You can probably imagine a wonderful meal you have had, or are going to have. The anticipation of a perfectly grilled piece of meat, or fish, the sweetness of the first strawberries of the season, the taste and mouth feel of a wonderful piece of chocolate can lift your spirits. There is a link between … Read More
mindfulness
Don’t Call It What It Is – Men and Depression
I received my first tutorial about men and depression when I was living in the Pittsburgh area and working as a therapist. This was early 1990’s. I had a male client who had presented for “stress” and problems with colleagues and family members. He was mid 40’s and working in the banking industry. I don’t … Read More
National Women’s Health Week
The 18th Annual National Women’s Health Week is May 14-20, 2017. Beginning every year on Mother’s Day and led by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health, the week brings awareness to a very important topic. It’s not uncommon for women to spend most of their time and energy taking … Read More
An Extraordinary Gift
April is National Autism Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Tens of thousands of individuals in our country face an autism diagnosis each year, and while autism itself is widespread, public awareness is not. In celebration of the 2017 National Autism Awareness Month, we’d like to share the video … Read More
Be Your Own Valentine
The original meaning of Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with the now traditional customs of sending flowers, cards and candy. It had more to do with an early saint called Valentinus who was imprisoned and tortured. The history behind this day is an interesting read but not exactly the stuff of Hallmark and Godiva … Read More
Vulnerability Resolution
January, a time when most of us look for new beginnings. A time when we reflect upon the past year and resolve to change some aspect of our lives. In fact, according to statisticbrain.com, typically 41% of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution. The most common resolutions are: lose weight get healthy quit smoking/drinking exercise … Read More
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Here we are again, wrapping up another trip around the sun. As with any year, 2016 brought moments of happiness, hope and peace, along with violence and tragedy. This past year has been a bit of a bumpy ride for many, likely changing each of us, even if just a little bit. … Read More
Pay it Forward
I remember seeing the movie Pay It Forward, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment, in 2000. The movie plot and book, by the same name, was based on this one premise…do something for 3 people in response to a favor or gift that one receives. Those three people will then help three other … Read More
Celebrate Tolerance
Growing up in a Jewish family in the 60’s meant that I primarily knew about Jewish holidays and customs. Our new year came in the fall. We had Hanukkah, not Christmas, and our traditional meals involved family jokes and TMI. I had limited exposure to other cultures, as the suburban school I attended was not … Read More
Stress, Anxiety, and the Holidays
The holiday season can be a time of joyful celebrations, thoughtful gifts, and family traditions. Homes are filled with beautiful holiday decorations, the delicious aromas of favorite baked goods, and cheerful songs. But the holiday season can also mean long travel delays, crowded stores, financial worries, family disputes, and over scheduling. What is meant to … Read More