Couples therapy, for many individuals, continues to be seen as this mysterious, unforeseeable process that can be very anxiety-provoking to embark upon. Depending on your culture, beliefs and value system, turning to an “outsider” may be a very difficult decision for either partner. As a couples therapist, one of the … Read More
The Science Behind “Flipping Our Lids”
Have you ever gotten really upset about something only to look back on it a day or two later and realize it wasn’t that big of deal after all? Most of us have had a similar experience. We find ourselves apologizing to a partner, child or co-worker for something that … Read More
How to Cope When Losing Your BFF
I believe most of us have heard BFF as a commonly used phrase to describe a very close friendship or “best friend forever.” Especially for women, close friendships often serve as a place of refuge or a layer of protection from difficulties in life. Research shows that BFF’s can increase … Read More
Listening Well: Responding to Criticism
When was the last time you found yourself in an argument with someone? Who do you argue with most frequently? And what are those arguments about? Want a more productive option?? Michael Nichols, the author of “The Lost Art of Listening” shares a story about his temperamental cat that many … Read More
Decoding Your Break-Up, Part 2: How Do You Deal With Them
In Part One of Decoding Your Break-Up, we explored why break-ups feel so terrible. In Part Two, we will talk about how to deal with a break-up in a healthy, productive way. Time does heal all wounds. However there are definitely ways to speed up and encourage the healing process. … Read More
Helping Your Socially Struggling Child
All children struggle with something in life. For some, it is reading or math. For some, it is learning to tolerate the word “no.” For others, it is making and keeping friends their own age. Many parents feel incredibly helpless as they watch their child struggle socially, because while there … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 3: Scientific Proof that People Can Change
Can people change? It’s a loaded question. If affects our views on philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology and biology – just to name a few. What if I told you there was scientific research that strongly suggests that the answer is yes? Think about that for a second. Think about the … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 2: The Brain vs. The Mind
Over the next few posts, we’re going to talk about an emerging field of study called cognitive neuroscience. But don’t worry. We’re going to leave (most of) the 7-syllable words to the textbooks and wikipedia entries. Instead, we’re going to focus on the practical applications of this science on our … Read More
Reacting or Responding?
As I was reading recently, I came across a quote in Melody Beattie’s book Codependent No More that really spoke to me. “We jump into the first feeling that comes our way and then wallow in it…we are reacting without thinking. When we react we forfeit our personal, God-given power … Read More
The Bullying Phenomenon: The Bystander (Part 3)
In the final blog, we will explore the role of the bystander. Growing up in a society where bullying is extremely prevalent, if your child is lucky enough to avoid being bullied (or being a bully), chances are that he or she has witnessed bullying. Bullying is fostered when the … Read More