Post-adoption Depression

For parents who have chosen to adopt, a new baby or child represents a dream come true. . After the child is placed in the home however, new parents may be confused or frustrated when they experience feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, and hopelessness. Most suffer in silence, because of the shame and guilt of not being entirely ecstatic over something that was chosen and, in many cases, worked so hard to get. Research suggests a depression similar to postpartum depression can also be experienced when a baby or child is adopted. It is referred to as post-adoption depression and thought to affect between 18 and 26% of adoptive mothers. Adoptive fathers are also affected, but little research has been conducted to determine numbers.

Lessons from Loss: A Personal Story – Part 2 of 2

No one wants to experience the loss of someone whom they love. In fact, for most of us, the idea of losing someone close to us is very anxiety producing. Society often expects only pain and suffering to accompany death-related loss. I am openly sharing some of my personal experiences with you in the final entry of this 2 part series in the hope that I may pass on the lessons I learned from my experience. I also hope that it may bring you a bit of comfort.

Making A College Decision With Low Stress

Preparing for and getting into college is a lot of work! Teens have to write admission essays, personal statements, gather recommendations, take long standardized tests and so much more. Once seniors start getting into colleges, they then have to make the hard decision of where they will attend higher education.

Six Signs that Your Child May Need to See a Therapist

All children face obstacles as they grow up. They experience stress, guilt, grief, social challenges and other difficulties. People used to think that children do not experience these normal aspects of life in the same way as adults. However new research is showing that these stressors impact children in a similar way that these stressors impact adults. Children can react with anxiety, depression and high levels of stress just like adults do.

The Plague of Electronic Devices

Are your electronic devices getting in the way of your interactions with your children? Does email, Facebook, Snapchat or twitter seem to be more enticing than interacting with your kids?

Challenging Cognitive Distortions is like Shopping for New Shoes

Many cognitive distortions have established the rules governing the way we think and act. Cognitive distortions are like a pair of old broken down shoes. You have worn them for so long that they are molded to your feet. Change is difficult and means you need to be brave enough to try a different thought.

Talking with Your Teen About Porn: Is Today’s Porn Harmless? Part 3 of 4

Isn’t viewing porn pretty harmless for teens? Isn’t this just a phase most boys (or young people) go through? Although it is normal to be curious and interested, here is the third of 4 reasons the average young person today may not “casually” view pornography without being seriously impacted by what he or she consumes.