Counseling News

Blended families: How to improve the bond between both “sides” and bring everyone together

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 16, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

Merging two families into one can be a challenge, as kids can be hesitant about the new family dynamic. That said, it can be done successfully: so long as parents take it upon themselves to improve the bond between both “sides” and make the transition as easy as...

When family members take advantage of you: How to spot it, and what to do about your people-pleasing tendencies

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 16, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

People-pleasers are those who never say “no.” They’re the people who sacrifice their own needs to help others, to their own detriment. If you yourself are a people-pleaser, the good news is that you can get out of this harmful pattern as long as you put in the...

Are you worried about a loved one and where their life is headed?

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 16, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

If your loved one is engaging in troublesome behavior—perhaps they’re drinking a lot or turning into a workaholic—it’s normal to be wholly concerned. And while you might not be able to force them to make a change, you don’t have to sit idly by either; you can take a...

Is your approach to child discipline wrong? These strategies work better than others, according to the professionals

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 15, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

Child discipline is tricky business: as there is a wide range of strategies and techniques that can (or actually can’t) get the job done. So which one’s do get the job done? According to science, the authoritative parenting style proves the most effective; this...

How to help your kids adjust after a divorce

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 14, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

When two people divorce, the whole family is often affected: but the children that are involved are especially vulnerable to suffering in the wake of their parents’ divorce. Fortunately, parents can take action to ensure their child makes a smooth transition and help...

Is your family under financial stress? Don’t let it rule your lives—here’s what you should do instead

by Dr. Carla M. Manly | Nov 14, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

Many of us struggle financially from time to time, as the cost of day to day living expenses continue to rise. As these bills continue to pile up, the stress of financial burden weighs heavy on the family, from the parents to the kids. Fortunately, your financial...

Divorce recovery: How to adjust and heal after a divorce

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 13, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

Any breakup is hard, but divorce is often especially difficult, as you have to say goodbye to the person you planned to spend the rest of your life with. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hands and recover: the three keys are giving in to the pain, being...

When a family member dies—how to adjust to a new normal

by Christy Monson | Nov 13, 2018 | Counseling News, Mental Health, Resolving Common Family Problems

There are many different types of loss and a plethora of different reactions to loss; loss might mean a loved one’s death, divorce, or moving, while common reactions to loss include depressive or anxious feelings. The way we react to such a loss has much to do with...

How do you leave an abusive relationship when a child is involved?

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 9, 2018 | Counseling News, Identifying Abusive Relationships, Mental Health

Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and complicated—especially when there is a child involved. Victims of the abuse might feel uncertain about what to do in these situations, but the short answer is always the same: leave. To go into greater depth, the...

How can an abusive relationship change you?

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 8, 2018 | Counseling News, Identifying Abusive Relationships, Mental Health

Abuse often has short-term and long-term effects on those who fall victim to it, as it is a seriously distressing experience. Life can alter in a few ways, after the abuse; for example, one might have trouble trusting future partners or avoid romantic relationships...

Can an emotionally abusive relationship cause PTSD? Understanding the impact of trauma and how to heal

by Robyn Gold | Nov 8, 2018 | Counseling News, Identifying Abusive Relationships, Mental Health, PTSD

Any kind of abuse—whether it be physical, emotional, mental, sexual, etc.—can lead to PTSD, as abuse is a highly emotionally distressing experience. The overactivation of stress hormones causes the victim of abuse to experience a fight, flight or freeze response,...

Do I like abusive relationships? Am I attracting abusive people?

by Taylor Bennett | Nov 8, 2018 | Counseling News, Identifying Abusive Relationships, Mental Health

Abuse is never the victim’s fault; however, the way that you respond to abusive behavior might signal to your partner that the abuse is okay. First, if you allow your significant other to spew condescending comments at you, they’ll continue to do so; you should put...