There is no doubt that adoption is an emotional process for families, from the initial decision to pursue adoption all the way through negotiating childrearing and adulthood. Adoption is not a simple process, but a complex series of interactions that can be frustrating and daunting. Emotionally fulfilling and at the same time taxing, adoptive families almost universally agree that it is an overall enriching life experience that they wouldn’t change. What’s perhaps most unexpected for families is how their experience of the process is emotionally so similar to that experience that their adoptive child experiences.
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Whatever the cause of a bully’s behavior, victims are not responsible for it. Employers are responsible for ensuring that work environments are safe and healthy for all employees. Victims must understand that they cannot change the bully, and must take steps to protect themselves. Being a victim of workplace bullying can be a traumatic experience, impacting the victim’s emotional and physical health, as well as relationships.
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November 20, 2014
by Caleen Martin
There have been teachers and visionaries from the past whose words continue to hold meaning regardless of when they were originally spoken. It's time to stop this cycle and really listen to what these teachers have to offer.
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October 22, 2014
by Saranya Tracey, M.A.
Core spiritual therapy entails learning to go within and communicate with the inner child. There are several parts to the inner child which are largely submerged in the unconscious. As adults we have gotten out of touch with the feelings and memories attendant with this special child part which carries the potential for healing and deep spirituality.
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August 30, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
The United States is currently involved in a number of combat situations in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is increasing awareness among researchers and mental health professionals that there are a number of health and mental health problems that returning veterans are experiencing in their return from combat. Many returning veterans are presenting to medical professionals with emotional distress that is primarily being attributed to their experiences in these violent situations. Researchers are beginning to analyze what this means for this demographic, and how to best assist them in navigating the difficulties that they are experiencing.
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August 12, 2014
by Caleen Martin
Are you angry and bitter every time you think of someone who has wronged you? If so, you're human but also probably living a more stressful and unhealthy life than you need to be. The problem with allowing others to control our emotions is that we cannot control what others do. If someone doesn't live up to our standards and expectations we allow them to destroy our happiness. We think that they have to do something in order to allow us to move forward.
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Young people these days refer to it as “Facebook Official”, where they take the next step in defining the relationship. For adults of all ages and stages the “Define the Relationship” conversation can be anxiety ridden and awkward. Determining when is the right time to move to the next level and what actually should the next level be in the romance can be a dreaded and difficult discussion for any couple.
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Do you kick your friends to the curb when you are in a relationship and then expect them to be there for you when the relationship doesn't work out? If you do, you are treading on very thin ice. It is easy to have tunnel vision when a relationship is first starting and to spend all your time and put all your focus on your new-found beau. If you find yourself spending every waking minute (and every sleeping minute) with your new found love, you need to take a step back and rethink some things.
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Many people have had past relationships with individuals who shared similar interests and who were great companions. Some give credit to their exes for helping them through rough spots in their life, showing them they have worth, and/or being their "safety net". Sometimes when relationships end, people vow to remain friends, knowing that they are in a better place because of those now ended relationships.
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You have been dating for a while, a few years; maybe more. You get along with your significant other beautifully. You have a warm friendship, you trust each other, you get along with each other's family, and you couldn't imagine your life without your special someone. But are you ready to be married?
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