I've written about this topic before: the extraordinary ability of children to "accept" others first, and ask questions later. But, this past weekend, I saw it again and just had to write about my amazement.

As some of you may know, my mother-in-law is still in skilled nursing care, unable to move anything but her face. She is getting better at talking, and that is a blessing, but it's always difficult to see this once vibrant woman figuratively shackled to a bed. However, the…

Today is Memorial Day and I would like to honor all of our veterans who have died in service to our country. The sacrifices that you and your families made so that my family and I can live in peace is so appreciated. Thank-you!

Which brings me to a story about the military which I would like to share on this important day.

I was talking to a candidate for political office about a month ago – he served in the Navy but then also as civilian…

After all this time providing therapy and facilitating mediations, a few things still surprise me. Chief among them is the difficulty for so many to simply say: I’m sorry.

I bring this up today because, this morning, a client texted me asking–if I say I’m sorry, I am weak?…

I am not writing this blog post to detract from debate clubs all over the country that are fostering this age-old form of “arguing” the right and wrongs of ideas, concepts, policies and more.

The word “debate” is often identified with terms like “heated” which speaks to me about escalated feelings and being…

http://www.theolivebranchblog.com/2014/05/15/the-therapist-gets-schooled/

I just love when I get learning tips when I least expect it. We had a guest observing our mediation class last month and during a break she shared this gift with me ... WAIT.

Do any of you know what it stands for?

WAIT = Why Am I Talking?

What a great question ... the kind you should ask yourself often. It's so simple and yet so…

http://www.theolivebranchblog.com/2014/05/08/im-hangry/

Communicating with your children can be a real challenging. Does it feel more like "kommunication?"

What got me thinking about this was an article I read last week about how to get your kids to talk. The columnist was on the right track with her suggestion to ask them questions ... but if she had taken our mediation class, she would have thought of even better…

"Work-Life Balance" is quite the buzz phrase in psychology. In fact, the private practice where I'm employed specializes in helping people gain that balance.

It may be important, but it can also be elusive. In my experience mediating divorces, I find the lack of work-life balance can lead many couples toward infidelity and, ultimately, divorce.

Just last week, an article was…