"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 →
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 →
According to the Holidays Calendar (2022), April 30th was National Honesty Day. This is a day that celebrates both honesty and candor. This holiday was originally invented by the author M. Hirsh Goldberg to serve as a contrast to April Fool’s Day, the day of pranks and deceit. It has been said that honesty is... Continue Reading →
In a previous blog, I promised to further unpack a proposed metaphor: problems are pregnant with intrusive parents. I suggested that when we become aware of a problem, if we look further there will most likely be other little problems on the inside, and likely bigger ones on the outside. In this visit, I want... 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 →
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