The Calm After the Storm: aka Post-Crisis Time

The Calm After the Storm: aka Post-Crisis Time

So many of us believe that we, “thrive in crisis,” or are, “much better with many things going on.”  That may be true for some, but for many the crisis state is more familiar and therefore, more comfortable.  Because of this, people often choose (unconsciously) to remain in a more chaotic state because anything else is uncomfortable, even if it is actually better, healthier, or more stable.

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“But there is nothing WRONG with me!” or How Therapy Can Add to Your Life

“But there is nothing WRONG with me!” or How Therapy Can Add to Your Life

Going to therapy is not about something “being wrong with you.”  It is about navigating through life’s complications.  Some people have serious issues, such as trauma, eating disorders, ongoing depression, abuse, etc. which psychotherapy is often geared towards.  But that is not all therapy has to offer.  Therapy can be provided on a shorter term, for coming-of-age or life-milestones.  The milestones that we so look forward to in life, sometimes come with more than we bargained for…

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What to expect when you walk into your first therapy appointment…

What to expect when you walk into your first therapy appointment…

Someone suggested that I write an article explaining what you should typically expect going into a therapy appointment for the first time.  When I sat down to write it, I realized that my therapy sessions I run are very different than most of the ones when I have been the client.  It was then realized this is a more difficult topic than I had thought.  I have decided to just explain what I do personally with a client who comes to me for the first time.

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“I don’t need a therapist, I have friends,” and other statements that are not entirely true.

“I don’t need a therapist, I have friends,” and other statements that are not entirely true.

Other statements that fall in this category are “My hairdresser is my therapist,” “Why should I pay someone just to listen to me talk,” and “All therapists are frauds.”  We can take a look at some of these ideas and look at why they are not completely without flaws.

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Parents Anonymous? A great article about parenting groups

Parents Anonymous? A great article about parenting groups

I have been working on promoting my workshop for parents and others who want to communicate better with children.  A friend sent me this article describing a father’s experience with a parenting group, 9 Things I Learned In The Parent Encouragement Program, AKA Shitty Parents Anonymous by Drew Magary.   I really appreciated it for several reasons. ( Article Link: 9 Things I Learned In The Parent Encouragement Program, AKA Shitty Parents Anonymous by Drew Magary)

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The Grief and Loss of Animals (and why we don’t talk about it)

The Grief and Loss of Animals (and why we don’t talk about it)

Grief and Loss is something that most can understand.  When it comes to the mourning of a person, we are quick to bring solace to others any way we can.  We understand when someone is a little “off their game” at work after the loss of their parent and our hearts immediately go out to those that have lost a child; we can talk about these losses, although so often we never know what to say.  It is different when the loss is that of an animal; for some reason these losses are not given the same consideration.

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“Intentions” in place of “Resolutions”

“Intentions” in place of “Resolutions”

For the New Year, it is customary to make resolutions. Typically, if these last through the night, they usually tend die out sometime in mid-February. It is not that we do not want to change; it is just that change is extremely difficult, and it takes a lot of work and discipline. For this year, I suggest a modified version of this idea.

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Book Review:After the Affair by Janis Abrahms Spring, PH.D. with Michael Spring

Book Review:After the Affair by Janis Abrahms Spring, PH.D. with Michael Spring

After the Affair by Janis Abrahms Spring, PH.D. with Michael Spring

I usually have a hard time with any type of self-help book, so when one comes along that I actually like and will use, there is cause to share the wealth.

This book clearly outlines the major problems following infidelity and provides practical information to help begin to tackle this very difficult issue.  The author does a wonderful job of giving objective advice and is careful not to assume any absolutes.  Read the rest of this entry

Building Self-Esteem in your Child; The offensive strategy

Building Self-Esteem in your Child; The offensive strategy

The best way to combat bullying is with strong self-esteem and self-confidence.  Your child needs to know what his strengths are and how to use them.  Kids need to rely on the things they are interested in and things they are good at when the social pressures increase.  They need tools to remain confident in themselves and their choices.

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