• Renew Your Mind Its All About Perspective

    Renew Your Mind: It’s All About Perception

    By Donna R. King, MA, LPC We are all wired differently in terms of how we perceive things.  However, it is true for all of us that the way we think about things, or our perception of things, has a direct correlation to how we feel about things, whether positively or negatively.  The Bible even emphasizes that our thoughts have a direct impact on who we are!  For as we think in our hearts, so shall we be (Proverbs 23:7).  Consequently, if we go through life always thinking negatively and anticipating that things will never be good, chances are good that they won’t be. It is also true that no…

  • When A Loved Ones Desparation Turns to Thoughts of Suicide

    When A Loved One’s Desperation Turns To Thoughts of Suicide

    by Kristy Cobillas, MEd, PLPC Recent statistics reflect the sad truth of the desperation many swim in today; on a daily basis, 105 suicides are completed in the United States and for every completion, approximately 25 attempts are made. Thanatos is a word taken from a figure in Greek mythology, and coined by Freud to describe a death or destructive impulse. This impulse often surfaces and beckons the grieving and disgraced, the desperate and the pained. The desire to end ongoing suffering can lead one into such a dark place that this impulsive act seems as though it is the only way out.  Most do not really wish to die…

  • Technology and Your Kids Appropriate Boundaries

    Technology & Your Kids: How to Set Appropriate Boundaries

    by Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Technology is a reality which is not going to go away. It’s imperative to teach children to make good decisions about technology, limit the frequency of its usage, and keep access to appropriate and safe content. If parents see technology as the enemy, they will set themselves up for years of frustration and struggle with their children. Rather than viewing it as the devil incarnate, parents need to team up with their children and allow them to enjoy the benefits of technology without allowing it to take over their child’s life. Often the fear of technology comes from a parent’s…

  • Conflict Avoidance Always Speak the Truth

    Conflict Avoidance : Always Speak The Truth, Even If Your Voice Shakes

    Have you ever avoided conflict in a relationship? Struggled with using your voice? Chances are, there have been times when either you have been reluctant to deal with conflict or you have been in a relationship with someone who has. Conflict avoidance is common  in relationships and families. We may avoid conflict with our spouse and even our children. We might avoid conflict out of fear of a loved one’s reaction, be it one of anger, hurt, disappointment, judgment, rejection or criticism, just to name a few possibilities.  We might lack knowledge about how to tolerate the emotional distress that the conflict may bring to us. If we don’t know…