Articles
Thoughts on Counseling and TherapyDon’t Let Conflict Harm Your Relationship, Part 2
We all know that disagreements between partners are common. Whether they are big issues or little issues the potential for disagreement is a common part of any couple trying to work together or get along. When a potential disagreement arises we always have a choice to...
Don’t Let Conflict Harm Your Relationship
Most couples coming into therapy identify “communication” as the main issue that caused them to call. We’re so used to the word that we forget what a complicated and fragile thing communication is. Because so many factors create communication, there are just as many...
A Happy Couple’s Arithmetic: O+I=R
O+I=R This simple equation explains what we need to experience a thriving, dynamic relationship. O stands for OBSERVATION Observation is a crucial aspect of any partner’s effectiveness in a relationship. Observation is how we know what’s going on. Without observation...
Take Your Relationship to the Next Level
People often seem shocked when I tell them that all couples can benefit from counseling. I think that response comes from the idea that marriage counseling is only for helping couples get through a crisis. It’s not. The research has shown us that couples tend to make...
5 Ways to Guide Teens through Risk Taking
Teenagers fall in love, and they make love. They smoke pot and cigarettes. They drink alcohol. And most of this is behind their parents backs because they’ve been warned, “You better never…” When parents communicate with threats, the message translates to, “You better...
Prince Charmings, Darling Princesses, and the Pitfalls of Expectations in Relationships
When many of us commit to another we truly believe we have found our Prince Charming or Darling Princess. Why else would we want to be with them if not because we believe we're going to live happily ever after with our mate? Your other half will make you happy, meet...
Creating a Healthy Check Valve for Emotional Energy
Feelings are energy. When you are angry, you have negative energy. Happiness is positive energy. People are the containers for their feelings, like a pressure cooker contains steam. When we experiences events in our lives that create intense emotions, we often becomes...
Holiday Daze: Understanding the Stress of the Season
We all wish our winter holidays to be a time for celebrating, happiness, thankfulness, and togetherness. By October, we've started to form expectations - fantasies about gifts, family, and friends. But often those aren't met. We'll feel resentful, hurt, and...
How Neurofeedback Can Help with ADHD
Neurofeedback can be used to treat ADHD (as well as depression/anxiety, pain management, epilepsy, PTSD). Although it's not a cure, clients often no longer need to take medication or are able to significantly reduce medication. September is ADHD Awareness Month and a...
3 Step-Parenting Myths
The day after the wedding of Jenny's father and myself, I overheard her playmate ask, “Is she a wicked stepmother?” It then occurred to me that I may struggle in my new role - not only with being a stepparent, but also with Step Parenting Myths. I was afraid that I’d...