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21Jun, 2023
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Letting Kids Be Kids

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When I talk to parents about their children, they naturally talk about what they do. Moms and dads want their children to be happy and successful in life. Some jam-pack their kid’s schedules with all sorts of activities including sports, dance, foreign language and music. All this makes me wonder if they have time to breathe or remember their names.  Honestly, do you believe children are having fun or even feel good about themselves when parents map out their whole life?  Parents have a competitive spirit that sometimes blinds them. […]
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17Jun, 2023
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Marital Communication – Part 2

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“Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know that a love grows by reason and choice, not instinct.   I need to be loved by someone who chooses to love me, who sees in me something worth living.” (from “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, p.35) After the honeymoon phase of a marriage, you will soon come to realize that your spouse is not quite the perfect person you had originally thought. The reality is that you will […]
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17Jun, 2023
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DO I NEED A THERAPIST

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Do I need a therapist? Everyone needs help at some point in life.   You will derive benefits from professional therapy when the stresses of life are greater than the coping skills you have developed.  Deciding to get professional help is an important decision.  How to select a therapist is sometimes the reason that people delay going for help. Recently, the Your Health program on National Public Radio (NPR) gave some ideas. (Click on the hyperlink to listen to the program).  Many clients think about how they will afford good professional help.  Consider looking at the […]
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14Jun, 2023
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Marital Communication – Part 1

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One of the famous lines in movie history came from the movie “Cool Hand Luke”. “What we’ve got here is… failure to communicate.” spoken by The Captain, the arrogant, domineering prison warden (Strother Martin) to Luke (Paul Newman).  This line is applicable to the couples who walk into my telling me they don’t why they can’t talk to each other.    I have witnessed in my office married couples ripping each other apart, totally ignoring their spouses feelings, calling them names I can’t repeat here, saying how much they hate […]
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10Jun, 2023
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It’s Cool to be You

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I’ve worked with quite a few preadolescent and adolescent girls in counseling.  Many of them feel depressed, hurt, ashamed, lonely, and confused for various reasons.   My impression of them is that they are friendly, intelligent, funny, kind, and compassionate young ladies.  Family and friends don’t notice or appreciate these wonderful qualities because they get wrapped up in the “don’t haves” or they’re too busy with their lives.  Often times something about them (usually related to their outward appearance or intelligence) comes into question and they are teased or taunted for it.  […]
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9Jun, 2023
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Do not over extend yourself this Summer: “Saying no”.

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In the event you are the type of person who wants to please friends, family and co-workers, then consider this advice:    Set boundaries so you can occasionally have quiet time at home.  When you say no to people you care for there’s a likelihood you’ll feel guilt.  Argue with your guilt and make positive comments about giving yourself a much needed rest.  Signs that you are over extending yourself-fatigue, resentment and getting away form routines such as walking your dog, not watching your favorite TV program and not reading the newspaper.  […]
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7Jun, 2019
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What’s On Your Bucket List?

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Back in 2008, there was a movie entitled “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  They portrayed two terminally ill men who set out on a road trip together doing the things that one of them, before he dies, had written down.  Needless to say, it was quite an adventure.   Have you ever thought about what you wish to accomplish or have to do in your life (besides the usual–having a good career, starting a family, etc) before you died?  Maybe it’s time to sit down and think […]
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3Jun, 2019
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Who Moved My Cheese?

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Several years ago, I bought a book titled “Who Moved My Cheese?”  It is an amusing and enlightening story about two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and two littlepeople (Hem and Haw) and how they deal with change (i.e., no cheese—the things you want to have in life– to be found in the usual place in the maze).  I encourage you to pick up the book – it’s short and the insights are easy to understand and are applicable to all areas of our lives.   I believe for some of […]
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2Jun, 2019
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blog

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS of 2011!   College Launch Coaching   College is a big step toward a dream.  Students who are starting college in August 2011 have the opportunity to receive a free gift from Families In Focus this year.   Students who are going to college for the first time may register for weekly group tele-coaching.  The sessions will be every Thursday in July at a time the registrants agree will work.  Call in from wherever you are and participate in the live coaching sessions.  Participants will set goals for […]
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1Jun, 2019
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Tips to Prevent Stress during Summer Holidays and Special Occasions

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Here are some holiday tips for families:   Planning quality time with your family is good for parent-child relationships and the family as a whole. In planning be flexible.  A plan doesn't have to involve just your immediate family.  If your children are pre-teen or teens they may want time with their friends regardless of the day. Invite your friends and your children's friends to holiday gatherings.  The arrangement says to your children you accept them and gives you an opportunity to model your human side not just the parental authority […]
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