World champion swimmer, Michael Phelps, is one of the most successful athletes of all time. He’s said, “You don’t have to wait for it to get that bad. Therapy isn’t just for people struggling with serious mental illness, you can reach out at any time you think that you need help.  It’s proven to work.” […]

Music is a Bridge It can move your soul, build memories, create connections with others. It is a universal experience for all humans. We may not all enjoy the same type of music, but cultures across the world have been creating and experiencing music for thousands of years. Some songs evoke emotions and memories that […]

Since 2013, my husband and I have had the tradition of keeping what we call a “Good Things Jar.” In January, we pick out a new jar and decorate it with the year. Of course you can create your jar any time of the year.  Throughout the year, we use note cards to keep track […]

Parenting is the most challenging job there is.  No debates necessary. The stakes are high. Effective parents set out to rear productive, responsible members of society.  Our hope is that our children will grow up in a world free from rejection and disappointments.  A world where they will be loved and valued for their individuality. […]

Twenty-two. That’s how many years of marriage I have under my belt. I met my husband while I was a senior in high school. I can remember the day we met like it was yesterday.  One Saturday in December of 1991, I was spending the day with my sister and nephew.  We decided to go […]

The holidays are really great. It’s an opportunity to get together with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while, indulge in some delicious food, and rejuvenate for the upcoming new year. However, it can also be semi-dreadful knowing you will run into multiple people who think it is ok to ask intrusive, inappropriate […]

As the weather changes and temperatures drop, sometimes our moods follow suit.  Some people experience increased sadness and sluggishness during the fall and winter months.  Winter blues, for some is a manageable and temporary state of sadness and malaise.  For others, the “blues” may be more serious and result in seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.  […]

As I sit here, taking a break from all the holiday baking I am responsible for this year, a sense of relief comes over me. This year, I am not hosting and it should be relatively low key.  (Fingers crossed.) When I think about the stress that can come with spending time with family at […]

Are you the parent of a child diagnosed with ODD? Are you doing your best to parent your child with little progress?  You are not alone.  Research suggests that as many as 16% of adolescents have some degree of ODD.  In order to help your child, it’s necessary to first have a clear understanding of […]