Domestic Violence and Teenagers

Domestic violence is an issue that many people believe only happens within adult relationships, but sadly it frequently occurs in relationships involving teens. The issues of power, control and manipulation are not restricted to adults. I was reminded this week that...

Letting Go

There is a phenomenon in counseling that is very real and hard to understand how it happens. For years, I and other therapists, have noticed that we will often have a cluster of new clients that all come in with a very similar concern that they want to work on. The...

“Stop-It” Therapy/Pastoral Counseling

Don’t ever participate in “Stop-It” therapy or pastoral counseling. How will you know if you have a “Stop-It” therapist or counseling pastor? He or she will point out the error of your behavior and immediately tell you that you just have to stop it. Stop looking at...

Is Self-Care Selfish?

Taking good care of ourselves – before we care for others – is not selfish. It’s smart and healthy As a therapist, I work with many people who are extremely busy. Busy with careers, kids, relationships, extended family, hobbies, community...

Are you Better or Bitter?

Reflect for a moment on whether any unfortunate circumstances you have faced in life have made you a better person on the other side of it – or a more bitter person. It’s usually one or the other Life just somehow has a way of running us over and at times,...