The word pandemic conjures up a host of overwhelming thoughts and feelings. The idea that a virus could be so enormous, so powerful, that it would pose a global threat is something only imagined in movies and sci-fi novels ... until now. While history shows us that numerous parts of the world previously suffered life-threatening and life-taking viruses, this is the first time in this … [Read more...]
When suicide comes ‘out of the blue’
One of the most treacherous terrains mental health clinicians navigate comes when a client struggles with severe depression, yet disavows any suggestions of suicide ideation. "Depression, yes. Would I take my life … never!" the client protests. And then one day, "out of the blue," the client completes the ultimate act of self harm. Everyone, including the therapist, is flabbergasted. … [Read more...]
For the love of pets
Bringing home a new puppy just makes our hearts melt. We break into laughter, sometimes with tears of joy, as this new little family member wiggles and wags everywhere, licking everyone with sheer happiness, eager to be hugged, petted and most of all to play. Puppies, kittens, rabbits, reptiles, pot belly pigs, horses, guinea pigs ... whatever your choice, these animals can play a profound role … [Read more...]
The Legacy: Time to deal with it.
How many times have you heard someone say, "I'll never be like my father" (or mother). Maybe someone said to you, "You know, your grandfather had a temper just like yours." How shocked you were to hear such a false accusation. You protest, "Not me," or, "I’m never going to raise my children the way I was raised. ... "I will never be impatient like my father, or say those mean things to … [Read more...]
A two-step approach to childhood pain
It is instinctual to intervene when a child is hurt, physically or emotionally -- to try to stop the young one's pain. Say when a child suffers a cut or a bruise. Or feels the emotional pain of losing a pet. Or reels from injurious comments made by a bully at school. Our inclination is to say something like, "It's OK; it’s not that bad." Or, "Honey you'll be OK -- just shake it off." Or the … [Read more...]