When I began writing this piece and went to save just a blank page with the title at the top, Microsoft Word suggested I save the document as “Crisis Self.” I internally chuckled because that really is what this piece will be about—your “crisis self.”
What comes to mind when you hear a question like, “what is your Meaning in life?” Some common reactions are, rolling your eyes, or getting emotional, or feeling scared. It is one of those topics you only expect to discuss with a counselor, spiritual advisor, or maybe an intimate partner. We all know Meaning is […]
Hello spring, sunshine, and smiles. Goodbye winter and to all those dark, gloomy skies or feeling down below the weather. The seasons are now changing and coming to an end. As one would say, “every ending is a start to a new beginning” or a new season. A new season is a reason to spring […]
Today, we wrap up the four-part series in which we’ve learned about Gottman’s Four Horsemen and his approach to couples therapy. The last remaining of The Four Horsemen leaves us with Stonewalling, which typically occurs in response to the combined impact of contempt and any of the other Four Horsemen. Feeling continually criticized, disrespected, insulted, […]
Let’s face it, if it were up to us, we would want to have as much control over a situation as we possibly can. This way, everything will always go as planned, we wouldn’t fear the unknown or the future as much, anxiety would pretty much not even exist, and we’d all live happily ever […]
When I was 25, looking out for me meant that my significant other made sure my car was serviced regularly and I did my taxes on time. Now that I am much older, looking out for me means my husband makes sure we stay current on our life insurance policies so we and our children […]
Teenagers are very different from toddlers or even “tweens.” And I am not just talking about age and size. If I try to snuggle up to my nephew who is 15 the way I would to my best friend’s toddler, I know I will not be well-received. My nephew loves me and I love him, […]
One does not have to look far to find information on dealing life’s unexpected changes. Self-help books, websites, mental health counseling, and even television shows offer assistance in dealing with unforeseen changes. Examples of these kinds of changes may include: • Losing a loved one • Losing a job • The end of a relationship, […]
Art therapy is “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship” (American Art Therapy Association, 2017). In other words, art therapy is used by a qualified art therapist as a therapeutic […]
For some of us, “going with the flow” doesn’t feel like an option. We plan, overthink, worry, and plan some more as a means of coping with not knowing what the future will bring. Anxiety, or feelings of worry, dread, or nervousness can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure of how to move forward. […]
