Are You Experiencing an Anniversary Reaction?
When we think of holidays, or special occasions, we normally think of family, friends, love, joy, fun, etc. For some of us, unfortunately, it is not that way. Holidays or special occasions may bring about feelings of…
- Communication, Coping Skills, Decision-making, Emotional Triggers, Psychoeducation, Relationships, Stress Management
Emotional Triggers (The Problem With Flapping)
Angry words, harsh judgments, negative criticism, and cruel baiting can become emotional triggers. And these emotional triggers lead to misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and possibly life-long trauma issues. In my work with clients over the years I have…
Book Review: Courageous Faith
I recently had the privilege of reviewing the newly published book, Courageous Faith, by Debbye Turner Bell. After writing a short blurb for Bookish First, I was informed that I had “won” a copy of the book,…
- Bibliotherapy, Chronic Pain, Coping Skills, Guided Imagery, Health, Pain Management, Perception of Pain, Psychoeducation, Stress Management
Pain Management: Alternative Treatment Approaches
Introduction Pain Management: Alternative Treatment Approaches is part 3 in the series: When You or Your Loved One is in Pain. In this article we will explore various mental health and complementary treatment approaches for pain, for…
Pain Versus Suffering
Pain Versus Suffering is part 2 in the series, When You or Your Loved One is in Pain. We will be taking a look at the emotional and psychological aspects of pain…as well as the concept of…
How Do We Sense Pain?
In my 38 years as a Clinical Social Worker in the mental health profession I worked with many people who experienced physical pain. Some had acute pain and others chronic pain. Pain as a result of accidents…
Manage Stress with GAS TANK Guidelines
GAS TANK Guidelines? It seems to be a rather odd phrase, perhaps even a bit quirky. Gas tanks could not be related to thoughts of mind, body, and soul. Or could they? What could we possibly learn…
Card and Letter-Writing: A Lost Art?
Dear Reader, Has card and letter-writing become a lost art? In today’s 2021 world, handwritten cards and letters seem to be becoming a thing of the past. But should card and letter-writing become a lost art, replaced…
Men, Movies, and Mental Health
June was Men’s Mental Health Month. A time to highlight men’s mental health issues. One way to continue this conversation is through Men, Movies, and Mental Health. Men are drawn to movies that speak to them, to…
Book Review: Love People, Use Things by The Minimalists
I was pleased when, 1) I won an Advanced Reading Copy of Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works and 2) I was asked by BOOKish FIRST to write a review of the book. (The…
- Bibliotherapy, Codependency, Communication, Coping Skills, Psychoeducation, Relationships, Stress Management
Is This Codependency? Monkeys On Your Back
Is This Codependency? Monkeys On Your Back is all about responsibilities, codependency, assertive communication and “I” messages. Oh, and of course, it’s also about monkeys! I loved using imagery when I explained and discussed concepts with my…
Coping Skills: Tools for Living a Healthy Life
I believe that coping skills are tools for living a healthy life. When I worked in my clinical practice this topic was discussed frequently. We developed a variety of healthy coping skills to reduce stress, but we…
Stress and The Silent To-Do List
Who doesn’t experience stress? To varying degrees, we all do. Many of the stresses in our lives practically shout to us with “in your face” demands. But, there are also more quiet, insidious stresses that whisper to…
Relationships: Finding Love Later in Life
Relationships are the threads that weave the fabric of life. Family relationships. Friendships. Work relationships. Team relationships. Love relationships. Relationships impact us from birth to death. And, our spiritual relationship with God is eternal. We will explore…
- Bibliotherapy, Book Review, Coping Skills, Decision-making, Health, Relationships, Stress Management
“Hanger Management” Bookish First Book Review
Susan Albers, Psy D has hit the mark with a topic that is so very relevant, especially in today’s stressful environment. “Hanger Management” explores the role that hanger (hunger + anger) plays in our lives today. From…