Brene Brown on The Power of Being Vulnerable Brené Brown – Embracing Vulnerability Daring Greatly, Brene Brown
Read more
12
May
2013
The Power of Being Vulnerable
13
Apr
2013
Finding Relationship Help
Need Relationship Help? Some of us look forward to weekends with our loved ones — no work and time for closeness, romance, and relaxation. Right? The reality for many is that weekends are much than difficult than work days. because rather than feel excited about being together and connected to one another, you feel lonely and disappointed. Spending time with someone who makes you feel miserable instead of loved, can be very painful. Are you in need of relationship help and wonder what to do? After a bad stretch, some people may pick up the phone and reach out for professional help (more…)
Read more
01
Apr
2013
Compassion and Empathy – Evolutionary Roots
Compassion and Empathy – Evolutionary Roots Dacher Keltner, the UC Berkley psychology professor and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center, explains why Darwin thought compassion is humans’ strongest instinct.
Read moreForgiving Yourself for Mistakes | We All Make Mistakes Do you struggle with forgiving yourself for mistakes? Do you have trouble forgiving others? We all make mistakes – in our relationships, with our parents, children and at work. It is not easy to accept you did not handle things the “right” way – and it is even more difficult to know that your actions may have hurt someone else. Struggling with forgiveness can cause a tremendous amount of suffering and learning how to forgive can be very challenging for many of us. Having compassion for yourself and others… Is this (more…)
Read more
11
Mar
2013
Let Your Heart Drive and Your Brain Lead the Way
Let Your Heart Drive and Your Brain Lead the Way Another great TED talk Magdalena Bak-Maier talks about how one needs to make use of both your mind and your heart on the road to fulfillment. Magdalena Bak-Maier is a personal development expert, successful coach, author and budding social entrepreneur. She excels at combining logic with emotion, passion with drive, ambition with courage and helps people unlock their capacity to make a difference and make time count – her personal philosophy. We hope you find this helpful.
Read more
12
Feb
2013
Coping Skills
Coping Skills Coping skills can help us all at certain times in our lives. Whether you’re dealing with depression, stress or anxiety, these skills can help you in develop helpful ways of coping with day to day challenges. Improve Your Coping Skills Helpful Coping Skills Take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Learn ways to relax and manage your stress. Activities such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, listening to music and meditation to name a few. Time to Yourself: It is important to set aside time everyday to allow yourself to relax and escape (more…)
Read more
19
Jan
2013
Vulnerability is Strength
Vulnerability is Strength | The Power of Vulnerability Vulnerability is strength? How’s that possible? Most people think sharing their innermost feelings and fears with others shows weakness. Who wants to let it all hang out if it means being judged, criticized or rejected? Disapproval or anger (or worse) from those you love – or anyone for that matter – can feel awful. Based on past experiences, exposing yourself and opening up emotionally may not feel safe. So why do it? Because it will help you feel more connected – something we all need. “Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives us (more…)
Read more
17
Jan
2013
Feeling Isolated and Alone?
Feeling Isolated and Alone? Are you feeling isolated and alone? Is isolating causing you to feel depressed and ashamed or is it the other way around? Social or emotional isolation can have very painful consequences. It can even affect your health. Alone Time – Is it Helping or Hurting? Spending time alone can be a very healthy way to deal with a busy, stressful life. It’s a way of emotionally and mentally recharging. It’s great to have some quiet time to relax, deal with stress and do things you enjoy. After all, everyone could use a break from day to (more…)
Read moreWhat is a Healthy Marriage | Marriage Counseling NJ Help for Your Relationship | Marriage Counseling NJ Do you feel alone and unhappy in your relationship? Are you getting caught up in negative cycles and patterns? Need help getting to a better place? It’s very painful to feel alone in a relationship. It can actually feel worse than being alone. Is your partner there for you? Do you matter to him or her? If you have a few minutes, watch these videos to help you understand what you need to do to improve your relationship. Videos to help you and your (more…)
Read more
16
Dec
2012
LGBT Aging Issues and Resources
LGBT Aging Issues and Resources | LGBTQIA Resources LGBT aging issues include concerns about how 50+ gay baby boomers (gay boomers) and LGBT elders are or will be treated when they seek services for a variety of needs in their communities. The older LGBTQIA community will need health care providers, hospitals, and other community-based services that are sensitive to and trained to work with and offer services to an LGBT aging population. We all will eventually face concerns about changes in our physical, social and emotional health. The LGBT community faces significant fear of discrimination, homophobia, abuse from caregivers and poor (more…)
Read more
21
Nov
2012
Need Self Esteem Therapy?
Looking for Self Esteem Therapy? Do you need self esteem therapy to help you improve the way you feel about yourself? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self esteem as “ a confidence and satisfaction in oneself .” Self-esteem beings to form in early childhood, shaped and influenced by the following: Your thoughts and perceptions How others react to you School, work and community experiences Issues related to health ( illness, disability or injury) Culture, religion, as well as role and status in society Relationships are especially important to self-esteem. How you are treated by your parents, brothers, sisters, peers, teachers and other (more…)
Read more
04
Nov
2012
How to Deal with Trauma and Traumatic Stess
How to Deal with Trauma and Traumatic Stress How to deal with trauma and traumatic stress - Recently, Hurriance Sandy caused severe damage to the Northeast including New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Some people lost their homes due to wind and water damage and many families have had to deal with power outages for extended periods of time. Some people (such as the elderly and the sick ) have not able to easily get food and water, and those without power have had no heat. And still others have been displaced, staying with friends or relatives or making use of emergency shelters. These are (more…)
Read moreAging and Mental Heath Coping with Getting Older, Depression, Aging Care Resources Dealing with aging and mental health issues can be rough. Hitting 50 for many of us is a time when we reflect on our lives and think about our mortality. Even if you feel healthy, you start to wonder about the inevitable and issues such as heart problems, strokes, and the big “C.” Add to that dealing with elderly parents, a sick spouse or partner, financial struggles, divorce and dealing with adult or adolescent children. Getting older can feel very overwhelming. Depression is a common aging and mental (more…)
Read more
03
Oct
2012
Therapy vs Medication | Does Therapy Work?
Therapy Vs Medication | Choosing Therapy or Medication Are you on the therapy vs medication fence? Some people search for a quick fix to anxious or depressed feelings and wonder if therapy can really help. There are so many studies that have shown that psychotherapy treatment works. Medcation alone may relieve some symptoms, but therapy can be very effective in treating a wide range of issues, such as reducing depression and anxiety, improving social functioning, self esteem, helping with marriage, family and relationship problems. The Choice: Therapy vs Medication Psychotherapy with a trained therapist can improve a person’s mental, social, (more…)
Read moreAnxiety and Health Problems The following podcasts explain the link and relationship between anixety and health problems, specifically tomachaches and anxiety in children, anxiety and cardiovascular health, and irritable bowel syndrome IBS and anxiety disorders. These podcasts are available through the ADAA.org (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) Stomachaches and Anxiety in Children In this podcast. Dr. Danda discusses pediatric pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders and their connection to anxiety disorders. Anxiety and Cardiovascular Health In this podcast, Dr. Lavie, who practices cardiology and internal medicine, discusses the link between anxiety and other psychological stress for patients with cardiovascular disease. Irritable Bowel (more…)
Read moreUnrealistic Expectations are Resentments Waiting to Happen What do you expect from others? Are your expectations in a relationship realistic? Do you see yourself as demanding and unreasonable but do not understand why? Unrealistic expectations are resentments waiting to happen. Being on the receiving end of someone with unrealistic expectations is no picnic. Actually, it can make the other person feel inadequate, miserable and unhappy. It could be a child, spouse or partner that gets your wrath. Does this sound familiar? “I can never please him,” or “I can never do anything right.” People with unrealistic expectations can be very (more…)
Read more
28
Aug
2012
Finding Life After Divorce
Finding Life After Divorce Separation and divorce can be one of the most painful experiences of your life. The loss feels unbearable to so many people. Many find it hard to eat, sleep and function at work and home. Finding a support group or a mental health professional may help you cope. Processing the grief can be extremely painful, but it is important to healing and to finding life after divorce. You may have made many mistakes in your relationship. We all have. Understanding what happened and learning what you can do to make a future relationship more satisfying and (more…)
Read more
19
Aug
2012
Help for Single Mothers
Help for Single Mothers Being a single mother can be completley overwhleming and stressful. Here is help for single mothers to help you find balance, support and resources and you try and take care of your children and yourself: Online Support Groups for Single Mothers – The Complete Single Mother Help For Single Moms In New Jersey Being a Single Parent A Single Parents Network – Support & Resources for Single Mothers DMOZ – Single Parent Support Groups Housing Assistance Programs and other Benefits in your Area Scholarships & Grants -Mom of 3 able to go back to school full (more…)
Read moreFinding a Meaning in Life – The Science of a Meaningful Life on Greater Good Greater Good at Berkeley lists several of these talks and interviews with leading experts on the science of happiness, compassion, mindfulness, and more. I hope you find these videos interesting and helpful. If you wish to get involved in the greater good, join the Greater Good Science Center here. Robert M. Sapolsky Fred Luskin Christine Carter John Gottman Rick Hanson Jack Kornfield Mary Gordon Barbara Fredrickson Philip Zimbardo Robert Emmons If you wish to get involved in the greater good, join the Greater Good Science (more…)
Read more
12
Jul
2012
How to Deal With a Narcissist
How to Deal with a Narcissist If you grew up with a narcissistic mother or father you know will know what I’m talking about. Even adult children (if they are still trying to get approval, love or avoid disapproval and anger) take care of the needs of the parent at the expense of their own needs. The narcissistic parent is very self-centered and expects others to always put the parent’s needs first. There is no awareness of how it hurts the child’s sense of self and self-esteem. And, sadly, some parents are not capable of caring about how this affects their children. (more…)
Read more
21
Jun
2012
The End of A Relationship
Hope After The End of A Relationship ( The following is fiction and not based on actual people or events) “I just can’t believe it,” said Emily. She was shocked that Rob wanted a separation. Her feelings alternated between grief and rage, which was not easy to hide from her two children. She could not understand… “How could he do this to me?” It was not a surprise to their family and friends when Rob and Emily separated. Emily criticized and devalued Rob more and more over time. He never felt like he could do anything to please her and it was impossible to make (more…)
Read more
14
Jun
2012
Dealing with Disappointment and Learning to Cope
How well are you dealing with disappointment and loss? “The measure of success is how we cope with disappointment” From from the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” . A great movie very much worth seeing about a group of British retirees dealing with disappointment and all that comes with aging. People dealing with financial hardship, death of a spouse, loneliness, health problems, failed relationships and searching for (lost) love. Dealing with Disappointment We all have to cope with many of life’s hardships - the death of a loved one, divorce, loneliness, serious health and/or financial issues and much more. What makes (more…)
Read moreParenting Mistakes – Try to Avoid These Common Mistakes It’s hard to be a parent. As much as we love our children there are so many challenges we all face to raising healthy, well-adjusted children. Learn about the following common mistakes (information from About.com Pediatrics) to help you become a more effective parent : 1) Not Trying To Fix Problems Either because they think that certain problems can’t be fixed or they simply are quick to accept them, many parents endure months or years of frustration living with common problems. This might include bedtime battles, frequent night awakenings, or frequent temper (more…)
Read more
04
Jun
2012
Coping with a Break Up or Divorce
Coping with a Break Up or Divorce ( The following is fiction and not based on actual people or events) She was feeling deeply depressed over a recent separation. Her husband had left two months earlier and she felt so alone, scared and “empty.” It was hard to hold it together for her children and to function at work. She married after finishing college 21 years ago. It was her first long term, serious relationship and she described it as blissful. She got pregnant right after graduation, and it made sense to them both to “tie the knot.” At first, things (more…)
Read more
09
May
2012
Anxiety Self Help
Anxiety Self Help Find several anxiety self help resources below to help reduce anxiety. Breathing and relaxation exercises, basic education about what goes on in the brain and more. Self help combined with treatment from a mental health professional (CBT -cognitive behavioral therapy) may help you relieve, reduce and manage. Home treatment, combined with professional treatment, can help relieve anxiety. Anxiety Disorders Association of America – Nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders. (read more…) Self-Help Publications – Many ADAA members have written self-help books about anxiety and related disorders. (read more…) Anxiety Self Help: Experiencing (more…)
Read more
02
May
2012
Treating Anxiety Disorders
Treating Anxiety Disorders Need help understanding and treating anxiety disorders? See this 6 part video series that explains treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy CBT. Licensed clinical social workers ( LCSW), psychologists (PsyD, PhD), and other therapists can successfully treat disabling anxiety disorders. Here are a few videos that may help you understand anxiety and treatment. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Treating Anxiety Disorders Videos from ADAA.org (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) Need more information? See Our Anxiety Blog Posts: Anxiety Blog Posts We hope this information helps you. Questions or comments? Feel free (more…)
Read more
20
Apr
2012
Are You a Highly Sensitive Person HSP?
Are You a Highly Sensitive Person HSP? Are you a highly sensitive person? Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D. began researching high sensitivity in 1991 and here she explains a little about highly sensitive people. Here is an interview with Elaine Aron about highly sensitive people About The Highly Sensitive Person HQ Want to know if you are a hghly sensitive person? Take the test here See Elaine N. Aron’s website for more information about her research, books and on highly senstive people (learn more) Elaine Aron’s Books on the topic: The Highly Sensitive Person: How To Thrive When The World Overwhelms You (more…)
Read more
04
Apr
2012
Relaxation Exercises for Anxiety
Relaxation Exercises for Anxiety Here is a video that shows several relxation exercises for anxiety, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, yoga and meditation, exercise, guided imagery, listening to music, and more. It is important to note that sometimes there are medical conditions and physical causes for anxiety. Talk to your family doctor first to rule out medical causes for your anxiety such as blood sugar, thyroid, etc.. Also consult your docotor about drugs interactions (legal or illegal), herbs, energy drinks etc. that may cause or increase anxiety. There are many different types of exercises that are designed to help (more…)
Read more
22
Mar
2012
Stress Management Tips
Stress Management Tips I just read this article in Psychology Today magazine and thought these stress management tips would be helpful. 8 Steps to Stress-Proof Your Day! Reinterpret A Negative Experience: Say you leave your headphones in the car when you go to the gym. Interpret the return trip to the car not as an irritant but as a chance to warm up before you even climb on the treadmill. Give To Someone Else: Do something nice for others can make you happier and calmer, studies show. Jot Down Attainable Goals: for the week and aim to achieve one every (more…)
Read more
14
Mar
2012
Panic Attack Treatment and Prevention
Panic attack Treatment and Prevention A panic attack is a rush of intense and overwhelming fear that seems to occur for no obvious reason. Panic attacks can trigger severe physical reactions such as shortness of breath, chills, heart palpitations (rapid heartbeat), dizziness, feeling faint, sweating, shaking and/or chest pain. Some people feel a sense of impending doom or death. What types of things may increase your risk of panic attacks? family history of panic disorder A tremendous amount of stress A traumatic event such as an accident or death of a loved one People who are prone to anxiety or panic attacks share some common (more…)
Read more
05
Mar
2012
What is Psychotherapy
What is Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a specialized type of therapy which can be effective in helping you cope with a wide range of issues. Often referred to as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy is a way to treat people dealing with various mental disorders (depression, anxiety, etc…) and one of the main objectives of this type of therapy is to help you gain a better understanding of the issues that are causing emotional pain, dysfunction and problems in your life. The psychotherapist teaches people different ways to cope and deal with unhealthy attitudes, thoughts and behaviors. This type of treatment can be (more…)
Read more
29
Feb
2012
What is Grief? Grief Videos to Help You
What is Grief? Information and Grief Videos to Help You “Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people, regardless of whether their sadness stems from the loss of a loved one or from a terminal diagnosis they or someone they love have received” (more…) “Grieving is the process of emotional and life adjustment you go through after a loss. Grieving after a loved one’s death is also known as bereavement.” (more…) Grief is deep sorrow that can be caused by any of the following situations: The death of your child, wife, husband, partner, spouse, mother, father or friend Traumatic (more…)
Read more
24
Feb
2012
Latino Mental Health en Español
Latino Mental Health A Guide for Latinos and their Families (en Español) Latino Mental Health “The American Psychiatric Association offers a free “Mental Health: A Guide for Latinos and their Families” DVD and guidebook in English and Spanish. The materials are aimed at helping to inform the general Latino public about mental health, to dispel common misperceptions, and to reduce the stigma of mental illness among Latinos. Single copies of the DVD and guidebook can be ordered by emailing apa@psych.org or by calling APA Toll-Free: 1-888-35-PSYCH (888-357-7924).” Salud Mental Latino La Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría ofrece un servicio gratuito “Salud (more…)
Read more
16
Feb
2012
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Here are some helpful articles and videos on cognitive behavioral therapy CBT which is commonly used to treat all types of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, generalized anxiety) as well as depression, stress and other mental health issues. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? “Positive Thinking With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy” (read more…) “Cognitive behavioral therapy is a useful tool to address emotional challenges” (read more…) “Podcast explaining CBT” (read more…) “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression” (read more…) “There are several approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy. ” (read more…) What is Cognitive Therapy? We hope you find this (more…)
Read more
05
Feb
2012
Nagging Lead to Divorce?
Nagging Lead to Divorce? The Wall Street Journal is calling it the “marriage killer”: nagging. WSJ relationship columnist Elizabeth Bernstein and comedian Tom Papa debate the war of the sexes and the role of nagging with the “CBS This Morning” co-hosts. Meet the Marriage Killer “It’s More Common Than Adultery and Potentially As Toxic, So Why Is It So Hard to Stop Nagging?” Listen to this video below… Need more information? See Our Blog Posts: Anxiety Relationships Gay LGBT Issues Grief Depression Self Improvement Parenting Therapists Does Nagging Lead to Divorce? Nagging may lead to divorce if you do not find (more…)
Read more
01
Feb
2012
PTSD Treatment
Effective PTSD Treatment According to this video by Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), the following effective PTSD treatment includes: exposure therapy (including virtual reality treatment, and CBT cognitive-behavioral therapy) as well as medications. Watch the video now. We hope you find this PTSD Treatment information helpful. Need more information? See Our Blog Posts: Anxiety Relationships Gay LGBT Issues Grief Depression Self Improvement Parenting Therapists
Read more
29
Jan
2012
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder What is OCD? Everyone, from time to time, will believe they have forgotten something or failed to accomplish something. They will double check that effort and go about their business without major concern. OCD is a disorder that prohibits that resolution, but instead locks the patient into a cycle of repetitive behavior that is stressful and sometimes debilitating. Men, women and children who suffer from OCD will experience tremendous anxiety as the result of obsessive thoughts and compulsions. This can result in nearly ritualistic repetition of actions that may interfere with their life in remarkable ways. What (more…)
Read more
24
Jan
2012
How to Cope With Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Anxiety Disorder This video explain how therapy may help you if you are struggling with an anxiety disorder: How to Cope With Anxiety Disorder Types of Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder) Need more information? See Our Blog Posts: Anxiety Relationships Gay LGBT Issues Grief Depression Self Improvement Parenting Therapists We hope this information helps you.
Read more
17
Jan
2012
Anger Management NJ
Anger Management NJ Anger is not the problem, it’s how you express it. Explosive anger and rage may damage your personal and professional relationships. If your anger is out of control and threatening your marriage, relationship or employment, it is time to get help. Anger management counseling and/or classes may help you deal with your anger in more productive ways. Instead of blaming others for your anger it’s important to take responsiblity and learn to communicate, cope and deal with your anger in more productive ways. Need anger management NJ for any of the following? Issues related to divorce and conflict in your (more…)
Read more
14
Jan
2012
Why Men Cheat
Why Men Cheat and How to Prevent Infidelity According to this video, the number one reason men cheat? Emotional Disconnection. According to the video how to prevent infidelity is to appreciate your spouse. Here are several articles you might find interesting on Why Men Cheat ”The majority said it was an emotional disconnection, specifically a sense of feeling underappreciated. A lack of thoughtful gestures,” Gary says. “Men are very emotional beings. They just don’t look like that. Or they don’t seem like that. Or they don’t tell you that.” (more…) 9 Reasons Why Men Cheat – Is He Being Unfaithful to You? (more…)
Read more
05
Jan
2012
Gay Support Groups NJ
Gay Support Groups NJ | LGBT LGBTQIA Resources Find these helpful links to New Jersey gay LGBT (LGBTQIA) support groups. There are various organizations that offer different types of resources and support for youth and adults that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, ally or asexual. Let us know of any other support groups and we would be glad to add them here. Just Contact Us. Here is a list of Gay Support Groups NJ that we have found online: PrideCenter.com lists the following links American Veterans for Equal Rights Bisexual Social Support Group Gay Dads’ Support (more…)
Read more
03
Jan
2012
LGBT Youth Support for Gay Teens
LGBT Youth Support for Gay Teens Beginning with one inspiring video, Dan Savage used the Internet to create the It Gets Better project. The It Gets Better project is” a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how their lives might be like as openly gay adults. There are many openly gay and lesbian adults and youth who send their personal messages via video to show them what their lives are like and what the future may hold in store for them. LGBT Youth Support Groups for Gay Teens PrideCenter.com lists the following links The After School HangOUT - (more…)
Read more
29
Dec
2011
Grief Bereavement and Traumatic Grief
Grief, Bereavement and Traumatic Grief What is Grief? Grief is a natural response to a deep and significant loss – the death of a loved one, divorce or a breakup, serious health issues or the loss a home or job. How you or your family cope with the loss is very personal. What is Bereavement? Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after the death of a family member or loved one. How long your bereavement lasts can depend on many factors, such as how close you were to the person who died, if the person died unexpectedly or after a (more…)
Read more
14
Dec
2011
Causes of Depression
Causes of Depression The causes of depression are complicated. Ruling out a medical condition, such as thyroid disease, there are biological (biochemical). genetic, and environmental factors that can contribute to mood or depressive disorders. In some situations, depression can be isolated to a single cause, while in others, several factors are at play. Here is a video that talks about the factors (genetic, environmental and cognitive) that play a role in causing depression. Causes of Depression Video Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Depression This video from the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) explains the causes, symptoms, and treatments of (more…)
Read more
06
Dec
2011
Support for LGBT Youth
Support for LGBT Youth – It Gets Better Project “Many LGBT youth can’t picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can’t imagine a future for themselves. So let’s show them what our lives are like, let’s show them what the future may hold in store for them.” Maplewood Counseling supports the It Gets Better Project Please join in the support for LGBT youth.
Read more
