What Nobody Tells You About Being an Adult Child of Divorce Right before my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, an adult close to their relationship told my dad that he needed to get a divorce. That “adult” was none other than me, his then-22-year-old daughter. My dad’s relationship with my mom had started souring
In family law mediation, it is not uncommon to hear the parties question their judgment regarding the difficult decision to proceed with divorce. I am often asked by one of the two individuals sitting in my office, “Don’t you think we make a cute couple?” or, “Aren’t we great together?” These are uncomfortable questions in
When your anger is triggered, try the following anger interventions: 1: “Ride It Out.” This is not the same as “ignoring.” You are consciously choosing to give his argument all the attention it so richly deserves, namely none. You just appear to be paying attention. Nodding your head would be a nice touch. You are
During arguments, sometimes one or more parties involved can overreact. An overreaction occurs when a precipitating factor triggers an exaggerated response. Therefore, when a person overreacts, it’s actually the result of a person’s perception of the situation. When these types of events occur, it usually brings some sort of inconvenience or disappointment that triggers underlying
Many people going through separation feel confused about what help they need from friends and family, whilst others find it hard to ask for help. It is difficult to see someone you care for going through upset and distress. You want to fix it for them but you can’t. Everyone is different but here are
Divorce Counseling: A Tool for a Successful Post-Divorce Life Going through divorce alone certainly doesn’t provide any benefits, and trying to heal in isolation often prolongs the process and can increase depression and anxiety. People can and do handle divorce alone, but just as you wouldn’t undertake a cross-country road trip without GPS, divorce is
Stress Overview: Some stress is good as it can sharpen our awareness and motivate us. But too much stress has a negative impact on our minds and bodies and can cause emotional, relational, and medical problems. Avoid negative ways to reduce stress that may actually cause more harm (i.e. drinking, smoking, over-eating, compulsive shopping, gambling,
by Joyce Marter, LCPC Life is everchanging. Times of transition can exacerbate stress, even if they are positive transitions, like starting a new job, falling in love, or having a child. Life transitions can include changes in: Employment (new job, promotion, job loss, career change) School (starting, ending) Relationship status (starting a new relationship, going
A man I just met with said the more he lives his life, the more uncertain things seem to him… by UB’s Joyce Marter, LCPC: He told me that in his youth he thought the opposite would be true – that as we get older, life would become more defined, solid, clear and certain. Perhaps
What Defines Conflict? The struggle between incompatible impulses, desires or principles. Myths About Conflict Harmony is normal and conflict is abnormal. There is only one right way to handle conflict. Good people don’t have disagreements. There is no conflict in healthy relationships. In conflict, somebody always gets hurt. The Truth About Conflict It is a
