Many times I’ve heard people say that they feel so blessed in their lives and so fortunate, yet they feel depressed and they don’t know why. Some of them feel guilty about it, and others are just confused. Well, I have news for you: Gratitude and depression are NOT mutually exclusive. How can this be true? First, consider genetics: Just like our parents can pass on their eye color or skin tone or … [Read more...]
ATAQ: Who should get therapy, and how does it work?
February 19, 2018 by
Who should get therapy? I think everyone can benefit from therapy! I'm only a little biased. ; ) In all seriousness...God is the only perfect being, so that leaves room for improvement in the rest of us! We all have issues, baggage, luggage, cargo, freight, a U-Haul...whatever you choose to call it. I believe that when we stop growing and changing, we die--spiritually, emotionally, … [Read more...]
ATAQ: How do I let go of the past?
October 17, 2017 by
Letting go of things you’ve done or things that have been done to you in the past can be difficult. Let’s start with a definition of letting go to make sure we’re all on the same page. To “let go” of something doesn’t mean that you say that what you did or what was done to you is okay or no big deal, nor does it give you or the offender a pass. Like forgiveness, what it means is that you’re … [Read more...]
ATAQ: How do I find peace?
October 17, 2017 by
Take a look at everything going on in the world these days, and it’s difficult to be at peace. What it comes down to is this: Being at peace is a personal decision. It’s not necessarily a logical one, but it’s a decision nonetheless. There are several things you can do to find peace within, and I’ll talk about those in a minute. Ultimately, though, it’s a simple decision that gets you there. … [Read more...]
How Do I Stop Being Afraid?
August 4, 2017 by
ATAQ: How do I stop being afraid? When we are blocked from doing something, however big or small, it’s fear that’s in charge. Fear is generated by negative automatic thoughts, or NATs, as I call them. These NATs are far more annoying and troublesome than the winged-variety gnats—even when they’re in a swarm! So, how do we overcome the fear that blocks us? Check out these 3 steps: Start by … [Read more...]
How can grandparents be so much better than they were as parents?
March 3, 2017 by
Tonight’s ATAQ: “How is it that a set of parents who did such a poor job, were neglectful, were abusive, etc. can be such a great set of grandparents?” Well, you could always ask them in a tactful way. If you don't want to do that or they don't have an answer for you, here are a few possibilities: They learned a few things from raising their own kids. They've mellowed out over the … [Read more...]
What do I say to others’ parenting interference?
March 3, 2016 by
ATAQ: “What do you do when parents and grandparents in your family give unsolicited advice or even try to undermine your parenting? For example, my mother-in-law tries to argue with me about my son being grounded and unable to go anywhere, even another family member’s house. Sometimes, she even launches into a spiel about how she used to parent, with the implication that I should be doing it her … [Read more...]
How do I help and trust my teen?
March 3, 2016 by
ATAQ: “My teenage daughter informed me that she recently had an experience with alcohol. There is a history of addiction in the family, and she has become very afraid that she will follow in those footsteps. The experience seems to have really scared her. She is apologetic and knows that she’ll have to work to rebuild trust. She’s previously been in therapy for depression and anxiety as well. Do … [Read more...]
Hope, Trust, Self-Esteem and Love
January 27, 2016 by
What follows is just a quick snippet on each of these topics. Each one is a discussion unto itself, but I thought I would share the response I recently gave someone. Maybe it will generate additional questions or questions about deeper layers of these topics for you or someone you know. Just shoot me a private message if so. ATAQ: "How is it possible to lose something if you never had it to … [Read more...]
How do I handle teen rebellion?
January 14, 2016 by
Call it a Christmas miracle, but I finally had time to write over Christmas break! My apologies and gratitude to those of you who have been waiting patiently for answers to your questions. Without further ado… ATAQ: “We have a 12 y.o. who is very negative when he doesn’t get his way. He appears lazy and doesn't seem to take pride in much of anything. Do children at this age regress because of … [Read more...]
