“Lean on me, when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…” Yes, we all need someone to lean on! It was at Sunday Service when Amy Bishop began singing Lean on Me, I thought of our world that often praises self-sufficiency and independence. Bill Withers’ 1972 classic, “Lean on […]
When it comes to building strong, healthy relationships, two fundamental skills are often overlooked: speaking with courage and listening with compassion. Whether you’re having conversations at home or at work, developing these skills can lead to more meaningful interactions. I often see clients in my counselling therapy practice who wither away in silence of erupt […]
It was several years ago that our son, Benjamin Morgan, principal of the Canadian based Centre for Crisis and Risk Communication introduced me to Dr. Vincent Covello. I soon developed a deep curiosity about his informed perspectives and his work in high-stress situations. Here is a summary of his biography: Dr. Vincent Covello is a global […]
The world needs more kindness! In some moments, on some days, someone feels hurt, sad, angry, frustrated, discouraged, worried or anxious. It might be you, your children, your spouse, your friend, your neighbor or a coworker. That’s a probability. Also, true is demonstrating sincere kindness can positively affect your family, community and, yes, the […]
In 1990 Martin Seligman released his ground breaking book, Learned Optimism. Since I have occasionally been accused of behaving Pollyannaish or overly optimistic, his work is of interest to me.
Most of my clients seek individual therapeutic counseling to address stress, anger management, or intrusive thoughts, often stemming from childhood abuse and neglect, or generational trauma. However, I feel a special honor when couples choose to confront their relationship conflicts, disconnection, or dissatisfaction. Disconnection in couples can be repaired. The Pattern of Disconnection in Couples […]
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.
How do we begin to listen with empathy, not with apathetic uncaring demeanor nor with smothering, “poor you, pity you” messages? First, we can begin with Stephen Covey’s most quoted phrase of “seek first to understand the other.” It is the seeking that is key to offering our attention and presence.
Book Summary of Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them In the last several years, clients have increasingly expressed sadness and grief about experiences of family cut offs or estrangement. Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of Fault Lines refers to this dynamic as fractures. Here is a summary of his book, including the research, […]
When challenged or feeling stressed most of us have a tendency to react in a passive, aggressive or passive/aggressive manner.
Introduction Do you find yourself struggling to accept acknowledgment, appreciation, or a compliments Are you often at a loss for words when someone praises your efforts? I used to be one of those people who would say, “It was nothing.” Why? Because in my head I heard my father yelling, “Who do you think you […]
1. If you participate in negative gossip, ask yourself what is really going on for you. Do you feel jealous, resentful or superior? Does it give you a sense of belonging? What is the payoff for participating? Then find a healthy way to meet your need.
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