What Makes Families Resilient?

Hardship does not just impact individuals, but also families. Have you ever wondered what-makes-families-resilient? Family Resiliency is defined as the family’s ability to “withstand and rebound from disruptive life challenges, strengthened and more resourceful” (Walsh, 2011, p 149). Dr. Walsh is an expert of family resiliency.

Why is it so Hard to Trust Others?

“I-don’t-trust-people”. When I hear this statement in therapy, oftentimes there are ruptures in relationships. Maybe you have been let down multiple times, feeling emotional or physical abandonment. Maybe no one has been there to show up consistently to support you when you needed them most so now you depend on yourself (and trust no one).

Why is it so Hard to Trust Myself?

There are many factors that can impact difficulty trusting-yourself. Being true to yourself in the choices that you make can be hard, especially when there is fear of judgement and the need for others’ approval. You may fear things like disappointing others, making the wrong choice, or regretting your decision later.

5 Ways to Practice Mental Health Resilience

Adversity is inevitable. The need to be loved is a part of the-human-condition, but there are also negative aspects of being human such pain and suffering. Seasons change, and so do people and their environments. Physical changes, developmental changes, transitions, and new phases of life.

But What About Me? Post Partum Depression and LGBTQ+

There is a lot of information and research pertaining to mothers on pregnancy, birth/ delivery, and postpartum depression. There is also some helpful information available for fathers, who can experience symptoms of postpartum depression. But what about ME?What if I fall outside the heterosexual partnered relationship? Yes, this information applies to you too!

Creating a Calming Corner

While calming corners can be used an alternative behavioral management strategy for children who are having difficulties with self-regulation, both children and adults can benefit from spending time in a calming corner when feeling one of more of the following:

Celebrating the Holidays and Giving Thanks with Friends

While the holiday season is often known for its cultural significance of tradition with family and creating fun memories, it can also be a painful reminder of trauma, grief/ loss, and overall family dysfunction. Even if you consider yourself to be lucky to have grown up in an “intact” family or “loving” household, celebrating with family can be stressful.

Childhood Mental Health

Childhood mental health concerns have been on the rise over the last 10 years but significantly increased since 2020. Stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequality have only exacerbated underlying mental health concerns in our youngest patients.

What is Your Apology Language?

Dr. Gray Chapman, author of the  5 Love Languages now has a tool to help you discover your Apology Language.

Just like we have a preferred way of giving and receiving love, it makes sense that that we also have a preferred way of repairing ruptures in relationships through apology.

Saying Sorry

While these are gestures to help you and/or the person you hurt feel better, it does not directly acknowledge the offense.