Articles about Families
The Gift of Nothing is a Special Something
In the hustle and bustle of the holidays we are wrapped up in what they call, the “gift of giving”. Black Friday shopping, doorbuster sales, and the need to find the perfect gift leaves many of us feeling pressured and stressed. My clients and myself feel the...
A Holiday Tradition for Dads
Twenty years ago, or so, when I was in graduate school, I thought it would be a great idea to take my two young sons Christmas shopping for their mom. They were probably 5 and 3. I loaded the Graco Duo stroller into the car and we headed for the mall. I had managed to...
Bah, Humbug! Another Holiday Season is Here
Why is it so difficult for some of us? As the stores fill with shoppers during this season, so do the therapists’ offices. During a time when emotions are supposed to be “merry and bright,” people sometimes feel mad or bummed. Why are there often negative emotions...
The Only Cure for Grief is Action
Over the years, as a Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist, I have heard many stories about all kinds of dads – some wonderful, some absent, some mediocre, some abusive. As a daughter, I know I have never stopped longing for my dad’s approval. I truly...
What Parents Need to Remember when their Kids are Coping with Divorce or Separation
Divorce and/or separation is one of the most challenging things for families to navigate as life for everyone drastically changes. Its important that no matter the circumstances surrounding the divorce or separation, that we keep in mind what children are going...
Signs that You May Be in an Enmeshed Relationship
To me, nothing is better on a Friday night than a nice drive, rolling the car windows down, and playing music. The other day on my ride home, I turned on my jazz playlist to an overwhelming volume, put the car in drive, and began filling the cabin with new, fall air....
Empty Compassion or Holy Compassion
Caring for others can be a beautiful, rewarding experience of love and compassion. In many cases, a caregiver’s social circle of friends and family often provides praise and encouragement. Caregivers often report friends and family saying things like, “I have so much...
Should I Come Out to My Parents?
There is no perfect way for a person to come out to intolerant parents. This conversation certainly can be one of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. But it is common to feel relief afterward. Even when it doesn’t go so well at first.