…nd feelings are and often times struggle to articulate what it is they are experiencing. I recommend making “Feelings Cards,” which I use with my own clients. They allow children to pick from a host of feelings they may be experiencing and then vocalize them to you aloud. So, next time your little one spews out a bad word, take some time to understand what it is that they really need in that moment. Maybe it’s simply a hug, some attention, or find…
Learn More
…m development and concurrent development of improved relational skills and relationships.” One of the major difficulties associated with trauma is that when it’s unresolved, new events that are stressful or that might trigger certain emotions can exacerbate a person’s traumatic reactions. A common picture that comes to mind when we hear the term PTSD is of a war veteran, set off by a loud noise, experiencing a flashback to battle. As people learn…
Learn More
…s. Here you can find out what to look for and how to help a teen who is in trouble. READ ON Teens If you or someone you know is experiencing self-destructive or suicidal thoughts, it is essential that you seek help by talking to someone, calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and seeking the care or counseling needed. It is important to remember that help is available and that symptoms of stress and depression are treatable. Here you can…
Learn More…Maddi, Ph.D. 4pm – 5:30pm PST 3 CE’s Learn more or register here Nov. 8-10 Couples Workshop Ojai, CA For more information email [email protected] Dec. 6 The War Within: Working with Suicidal Individuals Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology Boston, MA Learn more here Dec. 7 Transforming War between Intimates: Working with High Conflict Couples Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology Boston, MA Learn more here Dec. 10 Psychological…
Learn More
…de range of cross-generational case studies and powerful personal accounts illustrate how the “fantasy bond,” a once-useful but now destructive form of self-parenting, jeopardizes meaningful attachments. Written in clear, jargon-free language, Fear of Intimacy shows how therapists can help couples identify and overcome the messages of the “critical inner voice” that foster distortions of the self and loved ones. Related issues such as interpersona…
Learn More
…aining a caring, respectful attitude toward yourself no matter what you’re experiencing. (i.e. “I have many qualities I respect that will get me where I want to be.” “I have nothing to be ashamed of. I don’t need to be perfect.” “I deserve friendship, love, and acceptance no matter what any school sends me.”) Learn Strategies for Calming Down No matter what, waiting to hear from college will likely do a number on your nerves. I recently helped cre…
Learn More
…, we should be welcoming open conversations about whatever our teenager is experiencing. We should strive to create an environment in which these feelings are acceptable and understood by providing warmth, support, and the space for them to talk freely. Notice if the person is acting different, or if he or she seems more anxious, irritable, exhausted, or down. When we reach out to someone or if they come to us distressed, we should try to be empat…
Learn More
…r potential consequences, then you have taken attempted action to minimize experiencing anxiety. If your awareness and action (or lack of) contradict, then you are not doing what it takes to minimize anxiety and suffering. Better yet, if you have the awareness and take appropriate action to reduce the potential risks, then you are eliminating worry and anxiety. Ultimately, knowledge IS power! And you have the power to be aware and make improvement…
Learn More
…y has our society weakened our perceived tolerance and become so averse to experiencing feelings? A recent study showed that three in 10 women in the United States use a sleep aid. This stirring statistic reflects our tendency to treat the symptoms as opposed to the problem. Instead of asking how we can get ourselves to sleep, we should be asking “why aren’t we sleeping?” Why are we so anxious that we feel we must actually drug ourselves into unco…
Learn More
…ating emotional states, maintaining steady and rewarding social and family relationships, and functioning competently at a job. More intense effects often involve experiencing overwhelming emotion, feelings of utter helplessness, and feeling numb and emotionally disconnected from self and others. Physical reactions to trauma: fatigue or exhaustion disturbed sleep nausea, vomiting and dizziness headaches excessive sweating increased heart rate. Com…
Learn More