Articles
Find the Latest Articles from Our Counselors
Ambiguous Loss
In Lori Howard’s latest article, she acknowledges that everyone grieves in their own unique ways. And while loss has or will affect every single human on the planet, each person is unique in their grief journey.
As you begin to embrace the losses, know you are not alone. By sharing our experiences, we become vulnerable to each other, and together, we can find new meaning from the losses we have endured.
Navigating Grief Through the Holidays
The holidays are here, and with them comes excitement, joy, celebration, and also, for some, deep sadness. When someone you love has died, navigating the holidays can be excruciatingly painful. In her latest article, Lori Howard explores support strategies and ideas for making the holidays feel more manageable after a loss.
Defeating Division
In Barbara Jandu’s latest article, she explores how individual identities can create division and how we can overcome these differences. This season, she invites you to ponder a few concepts outlined in this article, Defeating Division.
Gifts of Gratitude
As we head into Thanksgiving season here in North America, I am reminded of how sunflowers turn their faces toward the sun, even on cloudy days. In doing so, they continue to bloom and grow. Similarly, gratitude can permeate even the darkest areas of our lives and make the sweetest moments all the better. In her latest article, Barbara Jandu explores the Gifts of Gratitude.
Walking Through Grief
When someone you love dies, grief becomes a constant companion. Sometimes, it is quiet and lets us rest. Other times, it is a tempest that roars in our heads. In Lori Howard's work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in grief and loss, she has had the honor of walking through grief with people of all ages. She has learned a few things throughout her time, which she shares in her latest article, Walking Through Grief.
Times of Transistion
This time of year is often referred to as a “shoulder season”. Cool days are interspersed with heat waves, as summer’s last attempt to hold on eventually releases us into the rhythms of autumn. In every season, there’s a transition – a place where we must leave behind something old in order to embrace what lies ahead. So how do we do that?
Individual Identity
If you were asked to identify yourself, how would you respond? A soldier might give name, rank, and serial number. A physician may name a series of credentials or specialties. Those of faith may identify as a certain religion, denomination, or sect. Barbara Jandu, MA, AMFT, explores this concept of identity and what shapes it in her newest article.
Clear Communication
Many clients come to therapy because they’re struggling with communication skills. It could be with a teen or spouse, colleague or friend, parent or sibling. In this article, Barbara Jandu, MA, AMFT, explores how we can communicate more clearly and compassionately with others.
Making a Match: How to Find a Therapist Who’s Right for You
Looking for a therapist to help you navigate a life transition, such as a career change, is much different than finding someone to walk alongside you in grief. If you suspect you have a particular diagnosis, such as depression or anxiety, that will also help inform your decision. In Barbara Jandu's latest article, she explores how to find a therapist who's right for you.
Find & Feel — Define & Heal
What purpose do emotions serve and why is it so important to be aware of them?
Taming your Triggers
If you’ve ever experienced an unpleasant emotion go from 0 to 100 instantaneously, you know what a trigger feels like! Taming them sort of depends on what kind you’re experiencing. Read on for some real-life advice mixed with some neuro-geek-speak just for fun!
Ring in the Rituals
For over a decade, Barbara Jandu has engaged in an annual ritual of finding one word to ring in the New Year, rather than setting resolutions she’s unlikely to keep. In recent years, researchers have noted mental health benefits from engaging in meaningful rituals…
Inviting Intimacy
In this article, Barbara Jandu explores intimacy in relationships. In our society, the automatic assumption is it has something to do with sex. If you say the word sex, many assume you mean sexual intercourse. But what if intimacy is more than sex, and sex more than ‘insert part A into part B’?
Mindset Matters
At some point along each of our paths, we must decide how we want to view ourselves and the world around us. But it isn’t always as simple as a one-time reframe. Barbara Jandu discusses how to reframe your view and maintain a healthy mindset.
June Bloom
As we enter spring with blooming flowers and wonderful weather, Barbara Jandu, AMFT, explores the experience of blooming internally and how we can get there.
Why We Worry
There are several things we can think of to worry about every day. If we can figure out why we do so, it may help us to choose healthier coping skills instead. In this article Barbara Jandu, AMFT explores some of the main reasons we humans worry.
Good Grief
All of us have experienced various losses throughout our lives. We may feel a sense of loss after losing a job, a relationship, a sentimental object, or a dream. Coming to terms with loss is an unavoidable process we must all face at some time.
Connecting with Kids
Although every situation is not going to be handled perfectly, there are tips that can help you to keep your cool and hold your ground.
Altering Attachment Styles
When some people hear ‘attachment style’, they assume it is a fixed part of personality. In actuality, even personality isn’t fixed. Both a person’s personality and attachment strategy can change with conscious effort.