One of the forms of therapy I am specialized in is family therapy, and I thought it would be helpful to write a blog about what family therapy is and why it could be helpful. Often when children are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties, these problems are related to stress or tension within the family. …Read More
“Peace Is Every Step” By Thich Nhat Hanh (Book Recommendation)
Jun 30, 2011
This book is a classic that I wanted to bring to people’s attention again today, because it contains a wealth of wisdom that is written specifically to increase peace and happiness in our daily lives. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist teacher and peace activist, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by …Read More
“Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults”
Jun 3, 2011
I was driving home a couple of days ago, listening to the Flatlanders on the radio, and one of their songs had the line: “I count my blessings, not my faults.” Wow! What great advice to live by! All too often we get bogged down by what we think is “wrong” with us and our …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School VI: A Growth Mindset
Apr 17, 2011
So, what does it take for a child to be successful at something like math or learning a language? Does it take talent? Research shows that there are certainly individual differences in predisposition for learning certain skills, but that this talent doesn’t get us very far. What really matters is putting in hours of hard …Read More
The Science of Positive Emotions
Apr 2, 2011
Scientists used to think that all human beings have an inborn “happiness set point” that doesn’t really change. For some people, the more pessimistic gloomy people, that set point is lower, for some people, the eternal optimists, that set point is higher. Of course everybody will react to a tragedy like the loss of a …Read More
The Importance of Play
Mar 4, 2011
As parents we all want the best for our children and we want to provide them with as many opportunities to grow and develop themselves as we can. We want to expose our children to experiences that are enriching and will enhance many different aspects of their development. But sometimes these loving intentions result in …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School V: Get Involved
Jan 15, 2011
One of the most important things that parents can do to help their child succeed in school is to become involved in their education. Decades of research shows that parent involvement has a positive influence on students’ school performance and social emotional well being in school. This is the fifth installment of a series of …Read More
Ways to Battle the Holiday Blues
Dec 18, 2010
The holidays are a difficult time for many people. Many people struggle with depression, stress, loneliness, and feelings of resentment during the holidays. If you are one of those people, you are not alone, and there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. Here are five ways that can help lift your …Read More
Powerful Song
Dec 9, 2010
I found this song and video very powerful and moving. Austin band American Graveyard is communicating with their music the frustration many of us are feeling about the state of the economy and the many injustices in our society. Art and creative expression can be a very powerful and healing way to transform and communicate …Read More
The Power of Gratitude
Nov 25, 2010
As we approach Thanksgiving, perhaps some of you are reflecting on things in your life you are grateful for. But did you know that this kind of reflection can lead to increased happiness? Research suggests that one simple technique can significantly increase your level of happiness: keeping a gratitude journal. The technique is very simple. …Read More