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BrandTruth Reveals New Branding Tool at the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education


BrandTruth®, a branding SaaS company based in Denver, Colorado, will exhibit at the American Marketing Association’s 2021 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education during both the online and live events November 3 – 9, 2021.

The hybrid AMA symposium offers three days of online programming and content (November 3-5) for marketers at all levels of an organization and then director level and higher in person at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Denver (November 7-9) for three days of networking and peer-to-peer learning.

The BrandTruth booth will be available in the virtual exhibit hall during the conference with company representatives available for online chat. At the live event in Denver, BrandTruth will exhibit in booth #1110 in the exhibit hall.

On Tuesday, November 9, BrandTruth will also host a roundtable discussion on brand strategy from 8:30 am-9:45 am. The location will be in the summit room.

BrandTruth delivers a faster and more cohesive branding experience during the initial discovery process. Using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and proven psychology, BrandTruth aligns employees behind one cohesive, collective statement, driving sales and customer attachment.

About BrandTruth:

Founded in 2020 in Denver, Colorado, by marketing veterans Shane George and Tom Cherrey, BrandTruth® is the first brand discovery SaaS platform that empowers companies to define and align themselves around one distinctive statement through proven psychology, creating a foundation for accelerated value. Through objective, democratic surveys that encourage company-wide participation from the CEO to the junior executive, BrandTruth offers an inclusive, yet efficient solution based on decades of scientific research, allowing companies to move ahead with confidence and a unified vision. For more information: http://www.brandtruth.com

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The Colleen Gallagher Podcast on the Rise with Discussions on Psychology, Online Business Strategies, Health and Wellness, New-Age Spirituality & More


The Colleen Gallagher Podcast

The Colleen Gallagher Podcast

Reaching 4,000 downloads is more than just a number; it represents the deep meaning of every person who has chosen to raise their hand and say yes, I am meant for more in this life, I am meant to take the scary path of trusting faith and the intangible to achieve real results in life …

Intuitive business and personal development consultant, Colleen Gallagher provides a forum for discussions about online marketing strategies, new-age, psychology, and perspectives on global development through her online production, The Colleen Gallagher Podcast. In just over 18 months, the podcast has organically received over 4,000 downloads and seeks to activate and empower listeners to reach their full potential and live their modern-day fairytale life.

“I’d like to personally thank my listeners for being a part of this community,” said Gallagher. “Reaching 4,000 downloads is more than just a number; it represents the deep meaning of every person who has chosen to raise their hand and say yes, I am meant for more in this life, I am meant to take the scary path of trusting faith and the intangible to achieve real results in life, and I am willing.”

With nearly 70 unique episodes hosted by Gallagher, she aims to help audiences create an out-of-this-world reality by combining her travel experiences of visiting 42 countries by the age of 27, working for a $23 billion company, a $400 million company in sales, and founder of her own company. A childhood cancer survivor, Gallagher is dedicated to educating, activating, and empowering people to create lifestyle careers they love.

Gallagher aspires to be a global heart-centered creator of online educational experiences, content, and products and intends to inspire her listeners to become this too. Topic highlights include the power of digital marketing and top secrets to make it a success, what holistic healing means so you can begin the journey to self-empowerment to heal yourself, how to date well and create amazing relationships, and what is anxiety and how can you begin to manage it, to name a new.

Listeners can also join the movement to influence the world with frequency, love, and digital marketing with the all-new Magical Activation Sticker so users can spark their own conversations and also be included as a leader in this movement.

The Colleen Gallagher Podcast is available on multiple platforms including iHeart Radio, iTunes Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, PodPlayer, PodChaser, Deezer, and Listen Notes. To receive the frequency, listeners are invited to tune in and subscribe.

Visit colleengallagher.co/podcast to listen to The Colleen Gallagher Podcast on your favorite device now.

About Colleen Gallagher:

Colleen Gallagher is an intuitive business and personal development consultant. She has survived childhood cancer, is a global citizen, an advocate for everyone to have an opportunity to live their dreams and an academic who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Global Leadership and Change. She is an author of multiple books, including her latest release An Uncompromised Life, and the host of The Colleen Gallagher podcast. Her greatest success is seeing her clients fall in love with life by overcoming trauma and life challenges and create a lifestyle career that impacts the world. Gallagher empowers leaders and businesses to come to a newfound clarity of their mission so that they can better understand their gifts while taking calculated action to grow their businesses. Gallagher offers these experiences through online courses, in-person retreats, her podcast, books and products. Currently, Gallagher resides in Los Angeles, California.

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