Sleep hygiene may seem like an odd term. When we think of hygiene, we often think of brushing teeth or showering. Hygiene can refer to practices that maintain our health. Sleep is an important part of every person’s health. It can have an impact on...
We all experience things differently and they can progress at different rates depending on several variables; our resiliency, our support system, ways we cope and a few more. But they can usually progress this way, stress, anxiety, depression (each with 3 levels) and unfortunately these...
The Stages of Change Do you remember what it was like when you were learning to ride a bike? How to play an instrument, or drive a car? The first few weeks and months may have been a struggle, but the results were so sweet!...
Three frogs are sitting on a log. Two frogs decide to jump off. How many frogs are still sitting on a log? Seems like a very straight forward question, but I’d be really curious how you answered. The correct answer is three. Three frogs are...
It is easy to identify a physical boundary. Just take a look at the fence around your yard. You know the line of demarcation that designates where your property ends, and your neighbors yard begins. The area in your responsibility is clear. You have to...
Well it is almost here. That time of year where we have waited all winter long for. To get out and enjoy this beautiful area we call West Michigan. Schools are out and the kids are just itching to get outside (not itching from the...
This past weekend my husband and I planted some flowers in our yard. I am not terribly experienced with planting things (though I do have an indoor geranium that I cherish) and felt slightly apprehensive about this task. My husband, however, assured me that we...
Working with teens is very eye opening and for me it is incredibly rewarding. Teens bring so much intelligence and youthful spirit into my every day counseling experience. When teens come into the practice, they are usually coming in to please their parents because their...
People have various expectations for counseling. Sometimes they expect that after a couple of sessions their problems will be solved. Other times, they refuse to start counseling because they have been told to “suck it up” and “deal with it” when thinking about their struggles...