Surfing the Urge: Implementing Skills for Emotion Regulation

By Amanda Stutz, MA, LPC To stand in the sea, immersed in the water, at the mercy of the powerful surf, is awe-inspiring and incredibly humbling. To be surrounded by the vastness of the ocean and see the power of the waves can cause one to pause. To splash about near the beach, being playful, and experiencing the water can be fun and exhilarating, but may leave one wanting to experience more. It may leave you with a desire to swim out further, explore the depths of the ocean and have a different kind of adventure. Leaving the comforts of the beach can evoke fear as the waves hurl themselves…

Read More
What is Sandtray Therapy?

Introduction Sandtray therapy was created by Margaret Lowenfeld, who got her ideas from reading H.G. Wells’ book Floor Games, where Wells spoke of the use of miniature toys while he played with his sons on the floor. This technique was adopted by many others, including Dora Kalff, a Swedish therapist who modified Lowenfeld’s knowledge of the use of sand and miniatures according to Jungian principles, and named her technique Sandplay (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2011). Sandtray therapy can be used with adults, children and groups, and it is a safe way for those who have experienced trauma to use miniature figurines to express themselves through metaphors. Resistance to exploring past trauma…

Read More
Does Your Marriage Need A Tune-Up?

By Sue Ginocchio, MA, PLPC Have you ever bought a new car? Did you love the new car smell? Did you follow the owner’s manual for oil changes and regular maintenance? Did you use premium gas? When the car got older, did you take care of it the same way as you did when you first got it? Or did you neglect it, or not take care of it in the same way you had in the beginning? Maybe you should treat your marriage like you would a new car. Unfortunately, many people don’t treat their most important relationship with the same passion and energy over time. Just as your car will…

Read More
Adolescent Girls: The Transition from Childhood to Adulthood

By Megan Jung, MA, LPC *note: this article has been edited for readability, for the original, scholarly article, click here: Jung Aug 2015 Original Article – Adolescent Girls “Olivia, get the lead out of your pants and get a purpose,” Granny often barked at her sixteen year-old granddaughter. My friend and I laughed about her grandmother’s nerve and willingness to say what many others would not. Adolescent girls are dramatic and numb, tragic and over-simplifiers, chaotic and clawing for control, and fluctuate between unmediated sorrow and joy within minutes. Many of us can empathize with Granny, and often want to scream, “Grow up! It’s not that big of a deal, and…

Read More