4 Ways to Let Go of Being a People Pleaser

christopher campbell rDEOVtE7vOs unsplash 1 5d323913e049b

I work with many clients who struggle with being a people pleaser. My job as their clinical therapist is to help the client understand possible reasons why they struggle with the need of wanting to please other people and then possible coping strategies on how to start saying “no” to others. I recently read an…

Read More

Coping With Chronic Pain

raj eiamworakul cbKur5I60A unsplash 1 5d32380b9621e

Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC Pain affects your overall mood and in turn, can affect the quality of your life. It is becoming more important and beneficial for those who experience acute and chronic pain to address pain management within the psychotherapy atmosphere. We typically just associate pain with physical components, however, those who have…

Read More

Overcoming Fear of Making New Friends

priscilla du preez nF8xhLMmg0c unsplash 1 5d3236d37f846

As a clinician, I often work with clients who may have moved to the area recently or are making a life transition in which they are no longer close to a group of friends on a daily basis such as in school or a work setting. They may be changing from an office job where…

Read More

I’m Mad at My Therapist

andre hunter 5otlbgWJlLs unsplash 1 5d32350731ee2

Danielle Bertini, LPC Evidence suggests that the therapeutic alliance is the strongest predictor of outcome in psychotherapy (Alexander & Luborsky, 1986). However, what happens when the therapeutic relationship falters? Does this mean there is no hope? Actually, research has shown that when the therapeutic alliance falters and is then fixed, therapy can continue to flourish.…

Read More

6 Ways to Find Fulfillment at Work

nordwood themes kRNZiGKtz48 unsplash 1 5d32339df1e12

I work with many clients who are incredibly depressed related to not feeling fulfilled or happy at their job. My job as their clinical therapist is to help the client understand possible reasons why they are not feeling fulfilled at their job and then possible coping strategies to find some fulfillment at work. While I…

Read More

Being a Great Father

jude beck YErQe8LQkyA unsplash 1 5d3231eb84acb

With the recent celebration of Father’s Day, fathers across America were honored. Father’s Day highlights the positive contributions that fathers make in their children’s lives. The identity of fathers has changed in recent decades and the needs of children for their father. Children face higher social pressures as they go into adolescence. With single parent…

Read More

Is Marriage Overrated? Part Two

samantha gades N1CZNuM Fd8 unsplash 1 5d322f877235f

After writing my last post, I could not help but think of ways to address marital isolation and how individuals can become more aware of symptoms of marital isolation within their own marriage. I wanted to elaborate on the significance of understanding your own and your partner’s marital expectations, values, and beliefs. Feeling alone in…

Read More

Is Marriage Overrated?

foto pettine IfjHaIoAoqE unsplash 1 5d322e25c30d1

I recently read an article by Mandy Len Catron called, ‘What You Lose When You Gain A Spouse.’ I have decided to reflect some of my own responses to this article as a way to explore the concept of marital loneliness. As someone who has grown up in a hetero-normative family with a Mom and…

Read More

Insomnia

insomnia 1 5d3229a8f2f57

I’m having another one of those nights. Some of you know what I’m talking about… Where will ”6” go for summer camp? Who will care for the twins while I’m at work? How will I grow my business? Will I ever achieve my goals? 6’s room is a mess; I won’t have time to clean…

Read More

Playing a Game with No Winners: Blame

sage friedman HS5CLnQbCOc unsplash 1 5d3227bbcd2f2

Steven Topper, LCPC Try a little game in the morning and see if you can go one whole day without blaming anyone, for anything. It may be harder than we’d think. Often in life we find ourselves wronged. It may be random strangers, friends, family, or significant others that have brought pain and wrongdoing. These…

Read More