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Getting Out of Your Own Way: The Emotional Process of Studying for Major Tests

May 6, 2017

Many of us are required to take major tests to further our careers. Why do they push our emotions to the limit? What is so hard about proving what we already know? What makes studying so difficult sometimes? Big tests like the Bar Exam, Licensure Boards, GMAT or GRE usually have a big impact on the future and how we think about the work we’ve done so far. Doing well on them often requires things like rational…

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Codependency: What is it and where does it come from?

April 29, 2017

As a counselor, I have been noticing that the term codependency is being overused and misused quite a bit as many mistake the term codependency for dependency. Codependency is characterized by neglecting one’s own needs in favor of meeting the needs of another.  The dependency stems from the codependent’s dependence on another person depending on them. Say that five times fast! I often describe dependency as being on a spectrum. The fact of the matter is that…

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The Case for Scheduling “Us Time”

April 25, 2017

By Maggie Reynolds, LCPC Many therapists recommend that couples schedule regular check-ins and time together to talk through issues in the relationship. Sometimes it is merely a suggestion, and sometimes it is assigned homework stemming from relationship or marriage counseling sessions. Either way, emphasis is put on scheduling concrete time, rather than leaving it as a vague, open-ended invitation. This time, referred to here as “us time,” differs from “quality time” in that there is an emphasis on addressing problems…

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Before You Tie The Knot: 5 Topics to Address Before Marriage

April 22, 2017

By Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC “What should we expect?” There is no simple or direct answer to that question. Marriage expectations are highly subjective and based on the needs and beliefs of the individuals comprising the couple. Marriage is almost never easy, but seeing the relationship as an evolving process can set reasonable expectations. Starting the process of communicating important issues now is far better than winging it down the line. Some of the most common topics…

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You Don’t Have To Believe Everything You Think

April 18, 2017

If you have ever felt consumed or overwhelmed by your thoughts, the concept that you do not have to believe everything you think can seem foreign. Without awareness of the problem, it can sometimes feel like you are a slave to your thoughts. I often hear people say that they cannot shut their minds off or that they cannot escape their thinking, which causes them a great deal of anxiety and distress. Many people feel like they…

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Yes, Marijuana Can Be Addictive

April 15, 2017

By Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC Long thought of as a relatively harmless drug, marijuana is increasingly becoming more culturally and legally acceptable. Marijuana, however, is potentially habit forming, especially for frequent or daily heavy users. People may use marijuana casually and never experience any problems, but some will come to depend on it to relax, to alleviate boredom, or for easing anxiety without therapy. They may even experience physical withdrawal symptoms if they stop using. Identifying Problems…

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How Can You Help Me With Money? You Aren’t an Accountant!

April 11, 2017

When I tell people that I am a Certified Financial Social Worker, the typical response I get is, “How can you help people with their money issues? You aren’t an accountant or financial planner.” While this might be true – I do not have the training or credentials to give financial or investment advice, create detailed budgets or plans, or offer financial services – there is much more to having a healthy relationship with money than those…

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How to Communicate Well with Yourself

April 1, 2015

When you think of communication, what do you imagine? For most of us, we conjure up an image of two people talking to one another, engaging in a conversation. However, in addition to this interpersonal dialogue, we are also always communicating with ourselves. We sometimes do this through self-talk – the things that we say to ourselves out loud or the inner dialogue that runs through our minds. Beyond this, our choices of behavior, our thoughts, and…

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