For many people, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. But for those who have suffered a recent loss, the holidays can be painful and isolating. Here are some ways you can cope with the holidays after a loss: Recognize You are Not Alone It’s easy to...
Not many of us will get through life without facing our own share of challenges. But some people experience not just stress and strife, but actual trauma. Trauma may come in the form of a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a physical accident such as a...
Exactly one week from today is Thanksgiving Day! Wow, it’s almost here! A popular thing to do this time of year – especially around the Thanksgiving table – is asking what you are thankful for. This happens a ton in elementary schools. I remember being a kid and...
For many people, their religion is a big part of their life. Faith and our connection to God are how many of us get through life’s most difficult challenges. But in recent weeks and months, as the country and world have locked down due to the pandemic, it has been...
It’s tough trying to get your teen to talk. Science has shown that the teenager’s brain has yet to fully develop the frontal cortex, which is the area that controls our ability to reason, and to think before we act. As your teen’s brain develops, they’re also learning...
This question is one I have pondered a lot in my 8+ years in the counseling field. I’m not the first to consider the answer to this deep question. There are many excellent reasons why counseling is effective in helping people move forward in their lives. In this blog...
Ask any parent what their main job is and they will tell you it’s protecting their children and keeping them safe. New parents spend hours, if not days, baby-proofing the house. They research the best car seats and bike helmets and figure out ways to ensure their kids...
Last week, we talked about the importance of self care. This week, I was unexpectedly reminded of the beauty that occurs when we truly care for other people. An unlikely source – professional tennis player Victoria Azarenka – showed all of us what it’s like to put our...
By itself, the term “self care” seems indulgent. Selfish. Not caring of others. But this is usually pretty far from the truth. Self care has been getting a lot of attention recently, as 2020 continues to be a ridiculously difficult year. But for therapists, we have...
For years and years, I had always heard about people trying to fulfill their dreams. It occurred to me, awhile ago, that I wasn’t sure if I had dreams of doing anything big. Sure, I wanted to do better in life, but something huge? Or at least something good enough to...
