Back in graduate school, I loved exploring the different therapy “modalities” out there – psychodynamic, emotionally-focused, Bowenian… I could go on-and-on. But, one more recent way of treating clients and patients really stuck in my mind. And, it’s a theory to which I still subscribe today.

The fancy name is “narrative” therapy, but I just like to call it “self-talk.” Basically, it’s the idea that we can ease our distress by changing what we say to ourselves and modifying…

New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching and it’s time to think about my resolution for 2017.

My goal for coming year is to improve my communication skills which are all so important in getting along better in this world.

My concept to work on is called ‘separating the person from the problem.’

Now what does this idea mean?

For starters, it means don’t attack someone when talking to them.

Now, you might be saying to yourself,…

Sometimes life lessons come along in odd ways.

Last summer, two of my nieces were married and I thought it would be fun to frame some photos of my sister and me with the newlyweds to give to my mom.  The frame I found was perfect and the end product looked great. So … I thought that my sister might enjoy one too.…

How many of you read Facebook posts right before the Presidential election that warned of “complete destruction,” “the end of America,” or “absolute disaster” should one or the other candidate win. I, for one, couldn’t log onto my account without seeing at least five a day!

For me, reading these dire predictions brought up something I work on with clients all the time: Catastrophizing.

Basically, catastrophizing is the act of viewing current or future events or…

Relationships are hard. Period.

So, I am always looking for tips to help nurture them.

There are a lot of stresses that work against relationships including, most predominantly, daily life.

You can fill in the blank … your child is sick and can’t go to school today; that big project is due; the dog escaped from the back yard when you were already late for work.

And often the people who are the closest to you, whether it’s at home or at…

I used to call myself a multi-tasker (and was very proud of this term). As a Mom, wife, therapist, chauffer, chef, maid, etc., I used to think I could do it all — and all at the same time.

But, according to the latest research, not only does multi-tasking NOT exist, it can actually create more conflict in your life. Stay with me here…

Turns out,…

Friendships are important to me as I imagine they are for you.

Last August, I wrote a post entitled “I thought we were friends” which described some research that was pretty surprising. Only about half of perceived friendships are mutual!…

As a former Communications major in college (and now as a therapist), my entire life has centered around how and why we speak to each other. So, it’s always a joyous part of my work when I can spend time with my clients talking about communication.

One of the most important skills I hope to impart has to do with reflective listening – the act of validating what the other person has said. So, for example, if one person complains “you don’t pay enough attention to me,” the other…