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The Anniversary Effect

What is The Anniversary Effect, and could I have it? The Anniversary Effect is any disturbing, unsettling feelings, thoughts or memories that occur on the anniversary of some sort of pain, upset, trauma, or loss. Birthdays, anniversaries, seasons (such as the holidays) or a particular date or hour of the day can all activate The … Continue reading »
The Anniversary Effect
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Holiday Stress

As a therapist, inevitably when this time of years rolls around, I have people tell me how this is “supposed to be” the best and most magical time of the year. It doesn’t matter if it’s a client, family, a friend, co-worker or acquaintance. The conversation is then typically followed up by some sort of … Continue reading »
Holiday Stress
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Do you get stressed around the holidays?

For many of us, this stretch of the calendar year, starting with Thanksgiving to Christmas to the New Year, can be overwhelming. Too often we take holiday stress for granted. What’s worse is that we often have higher expectations for this season than for any other time of the year. When the realities of day-to-day … Continue reading »
Do you get stressed around the holidays?
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Valentine’s Day – Because love isn’t quite complicated enough as it is.

Salt in the wound. Displays in every store. Commercials on every channel. Chocolates, cards, restaurant reservations, gifts, diamond engagement rings. This must surely be what normal looks like. Right? Why am I something less than normal? Everyone loves to be put on a pedestal by someone special. A large part of a relationship is how … Continue reading »
Valentine’s Day – Because love isn’t quite complicated enough as it is.
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Memorial Day

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” ~President Harry S. Truman
Memorial Day
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Happy Fathers Day!

This Father’s Day, we take time to honor those men who show up, lead, love, mentor, sacrifice and step-up. A father figure is more than biological, and may be a stepfather, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle or brother who is a role model, leader or inspirational man who has helped influence you. You do not go unnoticed. … Continue reading »
Happy Fathers Day!
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When Pain Interferes.

Imagine your life when painful events from the past no longer interfere. Have you stopped loving wholeheartedly? Are you overcome by your emotions? Are you easily angered? In your attempts to avoid pain, do you inadvertently avoid pleasure? Do you feel past feelings with such intensity that it feels as if you are re-living the … Continue reading »
When Pain Interferes.
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Stressed from the election?

Has the election stressed you out? Many things can trigger stress and for many this election has certainly been one of them. When was the last time you had to deal with a big change? Disrupting our routine sparks anything from mild anxiety to extreme terror. Perhaps we have to deal with downsizing at our … Continue reading »
Stressed from the election?