Category: Uncategorized
The line between mental health and mental illness is not always clear-cut. While some mental illnesses have significant, pronounced symptoms, others show themselves in subtle ways that develop slowly over time. The Mayo Clinic suggests that we consider several factors when determining the need for professional help: Behaviors, such as obsessive hand washing or drinking […]
READ ARTICLE
While in couples counseling we stress the importance of making time to talk and engage in relational exercises such as the couples dialogue. Let me also suggest planning time to have fun. Planning fun? How boring! While it may not sound so spontaneous, it may be the only way that you will ever get around […]
READ ARTICLEWith all the gloomy economic news these days, it’s hard not to get depressed. More foreclosures…people losing their jobs…credit card debt out of control. Could there be an upside to all this? Perhaps it is an opportunity for all of us to simplify our lives and reflect on what is really important. Hans Hofmann writes, […]
READ ARTICLEThe counselors at PC&CC often help clients create self-care routines to support their progress in therapy. Self-care options can range from reading a single book for pleasure to becoming a regular at a sports club. More and more counselors are reporting that an established yoga practice has helped clients stay on track as they face […]
READ ARTICLE
Opening a newspaper can be a grim experience right now. There is much to be concerned about in today’s world, yet many of us continue to look for hope. For some, this is not easy because of an illness that is all too real. According to the latest statistics, one in 10 Americans will experience […]
READ ARTICLEThis month we join the American Counseling Association (ACA) in celebrating our profession. It seems only appropriate that we take this opportunity to brag a little! The Handbook of Psychotherapy and Religious Diversity (Richards and Bergin, American Psychological Association Press, 2000) states that “the alienation between the mental health professions and religion for most of […]
READ ARTICLEMy 14-month-old daughter claps for just about everything these days – a song on the radio, the sight of our dog, strawberries at lunch, etc. Of course I think this is charming, but lately I am finding her generous reception to be quite wise. When we receive applause or appreciation of any kind, it reinforces […]
READ ARTICLEA typical therapist’s “to-do list” is often bogged down with paperwork, case consultations, licensure maintenance, and continuing education requirements. As a result, considering the spiritual and clinical implications of her work might often come in last. But since the fall, The Imago Center’s Dr. Joanne Comstock has built such reflection into her work week through […]
READ ARTICLERalph Waldo Emerson once said that sometimes “money costs too much.” If you haven’t felt the cost of the economic crunch lately, then you probably know someone who has. I don’t need to go into detail about how bad things are; we hear about it constantly. Still, think for a moment about how you’ve been […]
READ ARTICLEIn their practical workbook, Mind Over Mood, Greenberger and Padesky state that cognitive therapy “emphasizes the examination of the thoughts and beliefs connected to our moods, behaviors, physical experiences, and to the events in our lives.” To simplify, if we think pleasant, calming thoughts, we will feel and act calm. If we begin thinking negative […]
READ ARTICLE