Choosing Values to Reduce Stress

There are always situations in which there are many potential responses. Often times, one may be uncertain how best to proceed, uncertain which response will deliver the most desirable outcome.  Sometimes we evaluate a situation based on what we would like to...

We Are What We Think

The clever ways that life lessons are imparted in parables can make the consideration of their complex meanings an enjoyable, if not absorbing, pasttime. While browsing various media sources, I have often come across this Cherokee parable. Its application to the basic...

The Impact of Stress on Memory

Have you ever noticed that when you’re trying to hurry up with something, it often takes longer to accomplish? You overslept and had to rush through the morning routine to get to work or the kids to school, and you can’t find your keys. You can find a million shoes,...

But I Thought I was Better… Coping with Recurring Stress

So often we assume that once we get past the rough spot we find ourselves in, that it will be smooth sailing going forward.  Unfortunately, so often we find ourselves mistaken.  While the mindset of “I just have to get through this” can be helpful in the...

Creating a Successful Relationship

John Gottman, Ph.D. is widely recognized as the pre-eminent researcher and teacher of marital therapy. His research, conducted over a 40 year period at the University of Washington in Seattle, has led to the most comprehensive and evidence-based theoretical and...

Redefining Success to De-stress

So often in life, we define success by the outcome for which we strive. We define success in school by the grades we receive. In sports, we define success as the final winner.  We define success in our careers by promotions, raises, or accolades received. We...

Overcoming Negative Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think

“I don’t want to have any more bad thoughts”This is a statement to which most people can relate, and it’s the kind of statement many people make in therapy.  We work very hard to identify the thoughts that make us feel sad, angry, jealous, frustrated, and afraid,...

Anxiety Giving You the Blues?

As we know anxiety can be burdensome and quite draining. The symptoms often leave you feeling overwhelmed and powerless, which has you believing that there is no relief from its control. Well guess what? There is relief and a way to gain control of your life. The...