In every relationship, partners are going to have disagreements from time-to-time. However, how they handle a disagreement can make a big difference. Disagreements Happen When partners disagree, they will try to convince the other partner that their side is right. Of course, this leads to conflict. Still, what if partners tried something different?  Instead, they…

Anger is a normal emotion. We all feel it at one time or another. However, we learn to suppress our anger. We may even be taught to be ashamed of feeling angry. Yet, there are ways to manage anger in a healthier manner. First, consider the STARR method:  Stop, Think, Ask, Reduce, Reward. This helps us…

Oftentimes we go through life on auto-pilot without putting much thought into things that are important. This includes our health. How to make positive changes Using mindfulness can help us break that pattern. For instance, taking stock of your personal habits and then deciding which are important to change. When it comes to diet using…

Do you feel stressed and burned out trying to achieve perfection? Perhaps it is time to surrender. Strategies for Surrender Surrender means finding acceptance with both yourself and where you are at in the moment.  Instead of trying to force a situation to occur, you surrender to where life is taking you. You can do…

Want to have a better brain this year? Consider these ideas. Mental Health Habits Eat a diet rich in whole foods. Drink water and avoid sugary beverages, even juice. Don’t eat refined carbohydrates such as sugar and flour, as they can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Eat more animal protein which has vitamins, zinc,…

Research is finding that if you are a perfectionist you may be at higher risk for depression and anxiety. Perils of Perfectionism The research study, done by Psychological Bulletin, connected perfectionism as a trigger for other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In addition, perfectionism in the populations of Canadian, American, and British college…

Are you struggling with anxiety and are not sure what to do? Consider the following: Healthy ways to beat anxiety First, talk to someone about your anxiety. Working out regularly helps with maintaining a positive mood and sleeping. Eat a balanced diet while avoiding alcohol and coffee. Being outdoors also helps, even if it’s just…

Assessment is helpful when working with a “hostile angry couple.” This can be done by looking at their motivations surrounding therapy. Assessing opportunity for change Motivated partners want change. They do homework assignments outside of sessions. They set goals. Unmotivated partners do not play an active role in therapy. Instead, they feel defensive. They feel blamed…

Even though the holidays are supposed to be positive, there are several risk factors for your mental health. One issue is worrying about money due to holiday spending. Another is feeling lonely with no one to be with during the holidays. A third is the stress from extra social engagements to attend, which can be overwhelming. Consuming…

Insecurity is often the source of unhappiness in people’s lives. We try to cover up insecurity and unhappiness with material possessions, but that doesn’t work in the long run. Or, we compare ourselves to others whom we see as “weak.” Insecure people will value the opinion of others over their own judgment. Yet, when we…