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We live in a time when it is basically possible to get whatever we want when we want it. We can order food any time of the day, place an order online and have it the next day, or turn on the television and watch something instantly. There is a sense of or expectation of instant gratification, significant influences from social media and peer pressure to always have the best, to “keep up with the Joneses,” and…

At some point, in any close and intimate relationship, whether it be a partner, a parent, a sibling, or a friend, difficulties and issues arise, and uncomfortable conversations must be had. People disagree, people have different beliefs and values, and people make mistakes. Preventing any issue from coming up in a relationship is unrealistic. The issues themselves do not necessarily damage relationships, it is how the issues are handled and communicated that can damage relationships. When these…

Studies show that more couples are meeting through online and mobile dating sites and apps than any other way combined. This tells us that most people who are seeking a new relationship are currently using or have used online or mobile dating sites and apps; however, these dates do not always transpire into a relationship. I often work with singles in individual therapy who are having trouble dating through dating websites and mobile apps. I hear all…

Have you heard of Blue Monday? Apparently is it the saddest or most depressing day of the year and usually falls on the third Monday of the new year, which in 2017 is Monday, January 16th. Per Wikipedia, “The concept was first publicized as part of a 2005 press release from holiday company Sky Travel, which claimed to have calculated the date using an equation.” This equation took into account Monday being considered as the worst day…

Let me first start off by disclosing that I do not have a medical degree or license, nor do I have any formal training in psychiatry, psychotropic medication, or any medical field. All of the opinions and information in this post are based on what I have learned, experienced, or have heard during my work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker both with clients who actively use medication and those who struggle with the decision to use…

Did you know that over seventy-five percent of New Year’s resolutions fail? Often times we create New Year’s resolutions that we are capable of achieving but it is usually our mind set that holds us back from sticking to or maintaining them for the year. We may have the best of intentions and motivation to achieve what we set out to do, but often one set back, slip up, or cheat and we completely give up. New…

New Year’s is a time of reflection as well as setting goals for the next year. As a therapist, I always encourage my clients to reflect on their year and discuss whether or not they have any New Year’s resolutions. From my experience, both personally and professionally, New Year’s resolutions are great in theory, but can often be very difficult for people to follow through on. I often hear people express that they want to make a…

As a Financial Therapist, I have seen a steady increase in the number of clients I work with who are young adults, who are fresh out of college or recent graduates around 22 to 25 years of age, and mid-adults, around 26 to 40 years of age, who significantly struggle with spending and budgeting, financial knowhow and management, and their perceptions or expectations of the “real world” in terms of their earning potential, obtaining assets, and financial…

Our minds are very powerful tools and have a significant influence in how we perceive the world, ourselves, the actions, behaviors, or words of others, and the positive or negative impacts that situations, people, or information have on us. Many believe that when something is “wrong” or negative in their life, something external needs to change, such as their job, the amount of money they have or make, their partner, something about their clothing or appearance, where…

Losing a loved one is a life changing experience. Celebrating holidays, birthdays and anniversaries can present unique challenges and feelings about grief and loss. Many of us know the stages of grief as: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. We also know that this is not a linear step by step process which means that everyone may experience different stages at different times even regarding the same loss. It is important to allow space and time to…