Blog

Many of my clients report experiencing fear and anxiety associated with unusual sleep events, but often have trouble talking about their fears, even in therapy.  The fear is often related to unusual experiences before, during and/or immediately upon waking up. Parasomnias are undesirable experiences that are related to sleep, also known as disruptive sleep disorders.

The past two-and-a-half years have come with a whirlwind of changes looming at every corner. From welcoming triplets to my husband’s lay off from work and all the events in between and after. There really hasn’t been a dull moment.

Many of us have heard the term “gender socialization” and recognize how it plays a part in the differing behaviors, emotional expressions, and preferences of males and females. Gender socialization is the process of males or females learning behaviors and attitudes considered to be appropriate for their assigned gender, whether it is a boy or girl. Our society is inundated with messages of what it means to “be a girl” or “be a boy.”

For many, the upcoming holiday season is a time of joy and excitement, but for others, the holidays can bring a different group of emotions such as anxiety, sadness, resentment, and even uncertainty. That’s because, the holiday season brings with it a whole host of stressors that can contribute to distressing emotions – financial, family, time management, unhealthy eating patterns, social connections, etc.

It can be difficult to tell when to bring a child into see a therapist; when to know if their reactions are normal, a result of a developmental “phase,” or something that would benefit from clinical attention. It is difficult to know whether or not a therapist will be able to help.

Separation and divorce can be devastating on couples as they grieve the loss of their partnership or marriage, but the loss of a family unit can be even harder for the children involved. Many times, parents can’t see past their own anger, hurt or sadness to put the emotional needs of their children first. While the adult relationship may end, the family as a whole doesn’t.

Many of us like to wind down after work with a glass of wine or connect with our friends socially over Saturday night drinks. However, a recent study recently published found that alcohol consumption, including beer and wine, is the leading risk factor for death and disease and the seventh leading risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide in 2016.

In our society, happiness is typically seen as the desired state no matter what you may be facing. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, most of us have experienced the scary pit of hurt, anger or sadness that comes with stressful life circumstances. Some of us have felt it in lesser forms…as a twinge or flutter of something that does not quite feel right. We may try to ignore, block, numb, or “get over” these difficult emotions.

“Researchers have found that even more than IQ, your emotional awareness and ability to handle feelings will determine your success and happiness in all walks of life, including family relationships” -John Gottman, Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child