As the wife of a cancer surgeon, I hear about cancer cases every day. The young father who found colon cancer early and is expected to make a full recovery or the grandmother who is being treated for a tiny lump found during a routine mammogram. I also hear about the patient who has a tumor…
Tired of the same old marriage tips? Some of my suggestions were recently featured in Woman’s Day Magazine. Have you tried these before? Hug for 2 minutes and kiss for 30 seconds each day. “Often, kisses and hugs become mechanical and quick,” says marriage and family therapist Kim Blackham. The problem: Those hurried pecks and embraces don’t…
A traveler was walking alone down a country lane. The Sun and the North Wind decided to have a contest to see who could remove the traveler’s overcoat. The North Wind tried first. He blew and he blew around the traveler as fiercely as he could, trying to rip the coat from the traveler–but…
Deciding to see a therapist can feel a overwhelming. Who should I see? What specialty should I look for? How will I know they are the right fit? All of these are really good questions and I hope I can help you answer them. The most important thing to remember in looking for a good…
If you have ever asked yourself, “Do we need marriage counseling?” then that is a pretty good indication that you should pursue that thought. I believe that dedicating time to improving your relationship can be beneficial for every couple. Seeking guidance from a professional marriage therapist can help you develop the best possible relationship. Romantic…
Sue Johnson has done it again! What remarkable research in the field of relationships. I think the reason I appreciate Sue’s work so much is it is not just gimmicky advice. She clearly explains, in a reader- friendly way, what the current research on love tells us. She demonstrates what we know about love and…
Your brain is hard-wired for connection. Social bonding is an essential part of being human. Feeling close and connected and accepted by others is not just a nice idea; it is necessary for thriving. What triggers oxytocin release? When we engage in socially bonding experiences such as hugging, kissing, spending time with loved ones, thinking…
This is the third in a three-part series of understanding EFT through the characters in Disney’s Frozen. If you missed the first article, I’d encourage you to start there. “Part 1” and then” Part 2.” Inevitably, all of my clients want to know, “If this is normal – this pursuing and withdrawing, how do we fix…
This is the second in a three-part series of understanding EFT through the characters in Disney’s Frozen. If you missed the first article, I’d encourage you to start there. “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman” After unintentionally harming Anna with her power to freeze, Elsa’s parents warn her to stop experiencing emotion, hide her power,…
Have you seen Disney’s newest movie, Frozen? I just got home from the movie theater and can hardly wait to write this post. In addition to loving the music and animation, I was enthralled with the depth of human emotion and relationship insight that was depicted in the story. Sometimes Disney portrays key human…
Pick flowers off the side of the road SnailMail a love letter – either to home, or to work. Create an audio love letter. Smart phones make this really easy. Either record it directly onto theirs, or record it to your own and email it to them. If you do not have smart phones,…
Within the last twenty years, the advances in neuroscience technology have made it possible for us to really understand how our brain and body react to certain situations. With the use of fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines, we can now see the brain activity in the very moment that something is happening. This is…