Everyday, somewhere in America, violence erupts. Each night on the news there are people telling their horror stories of injury and trauma, testifying to the terror that occurs in big cities and small communities. Yet this country seems to say with a shrug, “What are you gonna do.” To address
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Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger July 4, 2020
Who are difficult people? – people who irritate us – people who make us lose control over a situation – people who use manipulation to get what they want – people who make us feel anxious, upset, frustrated, angry, etc. Dealing with difficult people means dealing with difficult behavior! If
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger July 4, 2020
One day a wise and respected king decided to humble his son, whom he saw as arrogant and unfit to take over the thrown. The king said to his son the prince, “My son, there is a certain ring that I want you to bring to me. I wish to
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger July 4, 2020
Antigone of Sophocles: “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only sin is pride.” The mind generally uses the “makes-sense-to-me” rule, where you take a position, look for evidence that supports it, and if
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger June 8, 2020
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020
Stress is tension and pressure that occurs in our lives because of various demands, responsibilities and concerns. When our boss tells us to work harder or when our children bug us for attention while we’re trying to get dinner ready – that’s stress. When we’re caught in traffic or when
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020
Many of my clients seek therapy because they cannot accept that some things in life cannot be changed:”I wish I hadn’t been abused in childhood”; “I wish my spouse was different”; “I wish these things weren’t happening to me.” When you desire to control the uncontrollable, you set yourself up
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020
When one person loves the other much more than is reciprocated, the power is all on the side of the less loving. Many people are unable to express their wants. They prevent themselves from asking for what they desire because: • “They want to avoid displeasing.” • “They want to
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020
Conflict arises from differences. It occurs whenever people disagree over their perceptions, feelings, or opinions. Sometimes these differences look trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal and relational need is at the core of the problem. Some have a need to feel safe and secure. Others
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020
Trauma, anxiety, and panic attacks should be treated with the same mindset as someone who has been knocked down. It is a painful experience that hurts and can be a bit frightening and disorienting. Yet the discomfort will pass with time, wounds will heal, and we will survive. I would
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger May 29, 2020