Starting a family is an incredibly exciting time. It can also feel stressful and overwhelming due to major changes that will take place in your own life, your partner's and your relationship. Here are four easy tips to help parents who decide to return to work after having a baby....
Kids today have increased access to relationships outside of people they encounter in their neighborhood, sports team or school. So how do we accept today’s reality regarding social media and friendships while also keeping our kids safe and ourselves sane? It’s tricky to navigate - continue reading for a few helpful suggestions...
Emotions can be difficult to understand. As a therapist, clients frequently ask, “What is the point of having emotions?” Most people understand joy and love but can also struggle with the complexity of and pain associated with negative feelings such as sadness or anger or fear. And many people would prefer not to have to experience them at all! So why do we need them?...
Studies of change have found that people move through a series of stages when modifying their behavior. Change is not a black and white process - there are levels or stages to it. Here is some helpful information about the five stages of change. Where do you fit in?...
Starting any school year can be stressful, but with a positive frame of mind, the transition back to school can be smooth and successful. The good news is that with awareness, preparation and communication, you can reduce your stress! Here are some tips to help you have a smooth transition back to school....
You may have been thinking about going to therapy or enlisting the help of a licensed professional for someone you love and care about. So how do you know what is typical "moodiness" or difficulties in functioning and what is thinking and behavior might require more attention? Here are some quick tips for determining if therapy is the right choice for you or someone you love...
If you've ever struggled with consistently keeping yourself on track toward your goals, then these simple steps toward mastering effectiveness could help.....
Anxiety is a common and natural feeling that many people experience. Studying for a big test, applying for a new job, or moving to a new city are all examples of anxiety provoking situations. What can we do to help ourselves when faced with a situation that creates uncertainty? Here are some tips for dealing with anxious thoughts....
Have you ever had a deadline looming and you find yourself thinking about it but not working towards it? Have you ever been spiteful in order to get back at someone (subtly) and ultimately, the behavior came back to bite you? Do you mindlessly skip or knowingly avoid activities that you know are healthy for you such as consistent exercise or taking your vitamins? Read on to learn four easy steps to changing negative habits and becoming more effective....
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs! Read this to find out more about how you can become more realistic in your parenting and thrive and grow with your children....
In today’s society, we have the world at our fingertips, literally. At any moment we can go on social media and see what our favorite celebrities are doing, what our co-workers are eating and where our friends are traveling. It can be exciting and fun to take a peek into others’ lives. It can also create a sense of confusion and loneliness, particularly if we aren't living the 'exciting' lives we are seeing on social media. Read more about social media "depression" here....
It seems pretty simple, but I always feel better – happier, more energetic and with a more positive outlook – when I get outside for a walk or bike ride or to just sit in the sun for a few minutes. I joke that I am getting my “vitamin D fix” from the sun exposure but, actually, this isn’t a joke. Research shows that even a little sun exposure increases the amount of serotonin (the happy chemical!) in our brains. Keep reading to learn about a few simple things you can do today to boost your mood. And they are all free and right out your front door...
Between 70-80% of new mothers experience something called the “baby blues”. It is thought to happen due to the hormone changes that occur during pregnancy and again after the baby is born. In the beginning, baby blues can look like postpartum depression. Here are some symptoms of Postpartum Depression which can help you distinguish it from baby blues...
Do you have a history of "yo-yo" dieting? Are you tired of being a slave to thoughts about food, to your negative body image or to your embarrassment, discomfort or shame? If you have a history of dieting and are fed up with the results - READ ON!...
Did you ever feel as though your child’s cell phone has become his or her best friend? Where ever your child goes, so does the phone? You are not alone!!
Parents can set limits on the phone – a device that has become essential for everyday life. Not only is it our right, but our responsibility. Here are some suggestions on how to create a healthy attitude and appropriate behavior with cell phones in your family...
Sleep hygiene is a routine of different practices that are necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness. Good sleep hygiene increases the quality and consistency of your restfulness.
Here are some tips for creating a great sleep hygiene routine...
Have you ever promised someone that you would keep a secret only to regret it later? Perhaps your curiosity made you promise and you didn’t consider the potential consequences or the emotion bind you might end up in. Keeping secrets can strengthen relationships but it can also cause the secret keeper a range of emotions from guilt, to worry, to shame. Here are a few rules of thumb when deciding whether to keep a secret...