As adults, it can be hard for us to understand or even wrap our minds around tragedy. It can be even harder to try to explain a tragedy to our children. How do you even start? Detailed below are few tips in order to help you talk to your children when faced with tragedy.
Letter to an Injured Student Athlete
You are not alone. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this statistic is a fact, I know you may “feel” alone. Other feelings that may be surfacing for you are fear, sadness, anger, guilt and disappointment. These feelings can be frowned upon often by coaches, classmates and even parents. I want you to know that these feelings are absolutely normal and you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel them at times.
Far from loved ones? Tips to stay connected!
Due to college, jobs or relationships, most of us live in a different state or even country than our friends and family. If this is the case, how do we stay connected with one another? Here are a few tips to stay connected.
Feeling Stuck? Moving to a new city might just be the answer!
Have you ever thought about packing up everything you own and moving to a new place? Maybe its for adventure, maybe its because of a breakup, or maybe its just because you’ve lived in the same place your whole life. Whatever your reason might be, you are making a great decision. Moving to a new city can have a very positive effect on your psyche.
Challenging Cognitive Distortions is like Shopping for New Shoes
Many cognitive distortions have established the rules governing the way we think and act. Cognitive distortions are like a pair of old broken down shoes. You have worn them for so long that they are molded to your feet. Change is difficult and means you need to be brave enough to try a different thought.
Self-Compassion: Incorporating It Into Your Life
Why is it we say things to ourselves that we would never say to even our worst enemy? Harsh self-criticism seems to be the norm. But is it really helpful? Instead try a little self-compassion next time you think you’ve messed up.
Self-Compassion: A New Approach to Well-Being
In our highly-driven culture, the common belief is that success depends on being competitive and pushing yourself to your limits. What if this approach proved to be more harmful than helpful? Recent research shows self-criticism and a competitive attitude create obstacles to achieving goals.
Building a Better Brain: Start with Exercise
On Friday, I introduced you to a new concept: research is finding that we can not only “cope” with mental illness but that we can actually do things to build a better brain! Let’s start exploring what exactly we can do to make that happen. It turns out that exercise is not only good for your body but also great for your brain!
Recovering from an Affair: Healthy Boundaries and Self-Care
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, we’ve discussed the range of strong emotional reactions by both spouses after an affair is discovered. It’s important to begin minimizing the negative effects these reactions can have on each spouse and the marriage.
Recovering from an Affair: Resist the Need to Defend
Once an affair is discovered by a spouse, the impact of the emotional devastation can change the course of the couple’s life forever. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I assure you that although change is inevitable after such a betrayal, your marriage can recover! It is very important that the injured spouse does not continue to be harmed by the offending spouse’s actions.
