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ARNP vs Psychiatrist – 10 Reasons Why You Might Consider Seeing an ARNP

By Uncategorized

Navigating the world of mental health care can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of professionals available to help. Two common roles you might encounter are Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) and psychiatrists. Both play crucial roles in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, but they come from different educational backgrounds and bring unique approaches to care. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between ARNPs and psychiatrists and explain why you just may want to consider going to an ARNP. Click here to learn more.

What is an ARNP?

An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is a highly trained nursing professional who has completed advanced education and clinical training, often holding a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. ARNPs are licensed to diagnose and treat medical and mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide patient education and counseling. One benefit of seeing an ARNP instead of a psychiatrist is that ARNPs often have a holistic approach to care, integrating both physical and mental health considerations, which can lead to more comprehensive treatment plans and improved overall well-being.

Benefits of Seeing a Psychiatrist

Seeing a psychiatrist offers numerous benefits, particularly in the realm of mental health care. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing expert care through medication management and psychotherapy. Their extensive medical training allows them to understand complex psychiatric conditions and co-occurring physical health issues, ensuring comprehensive treatment. However, one thing psychiatrists typically do not do that ARNPs can is provide primary care services. ARNPs can address a broader range of physical health concerns alongside mental health issues, offering a more integrated approach to overall health management.

ARNP vs Psychiatrist – Why You Would Consider Seeing an ARNP

Choosing to see an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) instead of a psychiatrist can be beneficial for various reasons. Here are the top 10 reasons why you might consider seeing an ARNP:

  1. Holistic Approach: ARNPs often take a holistic approach to care, considering not just the mental health aspects but also physical health, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
  2. Accessibility: ARNPs are more widely available than psychiatrists, especially in rural or underserved areas, making it easier to get an appointment.
  3. Shorter Wait Times: The demand for psychiatrists is high, often leading to long wait times. ARNPs usually have shorter wait times, allowing for quicker access to care.
  4. Cost-Effective: Seeing an ARNP can be less expensive than seeing a psychiatrist, making mental health care more affordable for many patients.
  5. Prescriptive Authority: ARNPs have the authority to prescribe medications, including those for mental health conditions, and manage medication regimens effectively.
  6. Comprehensive Care: ARNPs are trained to provide comprehensive care, including diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, offering psychotherapy, and managing medications.
  7. Personalized Care: Due to often having more time per patient, ARNPs can offer more personalized care and build stronger patient-provider relationships.
  8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: ARNPs often work in collaborative environments with other healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive well-rounded and coordinated care.
  9. Education and Support: ARNPs place a strong emphasis on patient education, helping individuals understand their conditions and treatment plans, and providing support for lifestyle and behavioral changes.
  10. Preventative Focus: ARNPs are known for their preventative focus, helping patients maintain overall health and prevent mental health issues from becoming more severe.

Seeing an ARNP can provide accessible, cost-effective, and holistic mental health care, making it a viable option for many individuals seeking support.

ARNP

In summary, considering an ARNP for your mental health needs can offer a unique blend of comprehensive care. With their advanced training and holistic approach, ARNPs are equipped to address both mental and physical health concerns, ensuring a well-rounded treatment plan. Their ability to prescribe medications, provide therapy, and offer primary care services makes them versatile and accessible healthcare providers. Whether you’re dealing with a mental health issue, a physical health concern, or both, an ARNP can offer personalized, integrated care that supports your overall well-being. Choosing to see an ARNP could be a crucial step toward achieving a balanced and healthy life.

Therapists in Redmond, Washington – Dayspring

Choosing Dayspring for therapy and your mental health needs ensures you receive compassionate, expert care tailored to your unique situation. Our team of skilled therapists utilizes evidence-based approaches to help you navigate life’s challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship issues and trauma. At Dayspring, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and work towards meaningful change. Click here to get started, today.

When is the Right Age to Allow Your Child to Be on Social Media – 10 Things You Should Consider

By Adolescents/Teens

Deciding when to allow your child to join social media is a significant decision that can impact their development and well-being. With the digital landscape becoming increasingly central to daily life, parents face the challenge of balancing the benefits of connectivity and learning with potential risks such as exposure to inappropriate content and online bullying. Knowing the right time to introduce your child to social media involves considering their maturity level, understanding of online safety, and ability to manage their digital presence responsibly. In this blog, we’ll explore key factors to consider when making this important decision, offering guidance to help you ensure that your child’s foray into social media is both positive and safe. Click here to learn more.

Should Children Be Allowed to Use Social Media?

Parents should carefully consider their child’s maturity level, ability to handle online interactions responsibly, and understanding of privacy and safety issues before making a decision. By evaluating these factors and maintaining open communication, parents can make an informed choice that aligns with their family’s values and ensures their child’s well-being in the digital space. But ultimately, whether children should be allowed to use social media is a nuanced decision that ultimately rests with the parent. Social media can offer valuable opportunities for learning and connecting with others, but it also comes with potential risks such as exposure to inappropriate content and social media bullying.

What is Social Media Bullying?

Social media bullying involves the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or demean someone. It can take many forms, including hurtful messages, spreading false rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, and creating fake profiles to deceive/harm someone. This type of bullying can be damaging because it can happen anytime and anywhere, often leaving the victim feeling helpless and alone. Unlike traditional bullying, social media bullying can reach a wider audience quickly, amplifying the emotional distress and potential harm to the victim.

Should Parents Monitor Their Children’s Social Media?

With social media bullying and the potential for children to see inappropriate content, many parents wonder if they should be monitoring their child’s social media usage. Monitoring children’s social media can be a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, monitoring can help parents ensure their children are engaging safely online, protecting them from potential dangers such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content. On the other hand, it can also be seen as an invasion of privacy, potentially undermining trust between parents and children. Ultimately, whether parents choose to monitor their children’s social media should depend on individual family values, the child’s age and maturity, and the open communication established between parents and children about online behavior and expectations.

When is the Right Age to Allow Your Child to Be on Social Media – What to Consider

  1. Age and Maturity: Assess whether your child is emotionally and mentally mature enough to handle the responsibilities and potential risks associated with social media.
  2. Understanding of Online Safety: Ensure your child understands the importance of privacy settings, safe online interactions, and how to protect personal information.
  3. Ability to Handle Peer Pressure: Consider how well your child can manage peer pressure and online influences, and their ability to make sound decisions.
  4. Impact on Mental Health: Evaluate how social media usage might affect your child’s self-esteem, body image, and overall mental well-being.
  5. Frequency of Use: Determine how much time your child will spend on social media and whether it might interfere with their daily responsibilities, such as schoolwork and family time.
  6. Previous Experiences: Reflect on any previous experiences your child has had with online platforms, including any challenges or successes.
  7. Quality of Online Content: Assess the types of content your child is likely to encounter and whether they are mature enough to handle it.
  8. Family Values and Rules: Consider how social media use aligns with your family’s values and rules, and whether it fits into your parenting approach.
  9. Educational Value: Evaluate whether social media will provide educational benefits, such as learning opportunities and positive social interactions.
  10. Parental Involvement: Decide how involved you plan to be in your child’s social media activities, including whether you will set boundaries, monitor use, or engage in discussions about their online experiences.

Therapists in Redmond, Washington – Dayspring

Choosing Dayspring for therapy can be particularly beneficial for a child who has just started using social media. Our skilled therapists provide a supportive environment to help children navigate the complexities of their new online interactions and address any emerging challenges, such as managing digital stress or coping with peer pressure. At Dayspring, we focus on building resilience and promoting healthy online habits, offering guidance on how to balance social media use with real-life responsibilities. By addressing these issues early on, we help ensure that your child develops a positive relationship with social media while maintaining their overall well-being. Click here to get started, today.

How to Prevent Social Media Bullying

12 Tips on How to Help Your Child Deal with Social Media Bullying

By Children

In today’s digital age, social media is an integral part of our children’s lives, offering both opportunities and challenges. Unfortunately, one of the most pressing issues many children face is social media bullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to help our children navigate these online challenges effectively. This blog will provide essential tips on how to support your child in dealing with social media bullying, ensuring they feel safe, heard, and empowered to overcome such negative experiences. Click here to find out more about how Dayspring can help.

What is Social Media Bullying?

Social media bullying, also known as cyberbullying, involves the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. It can take many forms, including hurtful messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, and creating fake profiles to deceive or harm someone. This type of bullying can be particularly damaging because it can happen anytime and anywhere, often leaving the victim feeling helpless and isolated. Unlike traditional bullying, social media bullying can reach a wider audience quickly, amplifying the emotional distress and potential harm to the victim.

How Can Social Media Bullying Be Prevented?

Preventing social media bullying requires a proactive and collaborative approach involving parents, educators, and the platforms themselves. Parents can educate their children about responsible online behavior, the importance of privacy settings, and how to recognize and report bullying. Encouraging open communication and monitoring online activity can help detect early signs of cyberbullying. Schools can implement comprehensive digital citizenship programs to teach students about respectful online interactions. Social media platforms also play a crucial role by enforcing strict anti-bullying policies and providing easy-to-use reporting tools to address harmful behavior promptly. By fostering a supportive and informed environment, we can significantly reduce the incidence of social media bullying. But what do you do when your child is already dealing with social media bullying?

How to Deal with Social Media Bullying

  1. Keep Communication Open: Encourage your child to talk to you about their online experiences and any instances of bullying they encounter.
  2. Educate About Privacy Settings: Teach your child how to use privacy settings to control who can see their posts and contact them.
  3. Document Everything: Save and document any evidence of bullying, including screenshots, messages, and usernames, which can be useful for reporting and addressing the issue.
  4. Do Not Respond to Bullies: Advise your child not to engage with or respond to the bully, as this can sometimes escalate the situation.
  5. Report and Block: Show your child how to report and block the bully on the social media platform to prevent further harassment.
  6. Review Social Media Use: Monitor and review your child’s social media activity regularly to identify any signs of bullying early on.
  7. Encourage Offline Activities: Promote activities and hobbies that do not involve social media to help your child build self-esteem and reduce reliance on online validation.
  8. Seek Support: Encourage your child to talk to trusted friends, family members, or a counselor if they are feeling distressed by the bullying.
  9. Educate About Digital Footprint: Teach your child about the permanence of online posts and the importance of thinking before sharing anything online.
  10. Empower with Knowledge: Inform your child about cyberbullying laws and their rights, empowering them to take appropriate actions.
  11. Stay Calm and Supportive: Reassure your child that they are not alone and that you are there to support them through this difficult time.
  12. Involve School Authorities: If the bullying involves classmates or affects your child’s school life, contact school authorities to ensure they are aware and can take appropriate measures.

Therapists in Redmond, Washington – Dayspring

If your child is dealing with social media bullying, Dayspring offers a supportive and professional environment to help them navigate and overcome this challenging experience. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of bullying, providing your child with the tools and strategies they need to build resilience and self-esteem. At Dayspring, we prioritize creating a safe space where your child can express their feelings, learn effective coping mechanisms, and develop a positive self-image. By seeking support at Dayspring, you ensure your child receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs, fostering healing and empowering them to thrive both online and offline. Click here to get started, today.

 

Photo by Sebastian Pichard from Pexels

Growth Mindset: Avoiding the Comparison Trap : Part 2

By Executive Functioning

In the 1980s and 1990s, one of the popular TV shows was “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”  Audiences watched episodes portraying the lives of entertainers, athletes, and business magnates, who owned the fanciest homes, yachts, cars, and private jets.  The host, Robin Leach, would close each show with his signature phrase, encouraging “champagne wishes and caviar dreams!”  It was a fun show and those who watched could escape their seemingly humdrum existence to envision a life of comfort in faraway exotic locales.

Television shows are one thing, but when fantasy crosses over into everyday thoughts and activities, comparison of ourselves with others can turn sour.  Today, teenagers are bombarded with images on social media, music, movies, and the like, which reminds them of others who are smarter, more attractive, richer, funnier, and better athletes.  But here is reality.  That’s all true!  None of us can keep up with the Kardashians, or the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and that’s perfectly okay.

And for teenagers who struggle simply getting out the door for school on time with completed homework assignments, writing an English essay, or concentrating through an entire Algebra class: seeing the amazing accomplishments of others can create negative attitudes, low self-esteem, and even hopelessness.   In other words, teenagers can become trapped into a fixed mindset that things are the way they are for me, I will never measure up, and nothing I do can improve my lot in life.

As parents, teachers, tutors, coaches, and adult influencers in the lives of teens, we have the responsibility to create better perspectives, and push them away from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.  Many articles have been written on the mindset research of Dweck, mentioned in the last blog.  Here is a cherry-picked list of ways to move from a fixed-mindset, toward a more positive outlook.

  1. Accept your imperfections.  No one is perfect, and it’s unfair to expect this of yourself or others.  Maybe this can lighten the burden for you; you are not exceptionally talented at everything.  No one is.
  2. Acknowledge your gifts and talents.  It’s not necessarily arrogant to understand where you excel.  In fact, this can help you pursue dreams and goals that align with those abilities.
  3. View challenges as “opportunities.”  Many people, especially teenagers, don’t want to look stupid.  For them, losing a soccer game, or earning a low grade on a test, making new friends, or failing to get into the Ivy League school they desperately desired, is too much to bear.  Some people avoid challenges, because they don’t want to fail.  But for those who take on a difficult task and succeed, the thrill of victory will be fantastic!
  4. Stop seeking approval from others.  This is extremely difficult for teenagers who dwell in the chaotic mental space of wanting to be their own individual, but at the same time, never wanting to appear different, or to have those differences pointed out by peers.
  5. Cultivate a sense of purpose in your life.  Actively seek advice from peers and adults you respect and admire.  Have one-on-one discussions, or read books and articles to grow in the wisdom of how to do life well.

Let’s instill these elements of a growth mindset in our teenagers, and in ourselves too, parents.  Each of these principles are philosophical underpinnings of Executive Function coaching sessions.  We want students to focus upon their own situation and avoid the noise and distraction of the world around them that makes them feel like they aren’t enough.  It takes time to build self-confidence and understanding of one’s place in this world, and can be every bit as demanding for older adults as it is for teenagers who have yet to make their mark.

And for those of you who love champagne and caviar, go for it.  I will happily settle for a bacon cheeseburger and a root beer!

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Growth Mindset and Executive Function: Part 1

By Executive Functioning

The History Channel has produced an enlightening series called, “The Food that Built America.”  It’s about the generations of visionaries and entrepreneurs such as James Kraft, Milton Hershey, Nathan Handwerker, the Swanson family, and others, who revolutionized food in America.  They created new foods, better ways to store it, distribute it, and make it available to all.  The series highlights foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, potato chips, ice cream, candy, cookies and more.  We tend to forget that someone had to invent and innovate, and that there were times when these fantastic foods were only available to the rich.  These food heroes were not held back by obstacles, criticism, or seemingly impossible odds.  Rather, they saw opportunities, and brilliantly executed plans to achieve them, which resulted in great wealth for them, and cheaper, great-tasting food for the rest of us.  They were willing to learn new things, take risks, learn from the successes and failures of others, and display unending determination in the face of opposition.  They had what we call today, a “growth mindset.”

In the 1980s, Stanford psychologist, Carol Dweck, wrote, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.  She discovered through decades of research that the way people view themselves has a profound impact on how they lead their lives.  Some people have a fixed mindset, and others have a growth mindset.  According to Dweck, those with a fixed mindset:

  • Avoid challenges
  • Give up easily
  • See effort as a waste of time
  • Ignore constructive criticism
  • Feel threatened by the success of others.

But those with a growth mindset:

  • Accept challenges
  • Are resolute in the face of setbacks
  • See effort as the path to expertise
  • Learn from constructive criticism
  • Derive inspiration and knowledge from the successes of others

A fixed mindset believes that one’s intelligence, creative ability, social acumen, and other gifts and talents are static, and cannot be altered or improved.  A person with a fixed mindset will avoid risk and difficult challenges in order to prevent failure or expose any shortcomings.  While a person with a growth mindset embraces challenges, and sees them as launchpads for increased success, as they seek to get smarter and more skilled, as they chase their dreams and find purpose in life.

In recent years, neuro-science researchers have validated Dweck’s findings, by discovering that the brain is more malleable than thought in the past.  They call it brain “plasticity.”  Brains can physiologically change and develop as we get older.  Neurons in the brain that are not used are “pruned,” basically become dormant and disappear, while new neural pathways can be grown.

Here is why these findings are crucial to understand as it relates to parents and kids.  Students who have struggled academically in certain subject areas, are disorganized, forgetful, lack social awareness, or been afraid to try hard things, can be guided to think differently.  Higher levels of achievement will result, as well as a sense of accomplishment, and overall happiness in life.  This isn’t some sort of “power of positive thinking,” pop psychology, but scientifically-based brain research.

At Dayspring, our Executive Function coaches seek to instill a growth mindset into students.  Research substantiates that teenagers, and adults too, can be inspired to recognize their gifts, take risks, and triumph, even in areas where they have been unsuccessful in the past.  And when small victories are strung together, they become big victories, creating positive momentum for individuals that will help them realize their full potential.  And hopefully, by the end of their life, reflect on what a remarkable journey it has been.  And who knows, maybe they will be the next big food mogul, and forge an even better hot dog!

How Counseling Can Help You Reach Your Goals in the New Year

By General

If you struggle to set goals, let alone reach them, you are definitely not alone. In fact, it is thought that roughly 92% of the population has found it hard to stick to goals. This constant cycle of trying to set beneficial life or health goals, but never quite reaching them, can ultimately lead to depression.

That’s because reaching goals is empowering and helps us feel we are in charge of our life. When we don’t reach goals, we feel powerless and even hopeless that our lives can change for the better!

How Counseling Can Help

Just as you must follow a recipe to the proverbial “T” to end up with something edible, there is a formula that must be followed to the “T” to set reachable goals. This formula is often used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals set and reach goals that will help them change behaviors and better their lives.

Goal setting has actually been shown to be a useful tool for those suffering from depression according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. The study found that individuals suffering from depression had more trouble setting goals and were far less likely to believe they could reach them.

The study found that those who were depressed had more difficulties setting goals and they were also less likely to believe they would achieve those goals. The participants also tended to set avoidance goals rather than approach goals.

An avoidance goal is one you set to avoid a negative outcome. “I want to lose weight so I don’t develop type 2 diabetes.” An approach goal, on the other hand, is one that you set to ensure a positive outcome. “I want to lose weight to have more energy!”

The study shows that counseling can help people with depression set and achieve realistic and achievable goals as well as help them stay on track mentally in pursuit of that goal.

The goal-setting formula used by most CBT therapists is as follows:

  • Identify your goal.
  • Choose a starting point.
  • Identify the steps required to achieve the goal.
  • Take that first step and get started.

A therapist can help you with each one of these steps. From ensuring you select realistic goals that are approach goals, to helping you identify where you are in relation to your goal, breaking down the goal into smaller, actionable steps, and helping you take that very first one, a counselor or coach will be in your corner, helping you every step of the way.

Make 2021 the year you reach those goals that will help you live your best life. If you’d like some help getting there, please get in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

 

SOURCES:

What is Positive Parenting?

By Parenting

“Because I said so!!”

How many times did your parents say this phrase to you? How often were you spanked as a child? How much yelling was there in your house growing up?

It’s safe to say that parenting styles have changed over the years. While spanking may have been deemed okay years ago, most parents agree now that hitting a child is not okay, for any reason. Shame and yelling are also, thankfully, out of fashion.

Many of today’s parents are trying to use positive parenting techniques instead.

What is Positive Parenting?

Positive parenting refers to a parenting style that relies on warmth, nurturing, and mindfulness. This type of parenting reinforces good behavior and avoids using harsh forms of discipline.

Positive parenting has been shown to facilitate numerous favorable outcomes. It has been linked to better grades in school, better behavior, more positive self-concepts, less substance abuse, and better overall mental health.

Strategies for Positive Parenting

Positive Parenting has three main components:

1. Regulate Your Own Emotions

How often have you had a bad day at work and yelled at your kids when you got home? It is very common for parents, either consciously or unconsciously, to take their bad emotions out on their children.

To parent positively means you have got to get a hold of your own emotions so you only interact with your child in a kind, loving, and honest manner.

2. Focus on Strengthening the Parent-Child Connection

It can be easier said than done, but each interaction with your child must strengthen the connection between you both. When a parent-child connection is strong, the child will feel safe and be able to trust.

3. Love Your Child Unconditionally

Many punishment techniques throughout the years rely on a parent “withdrawing” their love. This conditional love can cause great emotional and psychological harm to your child. Instead, focus on being a coach and mentor to your child, offering them loving guidance and reassurance to help them manage their emotions and behaviors.

It can also be very helpful to get some help from a family therapist who can help guide you in becoming the loving and compassionate parent you want to be.

If you would like to explore counseling options, please be in touch with me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

SOURCES:

Tips to Manage Anger Around Your Family During the Holidays

By Anger, Family Therapy

For many of us, spending time with family can be a grab bag of emotions. While you may feel love and familiarity, there’s also decades-long dynamics between you and your family members that may not be the most healthy. Your family might treat you like the teenager they remember, and you might revert to that role when you’re around your family without even realizing it.

There could be many things that make spending time with family a challenge. Old family conflicts, harbored resentments, and spoken or unspoken disagreements can make you dread seeing them again. If you have trouble managing your anger when you’re around your family, read on for some tips on how to keep your cool.

Define How You Experience Anger

People experience anger differently. Some might get more aggressive, some might withdraw, and some internalize the anger. By being aware of how you experience anger, you can better recognize when that emotion is starting to develop inside you so you can take control of how you respond.

Rehearse Responses

It’s very common for family to ask intrusive or inappropriate questions. You might have a busybody aunt who always asks about your relationships, or maybe your sister is constantly bugging you about starting a family. Come prepared with rehearsed responses so you won’t be caught off guard.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries with family. If a family member is aggressive or rude to you, or is always making you the butt of their jokes, your silence acts as approval of their behavior. Because you don’t protest, they think what they’re saying or doing is fine with you. Furthermore, pretending their bad behavior is acceptable only gives them more room to continue the bad behavior, or to get worse. Set boundaries with family and let them know when things they’re saying or doing is not okay with you.

Cut the Visit Short

Sometimes the best option to keep the family peace (and your sanity) is to spend less time. If your family tends to have snacks or drinks before dinner, show up just in time to join the family for dinner at the table. You can also opt to skip dessert or coffee and leave a bit early.

Family relationships are complex and deep-rooted, and family are often the ones who know best how to push your buttons. While managing your anger can be challenging, learning to maintain control over your emotions is a healthy act of self-love. It will not only keep you sane, but it will keep your family relationships unharmed and intact.

If you’re having difficulty navigating complicated family relationships, a licensed therapist can help. Give my office a call today and let’s schedule a time to talk.

Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks! Tips for Starting a Later-In-Life Hobby

By Aging No Comments

Most of us, when we were growing up, had hobbies. Some of us collected stamps or coins, others rode horses, and still others liked to draw or bake. But then we grew up and our world became filled with work and family responsibilities, and we had little time to do the things we once loved.

And that’s too bad, because hobbies are essentially a way for us to play as adult. We don’t pursue needlepoint to become famous or to make millions of dollars (if only!), we partake in hobbies for the pure pleasurethey bring to us.

Happiness isn’t just nice to feel, happiness actually makes us healthier and live longer! A study found that older people who are happy have a 35% lower risk of dying over a five-year period than unhappy people. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

But I’m Too Old to Pick Up a Hobby

Rubbish.

Did you know that Winston Churchill didn’t start painting until he was in his middle years? He absolutely fell in love with it. In a small book called Painting as a Pastime, he wrote:

“… There is no subject on which I feel more humble or yet at the same time more natural. I do not presume to explain how to paint, but only how to get enjoyment.” [and then later in the book] “We cannot aspire to masterpieces. We may content ourselves with a joy ride in a paint-box…”

Whether it’s painting, ceramics, photography, Italian cooking, writing poetry, or scrapbooking – or something else entirely – pick something you’ve always wanted to do and just try it.

Getting Started

Okay, let’s set you out on your new journey of growth, discovery, and joy! Here are some steps you can take to get started.

1. Brainstorm – If you aren’t exactly sure what kind of hobby you would enjoy, spend some time making a list of things you have enjoyed in the past. Maybe you like music or you’ve always liked being outdoors.

2. Research – To narrow your list, do some research on things like cost and time needed for these hobbies. This is good to know before you dive in.

3. Don’t listen to others – Don’t listen to anyone who tells you you’re foolish for wanting to learn to Salsa dance or kayak “at your age.” These people are to be pitied, not listened to.

4. Be honest with yourself – Maybe you’ll love the hobby you choose and maybe you’ll want to try something else. The idea here is to play and explore yourself.

It is never to old to begin a new journey. I wish you an exciting one!

Could Your Family Benefit from Family Counseling?

By General, Parenting No Comments

Does your family love and support one another unconditionally? Do you have fun together? Do you find talking with your spouse and children is easy and effective?

If you had to really pause and think about your answers to these questions, there’s a chance your family may not be as cohesive as you once thought or hoped. And that’s okay, not every family acts like something out of a 1950s television sitcom. Most have their own fair share of problems.

If you’ve never considered working with a therapist before, here are some benefits of family therapy:

Improved Communication

There aren’t many families out there that have flawless communication skills. It’s actually far more common for family members to feel that they can’t open up to one another. This of course leads to a disconnect between spouses or parents and children.

A family therapist can facilitate effective and respectful communication between your family members.

You’ll Understand Your Kids Better

Do you find yourself going slightly insane in an attempt to understand why your one child lies so much? Are you scratching your head as to why your other child is constantly hitting your first child?

We all think because our kids are made from our DNA that we’ll have some magical insights into why they do what they do. Nope. The truth is, most parents are in a constant state of stupefaction over their child’s behavior.

Family therapy will help your child feel safe enough to express their thoughts and feelings, giving you many A-ha moments.

Help Your Kids with Self-Esteem Issues

Healthy self-esteem is the foundation for a successful life. But unfortunately, many kids grow up feeling less than confident or good about themselves. A child with self-esteem issues may be the product of a parent with self-esteem issues.

The great news is, a family therapist can help both children and their parents build up their self-esteem to become happier individuals and, a happier family.

Help You Deal with Grief

Whether it’s a divorce or the loss of a loved one, most families are ill-equipped to handle loss, especially sudden loss. A family therapist can guide each one of your family members through the stages of grief so they can heal.

If you’re interested in exploring treatment options, please get I touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

 

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