We weren’t ready for the anger that often accompanies grief No one tells you what to expect when an immediate family member sick and most of us are ill-prepared for death. You’d think everyone would naturally come together to grieve. Pain, however, does odd things to relationships. Since no one likes to talk about losing … Read more
And, yours matters too A young woman posted before and after photos of herself taken a few months apart. In the first image, she looked worried. Stressed. Her expression was tense. You could see the tight lines around her mouth and eyes. She definitely had no peace of mind. In the second photo, she looked at … Read more
And complicates our grief A friend texted me this morning. Her mother died yesterday. And my heart broke. Relationships with family are rarely simple. Each person is more than a familiar presence but also occupies an important role. Mother is an archetype that embodies unconscious longing, needs, and wishes. Take my mom, for instance. She is … Read more
Set yourself free through the use of these habit loop steps By Kaye Smith, Ph.D. So, what was the first thing you did this morning? Did you look at your phone, grab your glasses, go to the bathroom? Whatever you did, odds on, you do the same thing in the same way, and in the … Read more
I’d been blending in so well that I didn’t realize I was unique More than three months ago, I learned of my neurodivergence. Autism, to be exact. Me, a 58-year-old woman who earned a Ph.D. and ran a successful counseling practice. At first, I could barely get my head around this revelation. To say I was … Read more
This is the homicide timeline domestic abusers typically follow before killing their partner By Michelle Jaqua This is another guest blog which contains information and discussion on domestic abuse and violence, including homicide. This information was gleaned from research by Jane Monckton-Smith at the University of Glouchester. Intimate partner femicide (IPF) is typically seen as … Read more
Helping You Thrive! Blaming the partner puts the burden of responsibility on the wrong person Since first writing about my marriage to a sex addict, I’ve heard from many people. Is sex addiction a gender problem? Many of the commenters shared personal stories, but some had issues with the premise of sex addiction. A few people — all men, … Read more
Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive Most cannot be saved. I had a conversation with someone this week that reminded me of M. Scott Peck, M.D., and his book, People of the Lie. I read the book years ago and did not understand what he was talking about in regards to evil people until … Read more
Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive I’m facing my brokenness and mistakes with greater compassion I toss and turn. Glancing at the phone, I see it’s only 2 a.m. Another sleepless night as my mind goes over the past five years of mistakes. Before I can stop myself, I begin to wonder what … Read more
Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive I did it by following these six essential rules. Each type of family constellation creates a unique culture with expectations and unspoken rules. Narcissistic parents, for example, often set up a competitive environment and pitch siblings against one another. To these parents, maintaining the family’s good image … Read more
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