The teenage years can be filled with confusion, big emotions, and the struggle to understand oneself. Teens often find it difficult to navigate these overwhelming feelings and may not always open up to their parents. This can be frustrating and confusing for families. However, therapy can provide teens with the opportunity to explore their emotions... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Spending Quality Family Time Together
In today's fast-paced and hectic world, it can be easy for families to get caught up in their individual routines and lose sight of the importance of spending quality time together. However, carving out dedicated time for family activities and bonding is crucial for the overall well-being and development of each family member. In this... Continue Reading →
When Holiday Plans Don’t Go According to Plan
It was December of 2020. The first Christmas we would all experience during the Covid-19 pandemic was approaching. My best friend of twenty-five years, Kelly, had moved in with me earlier in the year. She had been teaching art in Quito, Ecuador for the past 3 years, but was forced to make a final decision... Continue Reading →
Does Anyone Have Family Meals Anymore?
The reality of family life is there is never a shortage of activities to attend, work to be done, or tasks to be completed. Family members often feel like ships in the night as they go from one activity to the next. If a family has multiple children and teens, it may be impossible to... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Sharing Stories
I spent much of my day yesterday watching the Queen's funeral. I was impressed by all of the pomp and circumstance. No one does pomp and circumstance better than the British! The day was filled with formalities, marching bands, processions, and symbolism. Along with all of the media coverage, I've also enjoyed reading all the... Continue Reading →
Family Game Night
Everyone in the family is home for the night and yet no one is talking to each other. Your kids are alone in their rooms on their tablets, dad is watching TV in the family room and mom is scrolling through Instagram on her phone. These days there is no shortage of things to keep... Continue Reading →
A Grateful Goodbye: Reflections of an Intern
        As we bid 2018 goodbye, my time as an Olive Branch Counseling Associates Intern is also coming to an end. Looking back on the previous year, I see that my time spent here has been such a large part of it. So much of my life has changed... Continue Reading →
Play Therapy
Play Therapy        Working at the daycare has helped me understand that playing is very important for children. Playing allows children to communicate with others and it helps them express their feelings. I am learning the children as well as their different personalities. It is amazing how young children learn... Continue Reading →
Parenting
This is the first of a series of entries on Parenting. There are a few things I think are important to keep in mind when it comes to being a parent. The first thing to keep in mind is the knowledge that parenting is a Gift, a Holy Gift, if you will. Not everyone gets... Continue Reading →
