Most of us carry around messages we received in childhood about the world, about others, and about ourselves. We receive messages from the outside world--our family members, friends, teachers--all throughout our lives. The messages we receive about ourselves can be positive or negative. The negative messages we receive, even at an early age, can lead [...]
There are times when we create problems for ourselves or over complicate things in our lives. Sometimes we believe that EVERYTHING is urgent and must be attended to right now OR ELSE. Sometimes emergencies can feel very commonplace. This sense of urgency oftentimes drives the behavior of people with controlling or obsessive personalities or those [...]
Mindfulness has become almost a buzzword in our culture. Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment without judgment. Current research has found that there are practical applications for mindfulness in therapy. Karen Hooker and Iris Fodor's 2008 article on mindfulness and children provides practical examples for how to teach children mindfulness skills. Children and [...]
Many of us have a stereotype of what an addict or alcoholic is. Some people assume that drug and alcohol addiction is a problem that only certain kinds of people face; this could not be further from the truth. There are many misconceptions about drug and alcohol addiction that can affect not only the addict [...]
While there are several factors that contribute to a healthy relationship, communication is key to maintaining and strengthening a relationship. Sometimes, we can face turbulence in our relationships when we struggle with stress, mental health disorders, or addiction. Without effective communication, all relationships, whether adults or adolescents, are at risk for conflicts. Maintaining our relationships with our significant others, [...]
We often get stuck trying to achieve our goals. We set off with noble intentions. We’ll decide that we’re going to start working out, eating healthy, go back to school, move out, obtain financial security or even just simply learn a new hobby. We see other people toting their successes and achievements and yet somewhere, [...]
Don't munch on feelings. Often we munch on feelings when we don't have useful tools to cope with distressful feelings. If you’ve identified yourself as someone who uses food to avoid and soothe a distressful emotion, then you may lack the necessary, non-food-related, tools to cope. Making this change is challenging as food is a [...]
When many people think of Recovering from Addiction, they envision attending a 28-day rehabilitation facility, daily Alcoholic/Narcotic Anonymous meetings, and never being able to drink or use again. Unfortunately, this stigma often scares people off from admitting they are struggling with addiction and getting the help they need. Have you ever thought to yourself "I [...]
Why do we eat? It seems like a simple enough question with a simple answer; to stay alive and fuel our body. However, we know that the answer is sometimes not so simple. Eating is tied to life events, to bring people together, to celebrations and holidays and for many people, eating is a way [...]
Finding out someone you love or care about is suffering from an Eating Disorder can be a shocking and scary discovery. It can be difficult to know what to do in that situation or how to help him or her. Even though you may not know how to react in the situation it is important [...]
