Posts by Michael Reffner:

Depression on Halloween? You might be wondering, “Who’s depressed on Halloween?” That’s a good question. The answer: Many people are depressed on Halloween.

  The birth of new technologies in the 20th Century was supposed to make our lives easier and provide more time for family, personal interests, or just to relax. Instead, the pace has picked up. Work demands have become more hectic. Our schedules are overloaded. But our children – –…

3 Tips for Taking Control of Your Life this Summer It’s summertime again! You’ve been waiting since Labor Day for the warm rays of the hot summer sun to come back. It’s time for swimming pools, beach vacations, and backyard cookouts. But don’t lose sight of what’s most important. Here…

So you blew it. It’s not even February and you’re back to your old ways. You were certain that things were going to change. This year would be different – you were going to actually keep your resolutions . . . but alas, you were wrong and now you feel…

What’s a “Me-Monster,” and how can I be sure that I am not one? Good questions!  If you got the impression that being a Me-Monster is an unfavorable thing, you’re off to a good start. You may not recognize “Me-Monsters” at first glance, but you certainly know them when they…

Quid pro quo is universally frowned upon in the counseling field; and rightly so. Harassment of any kind is absolutely deplorable. The only exchange of “goods for services” should be in the form of therapists accepting client copays. However, there is one place where quid pro quo is completely acceptable….

Depending on how you read this title, you’re thinking one of two things right now:  Life has gotten the best of me, or I’m a big hockey fan.  Confused? Let me explain. While traveling on I-95 to Pennsylvania, I passed a SUV with a license plate that read: ILVNHL.  My wife…

Question: I have recently become intrigued on becoming a coach. I am not too certain if I want to lean toward Life, Executive, Couples, etc. What I know know is that all of my friends and family come to me for life advise, organizing tips and plenty more. When I’m…

What keeps your schedule filled with appointments?  It’s not your charming personality (although that has a lot to do with it).  It’s not your professional acuity (even if you have decades of experience).  It has nothing to do with your accommodating office hours (but please don’t change your availability!). Why…

No matter where you turn, “retention” is the buzzword these days.  From universities to coffee shops, everyone is interested in client retention.  Anyone in business knows how important it is to convert first time clients into repeat customers.  The same is true for mental health providers. Research indicates that there…