Research shows that pets have many mental health benefits – including reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness, and improving mood. According to a survey by the Human Animal Relations Research Institute (HABRI), 74% of pet owners said owning a pet improves their mental health. Most pet owners know that petting your dog or cat is a […]
Boundaries in Relationships
Setting Appropriate Boundaries in a Healthy Relationship Relationships involve people from different backgrounds and have different meanings to different people. Understanding the concept of healthy relationships can help you understand and have positive experiences in these areas of life. Healthy relationships are based on communication, trust, love, and respect; they are based on identifying what […]
Anger Management Tips
Anger is a common reaction to events that seem unfair or that you have been victimized. Research shows that anger is especially common when you’ve been betrayed by someone else. This is most common in trauma cases involving exploitation or violence. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion, neither good nor bad. Like any emotion, it […]
Three Things
Years ago, during a troubling time in my life, I went to a therapist. She was an amazing woman who allowed me to explore who I was. At that time, I was young and recently married with no kids and difficulty adjusting to married life. I was very comfortable working with her and allowed myself […]
Modeling Behavior
“Albert Bandura’s social learning theory suggests that observation and modeling play is a primary role in how and why people learn. Bandura’s theory goes beyond the perception of learning being the result of direct experience with the environment. Learning, according to Bandura, can occur simply by observing others’ behavior” (UC Berkeley.edu). Years ago, while training for […]
“Suggested Readings”
One of the main tools I use in therapy is suggesting readings for clients. Below are five books I have suggested many times over the years. There is a book about trauma I read this past year and found it profound. There are two books about self-care that I’ve recommended to a lot of my […]
Therapy: What to expect in the first session
Seeing a therapist can seem like a daunting task. Talking about yourself to a stranger can lead a person to avoid therapy even though they may need it. As a result, it is important to be compatible with the therapist. Therapists are aware of the necessity for compatibility and the goal of the first session […]
Alcohol is a drug
Alcohol is a drug. I know, shocking, isn’t it? I did not grow up thinking alcohol was a drug. But after almost 10 years working in the treatment of substance abuse, I know it’s true. I believe it is the most difficult drug to stop using. It is everywhere and it is encouraged everywhere. It’s […]
How to Improve Your Communication Skills
Start by reflecting on your own communication style Get to know yourself and your personal communication style, and try to understand how it relates to others. Perhaps practice business presentations in front of friends or confidants, giving them a chance to ask questions or clarify specific points before bringing the speech or presentation to your […]
Healthy Personal Boundaries
Personal boundaries are the lines we draw around our personal space. They help us control our emotions, behavior and interactions with other people. Healthy boundaries help us maintain mental and physical health. People who don’t take care of their boundaries often find themselves unable to cope with others’ actions. Anyone can learn to maintain healthy […]
