Tag: counseling
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Demystifying PTSD
I’m going to start by saying something controversial that some people will find hard to accept: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn’t a lack of faith or a stand-alone mental health issue – it is the side effect of an injury done the psyche, body, soul, and/or moral code of an individual. Symptoms I list…
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Mind the Gap
It is most likely that you didn’t notice because people think of us far less often than we fear they do, but I have been silent here for a few weeks. I was blogging weekly, all written and scheduled in advance, and then I took it all down because the last thing I want to…
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The Warning Label That Should Come With Therapy
When mothers find out their friend is pregnant for the first time, they have a very typical response that I like to call “Mom Hazing”. The time between finding out about their friend’s first pregnancy and between the actual birth is filled with the telling and retelling of some of the most horrific birthing stories…
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Creating a Positive Life – Part III
How have I maintained a positive and happy demeanor as issues in unhealthy relationships surfaced? Great question. I would love to tell you…
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Anatomy of a Panic Attack
Let’s get something out of the way right up front: panic isn’t the same as fear. I have been afraid. I live with anxiety. People who equate the two usually draw the comparison because they do not actually understand what a panic attack is. Their ignorance attempts to make panic attacks more palatable, to make…
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Separation of Church and the State…of Mental Health
What I am about to say needs to be addressed, but is going to ruffle feathers: When it comes to my health and medical issues, I refuse to allow religious people to talk their way into my doctor’s office. As smart as they think they are, as ordained by God as they believe themselves to…
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Finding My Safe Space
My counselor looked at me and said, “What you are about to face are very difficult memories. First, I want you to take a moment and find your Safe Space. This should be a real or imaginary place you can return to in your mind when you are distressed. Was there a place you have…
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The Value of Looking Back
In life, we are sold so many conflicting phrases and this pair is a real doozy that holds so many hostage to never getting the help they need to thrive as they move forward in life: “You have to put your past behind you”, but also “Those who do not study history are doomed to…
Wisdom from the Trenches 