Keep Calm & Trust Good Will
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. From my favorite chair in the living room, I have a clear view down the hallway that leads to the bedrooms and the office. My teenaged son is holding a pack of Black Cat firecrackers in his left...
Vulnerability and Wholehearted Living
Vulnerability. It’s a word that makes most people squirm. Over and over, I see people physically get uncomfortable in their seat in my office when I say this word. They know that it is a risk. If you are vulnerable you can get hurt. Dr....
Perfectly Flawed
I took a vacation to the Florida beach last month. It was great to get away and be with great people. On this trip, I tried something new – near shore fishing. My husband usually goes fishing on our beach trips but I never have. But this year, the boat had my required...
What Do We Do?
Venturing into counseling for the first time can be quite stressful just in and of itself. For most people who decide to seek counseling the first time, the unfamiliar process can feel stressful in addition to whatever stressors are already happening. If you are...
THERAPY IN YARD WORK
Does the title sound like an oxy-moron? My experience this last week would prove otherwise. I’m probably late to the party of those that see yard work as something extremely therapeutic. However, in my defense, it’s most likely due to my not ever having my own yard....
Investing in Self
Self-care. It’s an interesting word. It may be a more interesting concept. Every human needs it. As therapists, we try and help people come to a place where they can care for themselves and recognize the signs that exist when they are weary or worn out. We...
Being a Tulip
Jan. 30, 2016 Thoughts about creativity and how it relates to vulnerability have been running through my head lately. These two go hand in hand. It is impossible to be creative and not be vulnerable. Being creative is risky. Sharing a new idea in a meeting or with...
His Truth, Her Truth, and THE Truth
His Truth, Her Truth and THE Truth. Marriage counseling can be tricky business sometimes. People come in with the idea that the counselor will be a mediator or negotiator for their arguments. Boy, is that a wrong idea! One thing I have learned in marriage counseling...
Male Depression Doesn’t Look the Same
In his book, Unmasking Male Depression, Dr. Archibald Hart explains how men will typically experience depression differently than women. This can include major clinical depression that effects approximately 10% of the population, as well as “reactive depression” all...
Fight Fire with Fire…or Not?
Fight Fire with Fire…or Not? When fighting fire with fire, remember that firemen use water. When I first read this truism, I thought, “That’s funny.” But, then I thought about the deeper meaning of it, the life application. Let me tell you a story. About 24 years ago,...