ALL FEATURES

Parenting

Parenting can present plenty of challenges. It can be daunting and dazzling all in one day. Whether you are a first time parent or a grandparent with decades of experience raising children, it can be difficult to set limits, be consistent, explain expectations and appropriately hand out earned consequences and rewards. Being overly permissive can be almost as damaging to a child's development as being harsh. Striking a loving, nurturing but firm balance can take help especially when the child has specific difficulties of his/ her own, including ADHD, separation anxiety or learning difficulties. We can help you rest easy knowing you're doing all you can for your child.

Family Conflict

Into every life a little rain must fall, or so it is said. Just as true is the fact that every family has some level of tension at some point. Families are made up of individuals and if the individuals are being honest, open and communicative, differences are bound to happen. When family conflict occurs it can be very stressful and have members of the family walking on eggshells around each other. In worst cases, houses will be divided or members will choose to walk away from the family unit for a while. Sometimes issues arise that families have difficulty dealing with without professional help. Divorce, co-parenting, blended families, domestic violence, and other issues can all be examples of conflicts that need help. Don't be ashamed. You are not alone. There is help and calm can be brought to your house again with some help.

Codependency

Feeling frustrated, overwhelmed with demands, resentful, unappreciated, overlooked, not a priority in your own life? Do you: feel that you are spreading yourself too thin, no one is appreciating it or helping, you feel responsible for others’ actions, feelings, want to be needed, feel important and valuable only when helping others, blame self for things that go wrong, ignore, minimize or rationalize problems, avoid thinking about your feelings, have fear of expressing anger, and experience continual health problems? You may be struggling with codependency. There is help for codependency. One step, one day at a time.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Issues

Everyone feels like an outsider at some point, but for the gay community it is often something that we struggle with for a long time. Until we figure out what's "different" and what "label" fits us, it can be difficult to understand where and how we fit into society at all. This is especially difficult for adolescents, young adults and those who have been exposed to radically opposing viewpoints on sexual orientation. Often times, it can be difficult for individuals to come to terms with their sexual orientation and be willing to come out. It is also a difficult things, sometimes, for families to deal with, especially parents of gay or lesbian individuals. Transgender individuals have difficulties as well with being misunderstood, judged and bullied. Acceptance and confidence are key to healthy self-esteem and feelings of belonging.

Life Changes

Life changes can happen at any stage of life and can be experienced in many different ways depending on the person's perspective. Job loss, divorce and moving are all seen by many as negatives. However, with each job loss there is the potential for a new and better position with purpose. With a divorce comes new possibilities for a new kind of intimacy and more mature relationship. With every move comes the ability to start over, present yourself differently, earn respect from new people and feel like a new person because the environment (external and internal) has the ability to be shaped into anything you desire. Your ability to handle change is dependent upon your perspective. Change is hard, but it can be an opportunity to shine.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome; can develop into a psychological condition that is expressed in compulsive behaviors and can lead to panic attacks and social issues. ~synonyms: worry, concern, apprehension, apprehensiveness, uneasiness, unease, fearfulness, fear, disquiet, disquietude, inquietude, perturbation, agitation, angst, misgiving, nervousness, nerves, tension, tenseness, heebie-jeebies, butterflies (in one's stomach), jitteriness, the jitters, twitchiness. Learning to cope with your anxiety can significantly improve your success in relationships, work and in life.

Relationships

There are many factors that go into making a relationship strong. Two individuals coming together to unite in a way that is healthy, loving, giving and equal can be a balancing act. Learning to communicate, resolving conflict in a productive way, committing to each other, being loyal, honest and open about feelings, thoughts and plans are all part of the dance. It can be delicate at times, but with some work in breaking negative patterns, identifying conflict cycles and developing positive habits your relationship can become healthy, happy and thriving. Happy relationships don't happen by accident, but they do happen over time with consistent effort, openness and love.

Spirituality

Spirituality and/or Religion can mean different things to different people. Often times religion is described as a set of beliefs and doctrine that brings a group together. Spirituality is often seen as the individual portion, rather in a group o personal situation. When a person is participating in a particular organized religion, there are times when beliefs of the whole don't align with the beliefs, values or actions of individuals. When this happens, individuals experience shame and guilt. Shame is the "I am bad" message we believe about ourselves. Guilt is the "I did something bad" that we feel. Depending on your spiritual path and beliefs, these issues are dealt with different ways, but still exist and are problematic in all cultures. Learning to manage your shame, guilt and to accept and give forgiveness and grace are part of life. Discovering who you are in respect to the universe and God / Higher Power is a part of life that everyone questions at some point.

Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Trauma can have an effect on a person's life long after the events have passed. Long after wounds have healed, juries have convicted and buildings are rebuilt, trauma symptoms can be present. Emotional scars are still impeding the normal functioning of daily life for those whose trauma have made lasting impacts on their psyche or have effected the ability to feel secure, to trust or to manage feelings. PTSD and other issues related to trauma can be treated and worked through to help alleviate the long-term pain from the events.

"RE-yourself" Program

Coming Soon... January 2018 The RE-yourself program is a step program that walks a person through an evaluation of all the aspects and areas of life to work toward a better understanding of self, an improved self confidence and an increased self-worth. The steps can be done in any order, depending on the needs of the individual. A workbook is available for purchase as a self-help guide to walk through the steps on your own. The steps include: Refocus your goals, Reflect on lessons, Recover from your past, Remember your losses, Reward your motivation/ drive, Reorganize your environment, Reclaim your self-esteem, Re-energize your spirit, Reconnect with friends, Recommit to your partner, Repair your family bonds, Re-evaluate your dreams / career, Revive your life, Realign your education and Reach out.