How to Recognize a Toxic Relationship

April 12, 2014 by
MH900387517

A healthy relationship is made of trust, intimacy, love, mutual respect, good communication, and honesty. There are many other factors involved, but we can say that these are the most basic. However, we also know that relationships are difficult and require effort from both partners to grow. How can we distinguish a healthy relationship with “normal” issues from a relationship that is toxic and draining? And when do your partner’s actions cross over from unhealthy to downright abusive? Here are some signs that tell you it’s time to re-evaluate: Passive- aggressive communication: Many … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Couples Connection

Squeezed In Between: The Sandwich Generation

April 11, 2014 by
MH910216391

The Sandwich Generation is a phrase coined by Carol Abaya but has gained such common use that it is listed in the dictionary.  It generally refers to those members of society who are raising children and caring for an elderly parent.  For statisticians it often means women between the ages of 45 and 56, although increasingly more men are participating in the process. This is not a new phenomenon; adult children have long cared for aging parents while raising children.  In my own experience, my father’s mother lived with my aunt and her family after her second husband passed away. She was in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adult Mental Health, Mindful Parents, Stress/Anxiety Tagged With: ,

Healing Quilts: A Creative Means to Healing and Empowerment

April 11, 2014 by
quilt

The experience of trauma, serious illness and bereavement leaves us speechless.  Words often fail to fully express the depth of loss and despair that result from these experiences.  Our souls ache in a way that can lead to depression and a sense that all is hopeless.  At times like this we turn to friends, family and faith for support and understanding.  When these connections are not enough we turn to professionals; individual therapists for traditional talk therapy and group counseling for information, education and support.  Creative expression has been found to facilitate healing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adult Mental Health, Expressive Arts, Grief/Loss, Other Integrative Health, Trauma Tagged With: ,

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

April 14, 2013 by
Brain puzzle

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based practice has been proven as one of the most effective forms of treatment for trauma.  Trauma is experienced when one perceives threat of danger to safety...what is traumatic to one person may not be traumatic to another.  If you are feeling "crazy" because others do not understand, rest reassured that you can find a way to function again.  In addition to treating trauma, EMDR has also been proven highly effective for anxiety, stress, and other life challenges. When someone experiences trauma, the memory often gets … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mental Wellness, Trauma Tagged With: , ,