R-E-L-A-X…FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Relationships and the holiday season

Every year it feels like the hustle and bustle of the holidays creates a terrible strain on couples and families. Forget about the giving spirit, sitting by the fireplace peacefully snuggling, or quietly sipping eggnog while decorating the Christmas tree; there’s no...

Happy Thanksgiving: Appreciate What You Have

So often we get caught focusing on all the negatives in our lives to such a degree that we forget about the positives. We end up concentrating on all the things that bring us down; the things we don’t have, our financial struggles, the last argument we had with a...

MODERATION WITH CELEBRATIONS: THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL IN RELATIONSHIPS

The Fourth of July has finally arrived. As a result, there are parties abound; days off work, family gatherings, fireworks flying, delightful foods, and of course…alcohol flowing. As with many holidays, this seems to be the common mix for celebrations. Often, this mix...

VALENTINE’S DAY: IGNORE THE HYPE–KEEP THE MESSAGE

I keep reading about the stress that occurs as a result of Valentine’s Day and I can’t help but wonder why. Why do so many people place so much value on this day? Do we think that if our partner has been irresponsible, mean-spirited, and selfish throughout our...

TIPS TO STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR RESOLUTIONS

The following article was written by a colleague of mine. I hope you find it helpful in your determination to keep up with your resolutions. Enjoy! Resolving to Resolve By Kim Leatherdale, ATR, LPC People use the turning of the year as a time to make changes in their...

A NEW TAKE ON AN OLD TRADITION: NEW YEAR’S THEMES VS RESOLUTIONS

I first heard about New Year’s Themes, rather than resolutions, from the life coaching world. A New Year’s theme may be: “Come alive in 2005” or “Go for more in 2004”. All themes don’t have to rhyme; they just have to feel right–to...