We are all busy and distracted. It’s easy to let family relationships slide. Here are 5 ways to strengthen family connections and improve relationships. 1. Have Fun: Spend time having a good time together. Generate a list of activities you enjoy as a family or new activities you’d like to try. These can be as simple as a bike ride or […]
Category Archives: counseling and psychotherapy
Depression Busting
Depression Busting by Sharon Martin, LCSW Depression is a very common disease in the United States. The good news is that it’s very treatable. People do recover from depression and/or keep their symptoms manageable. Many do well with a combination of medication, cognitive, and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings (the cognitive part). […]
How to Journal
I often suggest that my clients learn how to journal. Writing down thoughts can help process feelings, vent negative emotions, and reinforce positive feelings. It provides a “holding place” for your thoughts and feelings so you can temporarily get them off your mind, sort them out, and come back to them. It’s useful for: Anxiety Stress Depression Anger Grief OCD Insomnia […]
How do you engage adolescents in counseling?
Unlike adults, adolescents don’t usually initiate counseling on their own. They are usually brought to counseling because their parents want them to change. So, how do you engage a teenager in the therapeutic process? Fortunately, I find most teens are receptive to the idea of counseling and some are downright grateful for the opportunity. However, your child doesn’t need to […]
Assertive Ways to Handle Anger (Anger Managment Part 2)
As I wrote in part 1 of this anger management series, anger is not inherently good or bad. Our goal is to learn assertive ways to handle anger, rather than aggressive. Many people tend to primarily operate as either passive or aggressive and fail to utilize the middle ground: assertive. When you are too passive, you are a “doormat”. You let everyone […]
Do you need a vacation?
Are you overworked? Are you tired? Is it hard to separate work and personal time? In need of a vacation? From where I sit, the answer is yes. My clients and colleagues work very hard. So, why aren’t you using your vacation time? The Q1 2014 Employment Confidence Survey by Glassdoor reveals that employees are only using 51% of their […]
How does infertility affect a marriage?
How does infertility affect a marriage? It’s a major crisis for a couple. And one that can persist for years and years. Infertility is the loss of a dream, loss of the future. It creates financial stress. I don’t need to tell you that infertility treatment is expensive. Finances can limit choices. The stress can contribute to lack of connection […]
How do you know when you need therapy?
Are you wondering if you really need therapy? Most people who come to therapy are average folks, just like you. They are looking for support through a change or trauma. They are having trouble coping with stress or transitions. You should consider therapy when: You’ve tried to change/fix it on your own, but haven’t seen the results you are looking […]