The resiliency researcher and professor, Dr. Al Siebert wrote the groundbreaking book, The Survivor Personality: Why Some People are Stronger, Smarter, and More Skillful at Handling Life’s Difficulties…and How You Can Be, Too. Siebert was internationally recognized for his pioneer research into the qualities of highly resilient survivors. It was an honor when Dr. Siebert […]
This blog explores how overindulging children often results in adults who walk and talk with a sense of privilege. Growing up on a farm, the idea of my parents indulging us never crossed my and my siblings’ minds. This concept likely never crosses the minds of those who engage in egomaniac, self-admiring, diva, princess, or […]
The work of Byron Katie is fascinating, often misunderstood and has helped hundreds, if not thousands of people through her seminars and book, Loving What Is. Overview: In 1986, Byron Katie found herself in a residential treatment house for an eating disorder. There she had an awakening. Some might describe her experience as a spiritual […]
Before we can attempt to help build resilience in others, we need to understand the concept. Resilience is the ability or capacity to cope with, or recover from, change, adversity, mistakes, and sometimes poor behavior. It is like a rubber band. Both are about being stretched and returning to their original condition or even improved. […]
It is a given that humans all have flesh, hearts, and brains. However, we are as different and diverse in our personalities as in our DNA. Sometimes it can be helpful to cluster those personalities into tendencies for the benefit of understanding and improved interaction. I have found knowing the difference between an introverted and extroverted preference […]
When I interviewed women for the book, From Woe to WOW: How Resilient Women Succeed at Work, a store cashier told me this story. She cried in her basement suite for a month after she was “accused of stealing when she did not even have training on how to manage the cash register.” She […]
Many people believe they are listening when actually they are not. Basic listening skills only require a commitment, care and a wee bit of practice.
Humor can help you sustain a more positive, upbeat attitude while dealing with daily hassles. Every now and then, reflect on different situations and ask if you just might have taken yourself a little too seriously. It might be time to lighten up!
In 2000, along with my daughter Kelly, I self-published the book Love Her As She Is: Lessons from a Daughter Stolen by Addictions. It was featured in a CBC television documentary and is recommended as a valuable resource for all parents and mental health professionals. Our story, and the 14 ways to love unconditionally with clear boundaries, give testament […]
The Urge to Fix People is a Common Theme in Counseling Therapy In counseling therapy sessions, a recurring theme often surfaces: the urge to fix people, especially loved ones. Whether in individual or couple counseling, this inclination to alter someone’s behavior or circumstance is a natural response to emotional pain. However, it can hinder personal […]
Sue Johnson’s legacy will live on in her presentations (many available online), the therapists she trained, and the books she wrote, including the practical and helpful, “Hold Me Tight.”
First help your staff or volunteers to discover their strengths. Strengths are talents, skills and knowledge that enable us to effectively complete certain activities.