In this technological age of instant news and social media at our fingertips, children are bombarded daily with news of school shootings, bombings, war, nuclear threats, genocide, and political extremism. At school and in their neighborhoods children experience peer pressure, bullying, and social isolation. As a result there is a continued increase in the diagnosis … More Reducing Anxiety in Children
With great sadness I read of another mass shooting. 58 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more were injured in the Las Vegas shooting on Sunday, October 1, 2017. As adults, it’s difficult to understand the hows and the whys of these events. For children, it’s even more difficult. Young children, under the age … More 7 Tips for Talking to Children About Mass Shootings
Or, fake it until you make it. Change is difficult. Smoothing out old patterns and creating new pathways doesn’t happen overnight. But is there danger in faking it? Yes, and no. When we use affirmations, we affirm statements that are how we want life to be. “I am healthy, strong, and fit.” We may not … More On Being or Acting As If
Sometimes you don’t want to deal with emotions. Sometimes you need to wait until you have more time to process. Sometimes you hope that they will just go away. Waiting until you have time alone to think things through or holding onto the emotions to share at your next counseling appointment can be a healthy … More Dealing with Emotions: An Analogy
Oregon is in the path of totality, which sounds ominous. Discussion of the impending eclipse has ranged from a party-like excitement to a deep wariness. There are many situations in life that bring untimely darkness, much like the upcoming solar eclipse. The death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or losing … More Total Eclipse of Life
Self-love can be a difficult thing to find when you have spent your life feeling “less than.” A history of traumatic events can lead a person to erect a concrete wall around their heart. Love for others is difficult, but love of self can become nearly impossible. Short of breaking out a jack hammer, how … More 6 Actions to Increase Self-Love
Is your cup half empty or half full? More important than how full is your cup, is WHAT is your cup filled with? There have been times in my life where my cup has been filled with negative thoughts, poor self image, and painful memories. When our cups are filled with negativity, self-compassion is impossible. … More A Cup Full of Self-Compassion: Kindness Challenge Reflection
In a recent post I discussed the value of a morning ritual to support focus, creativity, and peace. I have found that a brief evening ritual can support the transition from work to home. Working in community mental health care can be challenging and sometimes stressful. It is important to set aside the content of … More Making the Shift: An Evening Ritual
Those who know me well are cognizant that I do not naturally lean towards rituals, habits and organization. I thrive in creativity and fluidity. However, in my professional practice, I have discovered the value of daily rituals. I have come to discover that well planned rituals can create smooth transitions from home life to professional … More A WARM Morning Ritual