Watching the heavy, gentle snow drift down between the trees outside my windows today, I began to consider the value of solitude. When I’m by myself, it can be a wonderful opportunity of uninterrupted contemplation. But here’s the thing: sometimes solitude can seem...
Like many Americans, late in the night and early in the morning the glow of a smartphone lights up my face. Technology has made a tap on a screen the possibility of a continual visual portal for coronavirus and economic concerns. With the government discussing social...
As I sit in my home during the current COVID-19- related state of emergency, I am confronted with the reality that there is a lot of time on my hands to think, and a lot of fodder to think upon. From daily news announcements, to the online commentary and “non-news”,...
Has your therapist recently taken your sessions online? While many people choose to do therapy online, being asked to switch from in-person to online might bring up some disappointment or uncertainty. You might feel reluctant or uneasy about the impact this change...
The holidays can be a great time to get together with friends and family, eat good food, and enjoy yourself. We are encouraged to remember all we have to be thankful for and to spend time with those we love. The holidays should be fun and relaxing, but for some, they...
When I was teaching engineering students at Western Michigan University, I did an exercise midway through the semester where students had to move from one side of the room to another based on agreeing or disagreeing with the provided statement. It was an exercise in...
In my last article I talked about using mindfulness to expand the tennis ball in the pool or the whale in the ocean. This is one form of resilience. Creating more space between us and our stress is helpful – but not always possible. I stumbled on Bird Box this week....
A few days ago, a client was telling me about having an especially challenging week; the kind where her toddler was more difficult than usual, work threw in some surprise stress, and managing the household was a struggle. She felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and alone....
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...
