Recently, (okay for the past few years), there’s been an uptake in awareness of the importance of self-care. You can read a vast number of articles on how self-care isn’t selfish and how many people can get those two phrases mixed up. My clients and I discuss this frequently, and it’s always encouraging to see how people take care of their physical/emotional selves in their own unique ways.

Most people who walk into my office are looking for someone to talk to about the emotional distress they’re experiencing such as feelings of depression and anxiety, or problems they’re experiencing in their relationships. What they’re really seeking are solutions to these problems that will reduce their emotional pain. Sometimes people get so caught up in their thoughts, feelings, and problems that life seems so complicated and they forget about the ordinary things in life. At times like these it helps to get back to basics.

Teenagers can often withdraw and keep things to themselves. This can be unsettling for parents. We worry about what is going on with them if they aren’t sharing with us. Here are some tips that I found worked when our kids were teens:

If you've ever flown, you’ve likely experienced it. It can happen on any flight. Turbulence is the shaking of the plane due to air pressure or weather conditions outside. The aircraft might shake a bit, or rock about in jolts, strong enough to knock a person over. But what happens when you experience emotional turbulence?

[ pərˈspektiv (n.): a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. ]

I’ve begun to notice some conversational patterns that emerge in therapy. One such pattern is the conversation that arises over the idea of a person’s perspective.

Karen Huckaby, MA, AMFT shares 11 fun activities to keep your family entertained this summer.

For me, there are things in life that feel like second nature to me, but are so dang SLOW.

Like this - writing always feels second nature, but it takes time. I don't want things to take time! Other things I love: journaling, cooking, meditating, drawing, reading... these are all wonderfully healthy things that I love to do, but they are slower in nature. And honestly, because I know they take time, I often ditch that time for something quicker, and not as fulfilling.

Feeling overworked, burnt-out, anxious, worried, or disconnected? 

Life in the digital age can be pretty great. Our electronic devices provide convenience, connection, and excitement. But sometimes the always-on, always-connected lifestyle of the 21st century can be draining. 

Stacey B. Thacker, MA, LMFT shares ways to use music to alter your mood. This video is especially helpful for those in addiction recovery.

When we think of parenting our children, I think the last word anyone would ever use to describe this enormous endeavor is “easy”. Children don’t come with an instruction manual but do seem to come with a lot more attitude and audacity than we did… because we were all perfect little angels when we were children, right? They just don’t make them like they used to… or should I say, “we” don’t make them like they used to.