How Not to Fight
All couples fight. In fact, the process of rupture and repair can actually be strength-building. The key as to whether an argument or difficult conversation makes a pair stronger lies in HOW a couple fights. Maladaptive Disagreement Strategies An eye for an eye This can also look like fighting to fight. Have you ever been…
Read MoreWhat is My Mind Doing Now?
Maggie Reynolds, LCPC, NCC We often talk about our creations, our decisions, our opinions, and our beliefs without looking further into the processes that led us there. Mindfulness has become a big part of mental health treatment and life for many people. An important component of mindfulness can be identifying and understanding the way your…
Read MoreBasic Steps to Positive Communication
Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Let’s face it, we all would benefit from improving our communication with each other. While I recommend therapy for anyone seeking to improve their communication skills, this blog will present a basic overview on some of the styles and techniques that can be used to improve your communication. The Four Communication…
Read MoreAddictive Love vs. Love
Kaitlin Broderick, LCPC You just got back from another amazing date with a new person. You have been texting back and forth, having late night phone calls, and receiving the physical and emotional attention you had been fantasizing about just a few weeks earlier. Feeling giddy and euphoric, you can’t wait to call your friends…
Read MoreCodependency
Kaitlin Broderick, LCPC What is codependency? The term is often associated with addiction. For example, the codependent might “enable” an addict’s behavior or contribute to relationship dysfunction by becoming overly immersed in the actions, consequences, and behaviors of the addict (their dependent). In doing this, the codependents neglect their own mental and physical well-being. This…
Read MoreMyths of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been practiced in Eastern cultures for centuries in religious, non-religious, and traditional ways. Like a tree with strong roots, mindfulness has become rooted in Western society. Mindfulness is quickly being integrated into our culture to help physicians care for their patients, in schools around the country, and by mental health professionals. Mental health…
Read MoreBaby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
While many women experience mild mood changes or “the blues” during or after the birth of a child, 1 in 5-to-7 women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Also, 1-in-10 dads become depressed and anxious during the first year as well. If these feelings are lasting past the two-week mark, they are no…
Read MoreDealing With a Breakup: Cope with Post-Split Stress
Break-ups are never easy, whether it’s a romantic relationship, friendship, a work break-up, or even breaking up with your therapist. There are often mixed emotions of frustration, anger, sadness, happiness, not knowing what the future will hold, etc. A good cry can help, but also talking to a therapist to process what has occurred is…
Read MoreCommunication 101
Effective communication is not as simple as it might seem on the surface. It is a skill that takes time, energy, and practice to develop. Effective communication is more than just talk. It involves active listening and appropriate, honest expression. Following are some helpful tips for the two elements of communication: expressing and listening. Expressing…
Read MoreHoliday Survival
Kaitlin Broderick M.Ed, LCPC The holidays are also known as the happiest time of the year. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for a large majority of people. Many find the holidays to be the most stressful time of the year for a myriad of reasons. The holidays can be a source of financial stress for…
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