I know many people who believe that they are addicts, and are well aware of the damage that their alcohol and/or drug use is causing to themselves and those around them. However, for one reason or the other, they are either uninterested or unmotivated to completely abstain from drinking or using. For such people, approaches... Continue Reading →
How we process our feelings and emotions is often learned early in childhood. Some families are good at getting everything out, speaking their minds and telling others about how they feel. Others find it more appealing to stay quiet about feelings, stuffing them down and never speaking of them again. We can often be lured... Continue Reading →
I looked in the mirror on Monday morning and said to myself, “Wow! You look awful!” I could see the puffy bags under my eyes, the fine lines around my eyes had turned into angry crow’s feet. My hair was frizzy and in need of a color treatment. I then went to my closet trying... Continue Reading →
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 →
"I'm a white woman, what can I possibly say about race?" I recently asked a black colleague. His reply, "I don't know, what can you say? What has been your experience?" I think as a white person I've been taught to deny race, to pretend like it doesn't exist. The idea of being "color blind"... Continue Reading →
Life is full of first times, and first times are frightening! Can you remember the fear you felt the first time you got behind the wheel of a car? The first time you asked someone out on a date? Or the first time you started a new job? Often when we are faced with doing... Continue Reading →
In a recent group discussion, a fellow student counselor raised the question of whether people either have the capacity for empathy, or not. The peer interpreted that this could have been guidance given by a more seasoned counselor. Many of us wondered if the statement by the established counselor was well interpreted by our peer.... Continue Reading →
Warmer weather, longer days, expectations of spending time outside with friends and family, summer looks like it is finally here to stay. Here are 3 ways to ensure this summer doesn't slip by and leave you wishing you had done more. Summer bucket list: What's on your summer bucket list? Is it going to the... Continue Reading →
When events happen in your life, are you reacting or are you responding? What is the difference? Reaction is based on our subconscious patterns and beliefs. Think of it as a "knee-jerk" reaction, one that happens instantly and does not require time to process or evaluate. A reaction is often a habit, and it is... Continue Reading →
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