For a long time, therapists have noticed a growth in mental health issues among students. This anecdotal observation was recently confirmed by the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a nationally recognized research survey that collects data about students’ health habits, behaviors and perceptions. Some of the statistics from the NCHA’s most recent survey of college [...]
People have all kinds of reactions to the length of the divorce process: “I just want to get this over with quickly.” This is taking forever.” “I don’t want this divorce and it is moving way too fast.” In my experience, the two things that determine how long a divorce takes are the process and [...]
Remember that all children need extra support when their parents are divorcing. Divorce is a major life change for a child that takes place over a period of time and requires ongoing support. Here are three ways you can support your child:Be available. We cannot predict how or when a child will respond to divorce. [...]
People going through divorce experience strong emotions. Among other things, they may feel angry, hurt, disappointed and scared. These feelings are normal and a natural part of mourning the loss of a marriage and the future you imagined. While it’s completely normal to feel these emotions, it’s important that you don’t allow them to overwhelm you. [...]
A recent study found that watching and discussing the relationship interactions in romantic movies during the first three years of marriage cuts the risk of divorce by half. This study from the University of Rochester was recently published in the Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology. Researchers had couples watch a romantic movie once a week [...]
Issues of discipline in blended families can be complicated. Reaching a point where parents can instill discipline consistently and comfortably to all of the children in the family is not an easy or immediate process. So, how do you get there?Bond with your stepchild(ren). Discipline works best when there is a foundation of trust. Spend [...]
About 75% of people who divorce eventually remarry. One outcome in many remarriages is the creation of a blended family. Research on blended families indicates that it can take two to five years for a blended family to feel like a family unit.If you are creating a blended family, here are some tips to help [...]
A recent study from the University of Virginia explored the concept of “mind wandering.” I found one of their findings to be “shocking” to say the least: 2/3 of the men surveyed and 1/4 of the women said that they would prefer to receive a small electrical shock to being alone with their thoughts. One theory [...]
Most parents recognize that their children are unique. Every kid has a different personality, temperament and needs. No understands that better than a parent. However, when parents get a divorce, important decisions around children are often made by the court. The court does not recognize the individuality of a child. It treats all kids as [...]
The theory of post-traumatic growth is receiving a lot of attention lately. Its premise is that individuals can do more than cope and move past trauma, crisis or adversity, but that these challenging experiences can actually provide a catalyst for positive personal growth and finding new meaning in one’s life. To be clear, post-traumatic growth [...]
