As I mentioned in previous blogs, defense mechanisms like denial, are unconscious responses to overwhelming stress in our lives. Although they serve an important purpose, if left unchecked, protective instincts from defense mechanisms can inhibit the development of healthier coping skills. Today, we are going to dive into the topic … Read More
Ways to be an Advocate and an Ally on National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
I have the best little sister in the world. I’m not bragging though…this is just a fact! She’s kind, caring, a member of the Foster-Schmidt dance company, a huge fan of slapstick humor, and a devoted employee at the Johns Creek Police department. She also happens to have Down syndrome … Read More
Emotions and Divorce
When the idea of divorce becomes an unwelcome reality, there are a lot of emotions that drive decision making. Even if you’ve determined to be as gracious and collaborative as possible, guilt, fear, shame, anger, hurt, and pain all make pretty quick appearances. Sometimes people are really caught off guard … Read More
Divorce: Dad or Mom left…now what?
Navigating divorce is difficult. There are many causes for divorce. A few of these are: Affairs Grown apart/fallen out of love Addiction Incompatible Divorce becomes even more complex when there are children involved. Many times, parents become bitter and angry towards each other and it is hard to treat each … Read More
Experiencing Positive Change in Your Relationships
As a marriage and family therapist, the biggest hurdle that I see individuals and couples face in realizing the goals for their relationships is that they keep doing what they have been doing, in spite of having learned a better way. So, as the Nike ad says, “Just do it.” … Read More
Mourning the Loss of a Pet
Pet loss is often one of the most difficult experiences people deal with. It often takes people by surprise just how difficult it can be to “bounce back” after a pet’s death, or how hard the loss hits them in their day to day life. Whether it is a childhood … Read More
Tips for setting GOALS!
The start of a new year brings a lot of hope to people and many are inspired to set goals or resolutions. It is a symbol of new beginnings and having a clean slate. We feel determined to make this year better than the last. We want to get organized, … Read More
Have I Experienced Trauma?
Any experience that is less than nurturing and causes you to change your perception of yourself, others and the world can be defined as trauma. The truth is we all have experiences in life that affect us negatively and cause us to suffer. The second truth is we are often … Read More
Eat more attentively
Resolutions like “eat healthier” seem to be pretty common. But what if we tried to eat more attentively instead? We live in a pretty fast-paced culture. Leisurely lunch breaks are great. But sometimes “lunch” is a turkey sandwich in one hand and an iPhone in the other as we run … Read More
New Ideas for Resolutions
It can be easy to get stuck in the same routine where you make the same resolutions year after year. I can’t count the number of times I have promised myself to drink less caffeine! If you have tried the same few resolutions each year, why not try something different … Read More