We are currently living an age that I like to the call the “Mental Health Renaissance”. Everywhere you turn in popular media, there seems to be more and more discussion about mental health and mental illness. And as a therapist and a longtime recipient of therapy myself, I think it is a beautiful thing to see. The less taboo we can make the subject, the more people will reach out and get the help they need, and the research seems to be bearing that out!
Read MoreCodependency has become widely regarded as a dirty word when it comes to relationships in our culture. American culture places a heavy emphasis on being wholly independent, independent from family, financially independent, as well as emotionally independent. We hear through all sorts of media that a strong person is one who does not rely on anyone else.
Read MoreIf you and your partner have recently welcomed home a new bundle of joy, first congrats! Second, I sincerely hope the two of you are adjusting to being new parents or parents again (and I’m also sending thoughts of rest and good sleep). Physical intimacy might be one of the furthest things from either of your minds right now – I’m looking at you, you sleep-deprived parents or new mommas who are breastfeeding – but, there will come a time when you and your partner are ready to explore physical intimacy again.
Read MoreAlright, y’all! We made it. I don’t know if anyone else follows those funny memes where people show photos of their slowly declining mood for every month of the year, but I find them incredibly accurate. If I created one of my own, my December photo would probably be me crawling over the finish line with a forced, slightly fearful smile. I would force a smile because there is something refreshing about the New Year that makes me want to believe in new opportunities and positive growth, but the little bit of fear comes from so many unknowns in 2021.
Read MoreAs we wrap a year like 2020, gratitude can seem like a stretch, perhaps especially for those among us who have faced grave loss. We have collectively been through some unprecedented and extremely challenging times over the last year. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I’m feeling the weight of all that humanity has experienced.
Read MoreI haven’t had a haircut since January. I haven’t seen my colleagues in person in eight months. I haven’t lingered over a long, relaxing meal with friends – in a restaurant or a home – in about that long. And I really miss seeing my clients in person. The energy and connection of being with people in person feed my soul.
Read MoreIs how much time my teen plays video games a problem? Should I limit how long my kids have access to their XBOX? Do I need to buy them a top gaming PC? Is my son addicted to video games? Why are kids these days so obsessed with gaming?
Read MoreHal Elrod is the creator of the Miracle Morning, a practice he developed to take control of his life one day at a time. Elrod is no stranger to struggle. He has survived a near-fatal auto accident complete with a year-long recovery and crippling financial loss, twice. To rebound from the devastating impact of his life experiences and course correct, he began studying the habits of successful people and created a morning regimen that touches several facets of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Read MoreSelf-reflection. Two words that can seem intriguing, complex, and daunting when put together. Self-reflection is the act of “meditating or thinking about one’s character, actions, and motives”(Webster Dictionary). Reflection allows for growth.
Read MoreRaise your hand if you are feeling frayed. Fatigued. Restless. Edgy. Gloomy. As we continue along the path of living our lives mostly at home, the signs of wear are showing up in therapy. In addition to the “usual” anxious and depressed experiences, we are hearing words like “unsettled,” “lazy,” “unmotivated” and “disconnected.” Even the folks who were initially quite comfortable with the separateness and social shelter of stay-home orders are starting to feel the impact.
Read MoreIf you have not talked with your children about race, now is the time. The topic can be sensitive, enlightening, and uncomfortable, but it is imperative to create a dialogue for the ones that will soon run this world, and hopefully, make it a more inclusive and peaceful one. It may be difficult to know how to start the conversation. Here’s how:
Read MoreFalling in love is so much fun. It’s so much fun in fact, that you actually become addicted to it; while falling in love, your brain release chemicals, such as vasopressin, adrenaline, dopamine, and oxytocin that allow you to feel pleasure and a euphoric sense of purpose.
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