How Does Screen Time Affect Our Children’s Brains?
Andromeda Peters, LICSW Children are currently growing up in a world dominated by technology. This manifests in increased screen time in areas of their socialization, entertainment, and education. Keeping in mind that children’s brains are still developing, are there any implications for screen time and the cognitive functioning of our children? It is reported that…
Read MoreAre There Benefits to Conflicts in Relationships?
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Couples and family therapists have told me that the couples and families that they worry about the most are the ones that engage in little to no conflict. This may sound surprising, but it’s not if you consider the fact that conflict is a necessary and healthy part of…
Read MoreWhat Is Codependency?
Part I: Control, Caretaking & Self Abandonment Meg Mulroy, LPC Codependency has become somewhat of a buzz amongst my peers. Used casually, I’ve heard people say, “She can’t do anything without him — they are so codependent,” or, “Those roommates are completely codependent — they are attached at the hip!” One of my professional and…
Read MoreWhy Doesn’t My Partner Understand Me?
Zoe Mittman, Licensed Social Worker Have you found yourself asking the question, “why doesn’t my partner understand me?” If so, this blog is for you. I get it. It is extremely upsetting to feel misunderstood and not heard in a relationship. You can see your perspective so clearly that it is so frustrating when your…
Read MoreWhat Makes a Good Therapeutic Alliance?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Making the choice to connect with a therapist can be challenging, after all, people don’t usually seek out therapy if they’re feeling great. Finding a good therapeutic fit is essential to having a good experience. It’s important to be thoughtful in what you’re looking for in a therapist and trust the process.…
Read MoreWhat Is Alcoholism? Pt. 1
Shannon Keating Society seems to have this stereotype of what an “alcoholic” looks and acts like. I cannot count the number of friends and acquaintances that have described a significant abuse of alcohol but laugh off the idea of being an alcoholic. I think we can partially blame Hollywood and the inaccurate and generalized portrayal…
Read MoreWhat Are the Signs of Enmeshment?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Family connection plays a major role in emotional development, identity formation, and long-term well-being. Healthy closeness allows support, warmth, and trust to grow. Problems start when connection replaces individuality and personal space disappears. The signs of enmeshment often appear quietly and feel normal within the family system, making recognition difficult. Enmeshment develops…
Read MoreWhat Are the Archetypes In a Dysfunctional Family?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Like all other systems, families also seek to achieve some sort of homeostasis. In healthy family dynamics, there is a system in place that gives all members permission to acknowledge their feelings and discuss them openly with other members of the system and the trust of knowing that these feelings will be…
Read MoreExploring Childhood Beliefs About Emotional Needs
Written by Kara Thompson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker In a previous blog post “Calming Down: “What Do You Need From Me?’”, we explored how we can provide support to our loved ones by seeking to better understand their needs. It was recommended that instead of trying to assume what our loved ones need in a…
Read MoreThe Lost Art of Listening, Pt. II: Why Am I Talking?
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you read my previous blog post, you learned about the value of listening, the improv approach, leadership, and motivation. Part two of the lost art of listening blog series will discuss the never-ending learning curve and go over some helpful dos and don’ts to listening that you can…
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