I heard Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman interviewed on the Unlocking Us podcast the other day. They talked about their new book, "The Love Prescription: 7 days to more intimacy, connection, and joy." It was a fascinating conversation about the small steps we can take in our relationships to make marked differences.... Continue Reading →
Guided Imagery and Peace
“Visual or guided imagery can help clients block out intrusive visualizations by substituting a relaxing or empowering visualization or image” (Erford, 2020: 77). I recently attended an early morning devotion at a church imbedded in a high crime neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. The deacon was leading the prayer meeting where the topic was how... Continue Reading →
Teaching your child to value life-long learning
We have all heard that reading to our children from the time they are infants is important, but do you know why? At the youngest age, infants listen to your inflection and pauses and the rhythm of your reading. Even at this early age, their brains are mapping out how language works and what it... Continue Reading →
Are you more of a Problem Stopper, or Problem Passer?
In a previous post entitled, “Are problems usually pregnant, with intrusive parents?” I offered to follow-up “to further unpack what that really means by demonstrating some recent findings in empirical research” (St. Jean 2022). The main gist of the blog was as follows: “The idea is that when you become aware of a presenting problem, if you... Continue Reading →
Treating Social Anxiety Disorder
In a previous blog, I discussed the nature, prevalence, signs and complexities of social anxiety. I urged readers to seek help for the disorder as soon as possible to prevent future complications. In this visit, I will discuss recommended treatments for social anxiety. Since the prevenance of anxiety is so high in various aspects of... Continue Reading →
You are not alone in feeling lonely
“I’m lonely,” a woman told me. She describes how she longs for meaningful friendships but doesn’t know how to make those happen. With tears, she explains how she looks around, and it seems everyone has someone but her. She feels desperate and is void of any hope that things will change. She says she knows... 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 →
The Wellness Wheel
The wellness wheel is a model of eight parts that make up a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle. It is a visual reminder that our lives are made up of many facets and that each one is important and should be recognized. If we are out of balance in one area, that will affect other areas... Continue Reading →
Integrity and Recovery
A few weeks ago, I was performing internship duties at a location on the West Side of Chicago with one of the highest rates of incarceration, violence, poverty, and other aspects of disadvantage. I was scheduled to run my first session on Peace Management as a supplement to the needs of formerly incarcerated men, and... Continue Reading →
