Can someone be addicted to going to a bar? Seriously, I am talking about a person who does not drink alcohol, do any drugs, or engage in any gambling or other elicit activity. Is it possible that someone’s socialization, in and of itself, can be an addiction? Or, does an addiction require some sort of... Continue Reading →
Although I identify as a Black person of African and Caribbean heritage, and American socialization, I am still struggling with the word “Black people.” As I selected those two words as the first for the title of this blog, I imagine that some people may feel certain ways when they read it. They may wonder,... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
CounselingMatters.live 