Mental health - a good sense of self We teach people how to treat us. When friends, family, or strangers treat us rudely, invisibly or judgmentally it is because we let them. Internally, we do not believe we deserve to be treated with esteem and respect. Good mental health begins with a good sense of self. We need a healthy self-esteem, boundaries that are self-protective, … [Read more...]
Happiness originates in thoughts
Happiness originates in thoughts Mitch Albom in “Have a Little Faith” states that happiness is being satisfied and grateful; the priest said happiness is living the Beatitudes; Wikipedia defines happiness as a state of mind characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy; Socrates thought a man must be honest and honorable to be happy; Benjamin Franklin said, … [Read more...]
Trapped In an Abusive Relationship?
Trapped In an Abusive Relationship? Last article from the American Counseling Association - Honoring April: Counseling Awareness Month Relationship abuse is more common than most people realize. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that as many as twelve million women and men in the U.S. were the victims of such abuse last year. Reportedly, about one in four women, … [Read more...]
Speaking from the heart is essential
Speaking from the heart is essential Will Rogers once said, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” That does not work if you are trying to have a good relationship. If you want to be close to your spouse, or your children, or your friends, you must speak the truth of what is going on inside you. Lack of effective communication skills is the basic problem facing every couple, … [Read more...]
‘Fair-fighting’ is a valuable skill to learn
‘Fair-fighting’ is a valuable skill to learn Mitch Albom in Have a Little Faith wrote, “When my wife is mad at me she gets historical. You mean hysterical….no, historical. She brings up everything I’ve ever done wrong in my entire life.” That statement made me laugh because it is a great example of how NOT to fight. All relationships have disagreements. Arguments are normal … [Read more...]
Focus on solutions not problems
Focus on solutions not problems Everyone has problems. A problem exists when what we have (reality) collides with what we want (desire). It can relate to anything; relationships, finances, parenting, employment, etc. The problems can be very complex, but the solutions to those problems are often basic and simple. I recently edited a book that was focused on identifying … [Read more...]
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story I've never claimed to be an addiction counselor, but I have seen and experienced the hurt and destruction caused by addiction. Addiction can ruin, dilute, disguise and even kill a person. It can do the same to friends and family. It can make a person and the people around him/her feel dark inside. It is not a good thing. One can … [Read more...]
Anxiety – challenging but not deadly
Anxiety - challenging but not deadly When a person experiences a tight chest, rapid heartbeat, tense arms, sweaty hands, inability to focus, and even fear of dying, it might be anxiety. If you are experiencing these symptoms, first go to your medical doctor to make sure your symptoms are not caused by a physical ailment. This will give you accurate information that is not … [Read more...]
America; the grandest home
America; the grandest home Sorry, but if you choose to read this column, you must endure my soapbox in defense of our amazing USA. If you do not like America, if you choose to complain about life within our fifty states, spare yourself and do not read this article. I love America. Period! I love her without conditions. Sure, I see flaws, we all have flaws, but she still wins … [Read more...]
Stress can be associated with anything
Stress can be associated with anything Stress is a word we hear everyday. In my counseling office it was used when discussing anything from hospital visits, guests, parenting, exams, relationships, diets, employers, money, illness, entertaining, holidays, etc. Stress is an emotion that can be associated with anything we do. Stress does not come only from negative events. It … [Read more...]
Nature Offers Important Lessons
Nature Offers Important Lessons Throughout my life, I have studied at the university level for over 14 years, and I could have learned as much about how to help people have strong mental wellness from nature. Take a tree: Stand tall and proud; sink your roots into the earth; be content with your natural beauty; go out on a limb; drink plenty of water; remember your roots; … [Read more...]
Father’s Day is for appreciation
Father’s Day is for appreciation George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, is revered as the Father of our country. What made him such a great ‘Father’? He was determined to be a great leader; he never gave up; he took charge; he served his country relentlessly; he put his country before himself. A good father today has some of the … [Read more...]
Book Signing by Jennifer Goble
Book Signing by Jennifer Goble What: Book signing for "My Clients...My Teachers; The Noble Process of Psychotherapy,"by Dr. Jennifer Goble When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8 Where: Sterling Public Library community room STERLING —After 23 years owning and operating a private counseling practice, former Sterling resident Dr. Jennifer Goble is now sharing her counseling experiences … [Read more...]
Depression is not a death sentence
Depression is not a death sentence Depression is common. Depression is a physical disorder. Depression involves an imbalance of brain chemicals. Depression does not define who we are unless we let it. Depression does not affect our worth unless we let it. Everything I know about depression I learned from my clients and from my friend Diana Alishouse. From Diana I learned to … [Read more...]
Speaking from the heart is essential
Speaking from the heart is essential Will Rogers once said, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” That doesn’t work if you are trying to have a good relationship. If you want to be close to your spouse, or your children, or your friends, you must speak the truth of what is going on inside you. Lack of effective communication skills is the basic problem facing every couple, … [Read more...]