Recognizing Safe People

empathy

One of our greatest needs is to be fully seen, fully known and fully loved. It’s really tough to do that if you’re not certain that you have anyone safe to share vulnerable moments and your ugliest struggles with. This is all so much more important and difficult if you … Read More

Self-care after a Break-up

break-up

We all have experience with a break-up. Whether you wanted the relationship to end or not, it can be quite distressing. Maybe it was an unhealthy relationship that you could not wait to leave, or maybe you were blind sighted by someone you completely gave your heart to. We all … Read More

Experiencing Positive Change in Your Relationships

marriage

As a marriage and family therapist, the biggest hurdle that I see individuals and couples face in realizing the goals for their relationships is that they keep doing what they have been doing, in spite of having learned a better way. So, as the Nike ad says, “Just do it.” … Read More

New Ideas for Resolutions

resolutions

It can be easy to get stuck in the same routine where you make the same resolutions year after year.  I can’t count the number of times I have promised myself to drink less caffeine!  If you have tried the same few resolutions each year, why not try something different … Read More

Moving: New City, New Life

moving

Moving is hard, but moving through this challenge can make you stronger and a more well-rounded individual. Whether the change is due to school, a job, or just wanting a fresh start, people are moving to new cities all the time. Even if it is a change you are excited … Read More

Party Survival Skills for the Socially Anxious

anxious

For many people, parties are a highlight of the holiday season. But for those who are socially anxious, holiday parties can be nothing short of torturous. Resolving social anxiety exceeds the scope of a blog post, but in the meantime, here are some quick tips for surviving all the festivities. … Read More

The Promise of the Holiday Season

season

In a world consumed with commercialism, it can be easy to lose sight of what the holiday season is really about. We tend to focus on superficial aspects of life and then fall hard when those things crumble before our eyes. Delicious food, presents, and lots of laughs are part … Read More

Sobriety During the Holidays

Eat, Drink, and be Merry! This is a popular holiday slogan that many of us are familiar with. Nevertheless, holidays are often a time that can be a trigger for individuals struggling with addiction and sobriety. Many people think that the holidays are just a time for happiness and time … Read More

What Does Emotional Intelligence Mean? Part 1

marriage

Children experience the same emotions as adults. They can feel everything from happiness to sadness to anger to nervousness to even stress. However unlike adults, many children do not understand how to effectively deal with the range of emotions they experience. Just like other life skills parents pass onto their … Read More