by Jennifer Mudarrie, LICSW Has the word “vulnerability” become so overused that we assume it means sharing everything or even oversharing? Does the word alone give you shivers or pause when brought up in conversation or even a disagreement? Every person deserves to have deep and meaningful connections so what does it actually look like… CONTINUE
Anxiety, Relaxation and Focus
What’s the least helpful thing you can say to someone who is stressed and anxious? Just relax. Telling someone who is stressed to relax is like telling someone who wants to win the race to run faster. Obviously, if an anxious person could relax in that moment, she would do just that. And oftentimes, the harder… CONTINUE
Using “Then What” Thinking to Overcome Anxiety
What’s the worst that could possibly happen? You either avoid this question or you tackle it head-on. When you’re feeling anxious about some life change or new undertaking, it can be useful to consciously consider the Worst Case Scenario. Suppose you fear certain social situations, such as business meetings. Regarding your next business meeting, what… CONTINUE
Do You Suffer from Time Traveling Disorder?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC Fear and anger are at the core of every negative human emotion, thought and behavior. Depression and anxiety. Financial worries. Relationship struggles and family drama. Health issues, aging and various addictions. Each of these comes down to one of two things: Fear of someone taking something from you in the future. Anger toward someone… CONTINUE
Overcoming Fear
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC You find yourself in a pitch black room with bear traps scattered here and there. You step, very gingerly. Sweat dotting your forehead, you test the ground in front of you with a slow sweep of your foot. You inch forward, stop again to test. Heart hammering, your nervous toe… CONTINUE
When is it Time for a Big Change?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC You dream you’re a mouse in a maze. You turn this way, that way, this way, that way, but you never find the cheese. Or if you do find the cheese, it’s dissatisfying. Why? Because it’s dream cheese. It doesn’t really matter if the mouse “solves” this puzzle. To say… CONTINUE
Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Work
Jan 16, 2015 So here were are mid-January, 2015. How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? I don’t have to tell you that resolutions fail more often than not, and many Americans have likely already given up after a couple of weeks of best intentions. Here are some tips to help keep your New Year on… CONTINUE