As a parent, it’s hard to keep up managing the needs and activities of your children, managing a household, working in or out of the home and finding any time for yourself.
Many parents feel guilty if they don’t sacrifice their needs and spend more time with their kids. This video explains why it’s not always best to choose spending more time with your kids.
When Jodie gave birth to their daughter, it was such a happy time for them. Even though the pregnancy was not easy, they were thrilled when Erica was born. However, the stress of a new baby and the changes made things between them pretty bad.
As it does for most couples, the routine of work and family life can put a huge strain on a relationship. Couples can start feeling more unhappy, distance from each other and become disconnected. It takes a lot of energy to deal with the needs of your children, household responsibilities, work, and your relationship. Not getting enough quality time for yourself or the relationship can take its toll.
Since it is challenging to successfully deal with all of these issues and keep your relationship in tact, consider professional help. Why? Because it is sometimes hard to do it on your own. Not only will you and your spouse or partner benefit, your children will too.
You see they are watching you. You are teaching them what relationships are about. They are learning how to treat or be treated by a future boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse. So what do you want them to learn? There are so many loving, well-meaning parents that don’t realize how their behavior impacts their children in so many ways. For the better and the worse. Like it or not, your relationship with your spouse is your child’s model for his or her relationships.
If you’re struggling and stuck in the same patterns, try finding a therapist to help you deal with relationship problems in much more effective ways.
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:
Relationships are especially important to self-esteem. How you are treated by your parents, brothers, sisters, peers, teachers and other important relationships can either help or hurt your self-esteem. (source: Mayo Clinic on Self Esteem
If you haven’t been able to improve the way you feel with these self help articles and need self-esteem therapy, we encourage you to contact us for a free phone consultation at 973-902-8700.
We hope you find this self-esteem information helpful.
“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 her happy.
Everyone witnessed their misery….for years. Actually witnesses (including their children) were relieved when Rob left.
Staying together is better for the kids. Isn’t it? No. It can do much more harm than good. After all, you are teaching your children how to treat or be treated in a relationship. As much as she loved her children and wanted the best for them, Emily could not see how sad they were because of her own pain and anger. Rob’s leaving helped her step back to see how their relationship had affected their kids. It was painful to recognize how little she had appreciated Rob, and even more painful to admit that the relationship was hurting their kids. She was determined to do whatever it took to make things better for them – and herself.
After some work in therapy, she saw several connections between her parents’ relationship and her own. She had learned well how to hurl insults, snipe and endure misery. With that awareness, she was able to make some very important changes in her life over time. She even came to understand how Rob must have felt, and after an initial period of rage and nastiness between them, they were able to speak and maintain respectful interactions, which was better for everyone.
Over time, Emily became more aware of their unhealthy and destructive dynamic and her part in it. She felt confident that understanding was going to help her change and would lead to more successful relationships (love and otherwise) in the future.
If you need help coping with the end of a relationship or marriage contact a licensed and experienced therapist in your area.
note: This end of a relationship story is fiction and not based on actual facts or events.
At Maplewood Counseling, we provide inclusive care for people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, including interfaith, interracial, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and blended families. Our therapists bring lived experiences and specialized training to create a safe, affirming space for all.
Whether you’re facing the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change, support is available. This guide will help you understand grief, recognize its effects, and find compassionate support to help you navigate this difficult time.
Grief is the complex emotional, physical, and psychological experience that follows a significant loss. It can feel like a wave, with emotions that come and go, sometimes unexpectedly. While often associated with the death of a loved one, grief can also arise from other life-altering events, such as divorce, job loss, a serious health diagnosis, or even the loss of a cherished pet.
Bereavement, on the other hand, specifically refers to the period of mourning after a death. It’s the state of having lost someone close to you. Every person’s bereavement journey is different, shaped by their relationship with the person who has passed, their cultural background, and their personal support system.
It is a common experience to feel overwhelmed by a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. Your experience is valid, and allowing yourself to feel these emotions without judgment is a crucial part of the healing process.
Grief doesn’t just affect your heart; it can impact your entire being. The stress of loss can manifest in ways you might not expect. Recognizing these effects can help you understand what you are going through and why seeking support is so beneficial.
Common emotional responses include:
Physical symptoms can also appear, such as:
These reactions are a normal part of the grieving process. They are your body and mind’s way of processing an immense loss. However, when these feelings become persistent and interfere with your ability to function, professional grief counseling can provide the support you need to move forward.
Sometimes, the circumstances of a loss are so sudden, violent, or unexpected that the grieving process becomes complicated. This is often referred to as traumatic grief. Traumatic grief can occur following a loss from an accident, a natural disaster, violence, or a sudden, unforeseen death.
The experience of traumatic grief often overlaps with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You might find yourself replaying the traumatic event, experiencing intense emotional and physical reactions, and feeling a persistent sense of being unsafe. It can feel like you are stuck in the shock and horror of the loss, making it incredibly difficult to begin the healing journey.
If you are experiencing traumatic grief, it is essential to seek specialized support. Traumatic grief support is designed to help you process both the loss and the trauma associated with it. A trained therapist can provide a safe and empathetic space to navigate these complex emotions and develop coping strategies to help you find stability and peace.
Grieving is hard work, and it can be incredibly isolating. While support from friends and family is invaluable, sometimes you need more. Grief counseling offers a dedicated space for you to explore your feelings without fear of judgment. It’s a place where you can be completely honest about your experience.
Bereavement therapy can help you:
No matter what your loss looks like, your feelings are valid. Seeking help is a sign of strength and an important step toward healing.
Navigating loss is a journey you do not have to undertake on your own. Support is available to help you carry the weight of your grief and find a path forward.
For those coping with a specific type of loss, support groups can be incredibly helpful. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community and understanding. Below are some resources that may be helpful:
If you’re struggling or simply need someone to talk to, remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. Our caring team at Maplewood Counseling is here to listen and guide you at your own pace. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward healing. Contact us by phone or email—we’re ready to support you whenever you’re ready.
What is grief counseling and how does it help?
Grief counseling is a supportive therapy designed to help individuals process and cope with various types of loss. It provides a safe space to express emotions, understand grief responses, and develop personalized coping strategies so you don’t feel alone in your journey.
How do I know if I need grief counseling?
If you’re finding it difficult to manage your daily life, experiencing overwhelming emotions, or feeling isolated in your grief—reaching out for professional support may help. Seeking counseling is a sign of strength and can be an important step toward healing, no matter where you are in your process.
Is grief counseling inclusive of different types of loss?
Yes. Grief counseling at Maplewood Counseling welcomes individuals and couples experiencing loss due to death, divorce, breakups, illness, job changes, or other major life transitions. We honor all backgrounds, experiences, and types of grief.
What can I expect during a grief counseling session?
During sessions, you can expect a compassionate, confidential environment where your experiences are heard and validated. Together, we’ll explore your unique challenges and create a plan to help you find comfort and hope at your own pace.
How do I get started with grief counseling?
You can contact our office by phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions to provide flexibility and ensure you can access support in the way that feels most comfortable for you.
Grief is a testament to the love you have. While the pain can feel overwhelming, healing is possible. At Maplewood Counseling, we provide compassionate, professional grief counseling to support you through every stage of your journey. We offer a safe, inclusive space where you can process your loss, honor your feelings, and begin to find your way forward.
You don’t have to carry this burden alone. If you need support in navigating your grief, we are here to help.
Call our office or email us to schedule a confidential consultation for grief counseling.