Family Counseling Archives - Page 8 of 11

Giving Your “Good Enough”

By Emily Phifer A few months back, I was contemplating the importance of giving of ourselves-- to the world, to our work, to those around us. For me personally, when I go to offer anything of myself to the world, it’s very easy for me to get caught up by my own inadequacy, insecurity, and uncertainty. The following questions readily bubble to the surface: “What if I don’t say just the right thing? What if someone has already shared an idea like mine before? What if what I have to give isn’t...

Coping With Sudden Change: Listening to the Trees

By Curtis Miller and Emily Phifer In nature, we see reflected back to us a truth we also encounter in our core experience as humans: Life is unpredictable and difficult. When the unexpected hits, every aspect of our being is challenged - mind, body and soul. Like trees buffeted about by strong, gale force winds, we must adapt and move in response to what hits us - bending with the challenge, and not fighting against it. When we face unexpected hardship, we are forced to face the crisis at hand, even as we...

How to Overcome Codependency by Listening to Your Anxiety

By Athina Danilo Is caring for others is a familiar role you may take in your relationship with a partner, friend, or family member? Are you a caretaker for someone who is struggling with addiction or mental illness? If so, do you find it hard to practice self-care? Does taking care of your needs feel like a selfish thing to do? If any of the above struggles resonate with your experience, then codependency could be dictating your life and making it difficult to begin caring for yourself. What Is Codependency? Codependency makes it feel...

4 Things That Every Child Affected By Divorce Needs

By Annie Miller, LMFT

This is blog post #2 in the series “Helping My Child Thrive After A Divorce.” Check out the first blog post in the series here.

Are you wondering what divorce does to a child? Divorce is not easy for anyone. It is especially hard for kids. Researchers have found that the first year after divorce tends to be the hardest on kids.

As a parent, you can help your child cope with the divorce much better if you understand what they need to help them get through this difficult time. Here are some things that every child who is coping with their parents’ divorce needs.

How To Manage Holiday Stress

By Christopher Nahumck, Ph.D., MDiv, MSW, MA You may remember the holidays from your childhood fondly. You recall waking up early on Christmas and being so excited. Or, perhaps you think about spending weeks off school celebrating Hanukkah. As an adult, the holidays may be different now. Holiday stress can ruin what is supposed to be the most "wonderful time of the year." In between endless to-do lists and hosting holiday parties, you find yourself feeling overwhelmed. And, in spite of desperately wanting to feel joyful, it is elusive. Instead of enjoying yourself,...