My mother’s hands are cool to the touch. Cold hands, warm heart, she likes to say. For her that is true. She has dementia, and though memories continuously erode away, her gracious spirit seems to expand to fill the crevices that remain. Today when I arrived to visit my mom, I wheeled her past […]
What is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a relatively new and groundbreaking therapy that has been proven effective for those who have experienced trauma and performance anxiety, as well as those experiencing other types of anxiety, panic, depression, and other emotional difficulties. EMDR is appropriate for adults as well as adolescents […]
Alzheimer’s disease robbed my mother of much memory. And though she is usually pleasant and gracious, the angst the memory loss causes is sometimes brutal, taking a toll on her and us who care for her. Developing a mindful approach to her condition— not getting lost in the stress of overseeing her care, but instead […]
While engaged, my soon-to-be husband and I took a premarital class. Many years later, one comment made about marriage has continued to stick with me. This statement was so simple yet profound, and I like to share this bit of wisdom with other couples when I get the chance. The things that you love about […]
One of the most important skills I try to cultivate in my own life as well as teach to my clients is the ability to respond rather than to react. The difference between the two is much bigger than you may think. A response is thought out and conscious. A reaction is unconscious, and may […]
Why premarital counseling? Counseling prior to marriage is accepting an opportunity to put strongholds in place for long-lasting respect, friendship, and happiness. Premarital counseling gives couples an opportunity to gain insights into growth-areas in their relationship, and identify strengths to build on. By understanding personality differences, couples can better prevent conflict and develop a better […]
The holidays can be a great time to relax, celebrate, and catch up on time with family and friends. However, for some of us it can create an amount of stress that may lead to anxiety and depression. This can be especially challenging when everyone around us seems extra joyful, grateful, and having all kinds […]
This is the time of year when families start talking about the Holidays. “Where are we going for Thanksgiving?” “Who’s going to be there?” “I sure hope I get some great presents during the Holidays!” But for some there are no decisions to be made. Battered women and their children live in fear of being […]
Having a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging for parents. ADHD, usually characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity requires parents to adapt to their child’s individualized needs. Expectations such as following instructions, staying still, waiting his or her turn, and completing tasks such as schoolwork or chores can be extremely difficult […]
Many children struggle to recover from high-emotion situations. Tantrums become drawn out and exhausting for both the child and caregiver. Items found in a Calming Box can provide visual and hands-on activities to help soothe a child’s mind and body. The child or parent notices the child is getting agitated or upset and retrieves the […]