Poor communication skills can be a major contributor to a multitude of problems including frustration, poor relationships, difficulties keeping jobs, marital conflict, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Luckily, you can learn to improve communication skills and build on your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively. Communication skills are vital in expressing yourself and getting…
DetailsAbusive relationships are all too common these days and unfortunately, it is so expected in some cases that even the people involved in the situation don’t realize that it is abusive because it is their normal. It is important to know and understand the early warning signs of abuse in order to be able to…
DetailsResilience is the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad has happened. It is the ability to overcome challenges or trauma. This is an ability that comes in varying levels in people. Some people show incredible resilience despite horrific circumstances, while others can crumble under much less. Since some people are…
DetailsWhat is happiness? It wouldn’t seem that this would be a difficult question to answer, but it is possibly one of the most difficult questions there is. Everyone talks about wanting to be happy, if they are happy, who is happy, if happiness is real. But very few people actually focus on what happiness is.…
DetailsAbout the Author: Kristen Kauke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Creekwood Associates in St. Charles, IL. She is a speaker, author, and gifted therapist. Please see below for her Call To Action. #onlythestigmaiscrazy The Mental Health Parity and Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) mandated that mental health conditions be treated with…
DetailsCognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is one of the most effective tools in depression treatment. At it’s core, CBT assumes that a person’s mood is directly related to their patterns of thought. With this belief, it makes sense that negative or dysfunctional thinking would lead to a negative mood, sense of self, or behavior; in…
DetailsWe have all done it. January 1st comes around and we make resolutions to conquer those things that have been pestering us or that we have been putting off…only to be broken a few months later. Well, we are not alone. According to the University of Scranton, only 46% of people maintain their resolutions for more than 6 months. This year, I would like to challenge you to think about resolutions from a different perspective. One that just may help you reach those big goals you have for yourself!
DetailsThe staff at The LodeStone Center offers some suggestions and insights on managing stress through the Holidays. Gathering with friends and family can bring great joy, though can also add on pressure and at times re-kinde old conflicts. Think through your strategies this year, and draw all the warmth and cheer you can from this wonderful time of the year!
DetailsWith more awareness and prevalence of food allergies, many kids are not getting to experience the fun of Halloween. I know, personally, we have so many close friends whose children have been able to dress up and go trick-or-treating, only to have to give away most or all of the candy they receive.
DetailsIf I could get one message across to every couple I come in contact with, it would be “validation always wins”. Get good at saying “you’re right”, or “you have a point”, and avoiding the tendency to simply debate, and your life at home will get radically better. Validation, as a communication tool, refers to acknowledging the…
Details
