Some people attempt to avoid discomfort or other uncomfortable feelings. They may avoid any negative experience, conversation, or encounter that could elicit pain. They might not even realize their avoidance comes from not wanting to feel uncomfortable. People may mask their feelings by saying things like, “Good vibes only!” or “There is always a silver... Continue Reading →
When I started my internship experience and began working with clients, I distinctly remember my gut reaction was to say, “I am so sorry” if my clients would cry in session. I quickly realized that I did not need to do this, and I looked at this example as an opportunity to examine my own... Continue Reading →
How many emotions can you name? In Brenè Brown’s book entitled Atlas of the Heart,Brown and her team surveyed 7,000 people in five years, and the average number of emotions that people can identify are three: happiness, sadness, and anger. However, these three emotions grossly underrepresent all the emotions we feel daily. In fact, Brown... Continue Reading →
You may have heard of seasonal depression in the context of the winter blues. However, according to the professional counseling department at South University, spring can lead to showers of depression. It is possible that the longer days send people’s bodies and emotions into turmoil. And let’s not forget about seasonal allergies! Spring-based depression can... Continue Reading →
Problems often seem pregnant, with active and intrusive parents who do not seem to leave them alone. This is an insight that I gained earlier this week during a counseling session at Roseland Christian Ministries where, as a counseling intern with Olive Branch Counseling Assoiates, I provide counseling services to members of the community. That... Continue Reading →
The idea that you can only love another person until you love yourself is expressed frequently. And while loving yourself is truly valuable, the language used around it is often limiting. The fact of the matter is that self-love is not an easy deed. A person may even wonder, what is self-love? What does it... Continue Reading →
Eating food is an experience most individuals collectively share in each day. For many, eating is part of a routine and something they need to survive. For some, it is an enjoyable part of work, school, or home life. Food can be a source of tradition, comfort, joy, and socialization. However, for many individuals (of... Continue Reading →
According to the National Day Calendar, March 2nd marks World Teen Mental Wellness Day. It is a day that strives to increase awareness and decrease stigma about the many mental health issues that teens deal with daily. Many teens begin presenting various problems at around 14 years of age. These issues often go undiagnosed and... Continue Reading →
Over 20 years ago when Zahrain and I were receiving marriage guidance from Bishop Brown of Bronzeville, Chicago who officiated our wedding, he schooled us on three critical issues of focus for sustained happiness in our marriage. In this brief blog, I will focus on the second (sex), and may discuss the other two in... Continue Reading →
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