The original concept of “codependent” came from wives of the alcoholics who started Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob.” The men would have AA meetings in people’s houses and the wives would sit in the kitchen and talk over coffee and dessert. As they exchanged stories about their experiences, they realized they all had done similar things in an effort to protect their husband from consequences of their alcoholism.
Read MoreWho out there avoids conflict as if it were a death sentence? I would estimate that at least half of my clients struggle with assertiveness – a way of communicating and advocating for themselves in a respectful and honest way. It seems they see no difference between assertiveness and aggression. Aggressive communication is not respectful, often involving making demands of others without listening to them and threatening or attacking the other person.
Read MorePhone apps can be an incredible support for monitoring behavior and emotions, supplementing therapy, or for improving or maintaining mental health and wellness. While mental health apps do not substitute treatment from a mental health professional and do not provide a diagnosis, they can be used in conjunction with therapy to help you build awareness of habits and patterns, as well as independently to support self-care. Many of these apps are based on scientific research and evidence based therapy techniques. I recommend some of them to support work I do with my clients and I use them personally.
Read MoreIf I got a dollar every time I heard a client say, “I don’t like conflict and I avoid it at all costs,” I would be a wealthy woman! Conflicts (aka disagreements) are everywhere – at work, at home, at your favorite restaurant, and within your own head (or is that just in my head?). If you think you can walk through life avoiding it, pretending it doesn’t exist, and still live a fulfilling life, you are just wrong. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you really are wrong. Here’s why.
Read MoreWhat happens when your relationship stops being a priority? Most will speak to the difficulty of maintaining closeness in marriage or romantic relationships. We often find ourselves lost in the hustle and grind of our day to day lives. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with everyday stressors such as managing work projects, family tension, or even your child’s soccer practices! Slowly over time that spark begins to fade and those feelings of excitement are replaced with monotony and endless binging of our “favorite” series, leading to disconnection and apathy. I know many couples who find themselves struggling to feel connected or motivated to connect with their partners. How do we fix this? What can we do to remind each other of how important our relationship is? Well today I have a couple of tips that have helped couples to bring some connection and intimacy back into their relationship.
Read MoreOffering mental health counseling for adolescents and adults near Lancaster, PA
The Counseling Collective LLC
1987 State Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520 and 210 West Grant Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
CALL: (717) 723-8040 FAX: (717) 900-9660
A diverse team of mental health experts who collaborate with you to overcome the challenges in life
