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5 Low-Cost Ways to Mark the Transition from Work to Home

December 26, 2018

For many of us, the transition from the workplace to home can be stressful and bring less relief than we’d like. For workers who feel unable to turn off a stream of negative thoughts, feelings, and memories from the workday, home may feel less relaxing than it should. Feeling as if you have no control over the stress of work spilling into your evening at home is a sign that you need stronger boundaries in place to…

Understanding Your Anger

December 25, 2018

Getting angry is a normal part of life and, like it or not, it is also a normal occurrence in relationships. Anger can be caustic and harmful between two people if it is not handled well. It can exacerbate problems, prevent productive communication, and inhibit problem solving. Understanding your anger can help you to control or change how you respond to it. What you FEEL from the EMOTION Even though we use the words emotions and feelings…

5 Simple Steps to Becoming a More Patient Person

December 24, 2018

I work with many clients who are stressed out for a variety of reasons, whether it is related to school, work, friends, family, or their romantic relationship. Some clients even discuss that due to feeling highly stressed, they have a tendency to become angry quickly and lose their patience with a coworker, friend, partner, or perhaps even themselves. We live in a society where people move fast all of the time. I often encourage clients to practice…

How Not to Fight

December 20, 2018

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 in a heated conversation and without thinking, you respond to something hurtful in a somewhat attacking manner? “Yeah, well you did x,…

Basic Steps to Positive Communication

December 18, 2018

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 Styles Passive communication occurs when we do not directly communicate our preferences and put the needs of others ahead of our own.…

Codependency

December 16, 2018

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 is certainly one definition of codependency and how the term came about in the first place. However, codependency can often occur with…

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

December 14, 2018

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 longer just “the blues.” The baby blues last no more than 2 days to 2 weeks, often due to the extreme hormone…

Dealing With a Breakup: Cope with Post-Split Stress

December 13, 2018

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 helpful. Breaking up with your partner, no matter how long you have been together, is always painful. This blog post will help…

5 Negative Effects of Being a News Junkie and What To Do Instead

December 10, 2018

Maggie Reynolds, LCPC Modern life gives us nonstop access to information. Phones, social platforms, podcasts, and streaming channels all compete for attention. Our minds absorb constant updates, alerts, and commentary, and this flow can quickly overwhelm us. The effects of consuming too much news can reach into daily routines, emotional well-being, and relationships. This guide explores the impact and offers simple steps to build a healthier relationship with media. Understanding the Effects of Consuming Too Much News…

Using Pre-Marital Therapy to Tackle Wedding Planning

December 9, 2018

Engagement brings excitement, anticipation, and plenty of decisions. Alongside venue tours and guest lists, deeper conversations often begin to surface. Pre-marital counseling for wedding planning offers space to talk through those conversations thoughtfully and productively. Through this process, couples can explore values, expectations, and potential stressors before they become larger concerns. At Symmetry Counseling, we offer professional counseling to help couples prepare not only for a wedding day, but for married life. Engagement can be joyful and…