Life has been pretty busy for this counselor lately, so I thought I would post a list of some of the more visited posts from the last year and a half. A heartfelt look at the 5 stages of grieving the loss of a relationship Relationship red flags "Boundaries for Beginners" What are irrational beliefs? Negative thoughts and self-sabotage The mystery of "CHANGE" Effective Conflict Resolution On Procrastination... Speaking of procrastination... I had better get back to work... Read Full Story
I work with a domestic abuse intervention program, co-facilitating a group designed to rehabilitate the domestic abuse offenders. This post is not about that as much as it is about the age old question that is asked of any victim of domestic abuse: "why do they stay?" I read an excellent article recently that eloquently and pretty thoroughly covers this quandary. Here is a part of the article. The link will take you to the website and the entire article. Domestic Violence: considering leaving... Read Full Story
From "Family Corner.com"--here are some really important keys to making sure you really hear what your loved ones (or anyone you interact with really) are telling you. "One of the most important skills that you need in any and all of these relationships is listening. Better listening skills will allow you to create a more harmonious relationship where respect and cooperation are more likely to occur. How well do I really listen to others? How well do I listen to myself? Can I be still and... Read Full Story
The Healing Power Of Hope Researchers are exploring the scientific basis of this vital emotion that has the ability to alter the course of illness. By Ted Kreiter The ability of the mind to foster healing has long been an intriguing concept. Ailing patients who believe that they can get better often do. In his practice, Dr. Jerome Groopman, an expert in blood diseases, cancer, and AIDS at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, recognized that giving patients hope for recovery... Read Full Story
Laughter isn't just fun and enjoyable, it's good for our health. Each month modern medicine is discovering more about the therapeutic dimension of humor and laughter and is encouraging us to add them to our wellness program. the health benefits of laughter When we laugh we ... - Alleviate depression; - Lower our blood pressure; - Promote relaxation; - Reduce stress; - Increase the oxygen level in our blood, giving us more energy; - Increase the endorphin activity in our body resulting... Read Full Story
I read this article in Newsweek today, and I think I was a little taken aback. I believe that in some situations the "placebo effect" can play a role in "improvement," but I have also seen various medications make a difference in the lives of those who really need them ("need" being determined hopefully by a skilled and insightful primary care provider who does a full examination and psycho-social evaluation). "Placebo Nation: Just Believe" It's not that medicines are 'crummy... Read Full Story
The mental illness your partner suffers with is something that is happening to your entire family. All are affected and it is nobody's fault. It is not your fault, your partner's or your children's fault. It is an unfortunate illness.You cannot fix your partner. There is nothing you can do to make him or her well, so don't feel compelled to try. What you can do is be supportive, loving and handling the everyday details and practical issues of life that he or she cannot cope with.All members... Read Full Story
Just as diabetes is a disorder affecting the pancreas, a mental illness is a disorder which affects the brain. This disability affects a person’s mood, feelings, emotions and has the ability to interfere with a person’s employment, friendships and relationships. Common Myths about Mental Illness Mental Illness is caused by a weakness of personality. A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is an illness; just as diabetes, cancer and glandular fever are illnesses. A person suffering... Read Full Story
Most of us experience stress, but at what point does stress become a problem? And, if stress levels do become problematic, how does one best go about reducing stress? Some of this information can help you understand the whole process of reducing stress and living the more balanced life you were meant to live. Step 1: Understand Stress and Its Role In Your Life The first step to conquering stress in your life is understanding it. There are different types and levels of stress, and it affects... Read Full Story
