Maintaining Wonder
E.B. White once said, “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” When I first heard this quote I was drawn to his simple invitation, compelled because during that season I had been living my life through a scattered whirlwind of attempting to balance a therapy practice with three young children in tow. […]
The Psychotherapist Manifesto for Self Care
I will tend to my own physical needs, making sure I am sleeping well, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Just as I encourage my patients and clients to do, I will learn to recognize and actively tune into any psychosomatic messages my own body could be reflecting back to me, and […]
Perspective
I have been reflecting on the holiday and the gift of not only gratitude, but also of perspective. Our family has a tradition we have been participating in since my teenagers were toddlers. Each Thanksgiving our family \”gratitude\” book comes out. Whoever happens to be spending the holiday with us is invited to write what they were thankful for the year prior. As […]
The Heart of Trauma
Trauma: an experience that is not able to be metabolized, something that inhibits more pain than one can swallow. The concept of trauma is often associated, and rightfully so, with the experiencing of an incomprehensible event. War, an accident, physical or sexual assault, or a natural disaster in which lives and homes are destroyed fit the \”trauma\” definition. I once heard the analogy (thank you Cloud and Townsend), […]
The Seasons of Early Parenthood and Marriage
Seasons. : a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature. Last week as I celebrated another birthday, I came to the realization that a new \”season\” is fast approaching. In fact, I believe it may already have arrived. As my youngest child is ten, and my two older ones are teens, it appears I […]
First day of School Anxiety-what to do?
On the eve of the first day of school, the jury is still out for me as to whether this quote about anxiety and the average psychiatric patient is backed up by research, but I wouldn\’t be surprised. I recently spoke with a middle school guidance counselor and asked what the biggest concern he observed today in students. His answer? You […]
Solace in the suburbs
Solace in the Suburbs Escaping the hectic pace and what, at times, can feel like \”the never ending to do lists\” of life, I treasure opportunities to escape and just \”be\”. It is no secret that I am always on the look out for a restful place where I can get lost in a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or even journal if […]
National Workaholic\’s Day
Apparently, July 5th has been designated National Workaholic\’s Day. Who knew there was such a thing? In our day and age, the pace in which we live, so we can consume more, be more and do more, can\’t not come without some kind of repercussion. I stumbled across this challenge from Marcus Brotherton as I was researching this topic. […]
Summer
Regardless of whether you are knee-deep into summer or just getting your routine established, these are the days where some of the best memories are made. Every passing year I find myself more convicted to slow down and enjoy each minute, likely because my children are growing up much too fast. As a working mom, forever searching for a […]