Does this scenario sound familiar? You attempt to have a conversation with your teen and it quickly turns into an unpleasant situation? Your teen starts to shut down, or maybe they start yelling and spewing insults. Do you feel defeated and helpless when your teen makes statements like “you don’t understand me, you just don’t get it, I hate my...[ read more ]
How many times in the last month have you felt any of the following: Not good enough Helpless Guilty Awkward Unloveable Incompetent Pessimistic Shameful Undeserving of what you have Like a fraud Feeling this way doesn’t feel good, does it? It can be tough to break out of a spiral of negative and self-blaming thoughts. Many of these thoughts can...[ read more ]
Have you ever tripped up on your words in front of your boss, fell in front of someone or made a mistake on an important task at work? All of sudden you get a barrage of harsh thoughts that tells you things like “you’re so stupid” or “you’re not smart enough” or “you can’t do anything right”? This voice might...[ read more ]
What does it really mean to be a perfectionist? It sounds good at first, right? Being perfect all the time seems like it would be a positive thing. Maybe you think of someone with a perfectly clean home, a productive daily routine, someone who exudes overall energy and has their life in order. These might be common stereotypes of perfectionists,...[ read more ]
Do you ever struggle with negative thinking? The vast majority of our thoughts are at best random, and at worst destructive. Negative thoughts are really just a part of being human. When we feel depressed, we are more likely to get stuck in cycles of repetitive ruminating thoughts- think pressing replay several times on a bad movie scene. We may...[ read more ]
Emotions are something we all have in common and the fabric of our humanity. When these feelings are absent, it can be hard for us to connect with others. Feelings are a pathway to relating with one another. Connection with our emotions allows us to create deeper and meaningful relationships through empathy and communication. Emotional detachment deprives us of showing...[ read more ]
Self-Criticism isn’t all bad when it propels us into a journey of self-discovery and growth. But there is a major difference between “I need to lose weight” which can jumpstart our motivation to “I am a fat blob.” The way you talk to yourself, and the things you tell yourself can build you up or tear you down. A harsh...[ read more ]
Children coming from dysfunctional families often internalize negative messages like “ I am not good enough.” For example, the alcoholic parent, who can love and connect to their child one moment, and then suddenly, be completely absent. In abusive families with domestic violence the child can’t understand why the adults are acting so violent and not tuned in to how...[ read more ]
During this time of year, radio and TV ads would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season. Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are: Financial hardship – ‘Tis the...[ read more ]
Life often throws you curve balls that can knock the confidence out of you. Confidence helps individuals feel positive and reassures them that they have what it takes to be successful. When you believe that you can accomplish something, you will feel determined and positive that you can reach your goal. Many times, self-confidence diminishes when you feel worthless. Healthy...[ read more ]
