Therapist: “It must have made you very angry when your father yelled and criticized you in front of your boyfriend.” Client: “I’m not angry anymore.” Therapist: “That’s true. You don’t feel angry. Your anger has been down there so long you’ve lost touch with it. But it’s an obstacle to
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Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 23, 2018
When people are upset, the words they use rarely convey the issues and needs at the heart of the problem. When we listen for what is felt as well as said, we connect more deeply to our own needs and emotions, and to those of other people. · Listen to
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 20, 2018
Managing and resolving conflict requires emotional maturity, self-control, and empathy. It can be tricky, frustrating, and even frightening. You can ensure that the process is as positive as possible by sticking to the following conflict resolution guidelines: · Make the relationship your priority. Maintaining and strengthening the relationship, rather than
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 15, 2018
Anxiety seems like a simple, straightforward topic. After all, it’s a common emotion—everyone feels anxious from time to time. And it’s a common condition. In fact, it’s the most common mental illness in the U.S. Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of adults every year. And yet there are many,
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Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 13, 2018
Parenting is an amazing adventure. It is an honor and a privilege to raise a human being. It is fascinating, and wonderful to witness your kids evolve, and to grow alongside them. But parenting also has many annoying parts—frustrating, challenging, and sometimes downright maddening parts. And sometimes it’s these annoying
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 6, 2018
I wonder if others think about apathy and personal experiences related to the bystander effect. Guest blogger, Laura Brownstone, LCSW has been a therapist for over 15 years. In this post, she shares her experiences with the impact of apathy on her community and the value of contributing to the common
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 6, 2018
One of the biggest challenges in treating bipolar disorder is actually accepting the diagnosis. Because, of course, if you don’t believe you have an illness, you won’t focus on managing it. Psychotherapist Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, RSW, has run a group for individuals with bipolar disorder for over a decade.
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 4, 2018
Conflict triggers strong emotions and can lead to hurt feelings, disappointment, and discomfort. When handled in an unhealthy manner, it can cause irreparable rifts, resentments, and breakups. But when conflict is resolved in a healthy way, it increases our understanding of one another, builds trust, and strengthens our relationship bonds.
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 2, 2018
As parents, there are lots of skills we need and want to teach our kids. Most of us focus on the basics, such as teaching our kids how to feed and dress themselves, how to tie their shoes, how to count, and read and write. After all, these are foundational
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger September 12, 2018
Having a connection is like cooking a meal. All the parts combine to create something new and distinct. No different then all the flavors that make meal, all the traits two people share, combine to build a connection. For example, even if you don’t like eggs, you may enjoy cake.
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger September 9, 2018