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3.31.2015

Resources for Recovery from Marital Infidelity


Book and DVD recommendation Beyond Boundaries, for partner's struggling through infidelity, with a gentle (not heavy-handed) Christian perspective.
From a Christian perspective, I wholeheartedly recommend this one as well. Not pablum "forgive" repeatedly...more of a co-dependent treatment approach.
Healthy but hard questions are asked about continuing after an affair.


3.29.2015

"We can continue our love for someone without continuing a relationship with them."


3.28.2015

Your Body is Not your Masterpiece


Your body is not your masterpiece – your life is.

It is suggested to us a million times a day that our BODIES are PROJECTS. They aren’t. Our lives are. Our spirituality is. Our relationships are. Our work is.
Stop spending all day obsessing, cursing, perfecting your body like it’s all you’ve got to offer the world. Your body is not your art, it’s your paintbrush. Whether your paintbrush is a tall paintbrush or a thin paintbrush or a stocky paintbrush or a scratched up paintbrush is completely irrelevant. What is relevant is that YOU HAVE A PAINTBRUSH which can be used to transfer your insides onto the canvas of your life- where others can see it and be inspired and comforted by it. 
read on...

3.25.2015

“To control my moods and harsh behavior in those angry-crazed, frustrating momma moments, I use another person as my example. It's like helicoptering out of my body.

 If I saw someone doing to my child what I am now doing to my child, would I be ok with that? Believe it or not, this helps me keep my cool, or at least regain some self-control again, during those rare but terrible moments.” anonymous




3.22.2015

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

Emotional Support Animals offer support and comfort for psychiatric disabilities.
An ESA animal is NOT a service animal as defined by the ADA, therefore cannot go everywhere, however, this animal can go where any pets are permitted and in some no-pet areas, and can often fly free of charge, in airplane cabins.


Also known as Psychiatric Service dogs for a person identified as "disabled," either psychologically or emotionally - a person with a mental illness - the animal is tasked with the job of mitigating the disability or impairment.
Licensed Mental health Providers can write letters prescribing air travel or housing accommodations be made for persons with a psychiatric disability.

A store owner may not ask to see proof that this pet is a service animal - they may only ask, "Is this a service animal?" The same is true for federal and county buildings as well. The therapy dog does not need to be wearing a vest, sleeve or identification as such.

ESA's do not need special training. They are often "trained" by their human companion, to feel and intuit their owner's emotional condition, or anticipate their limiting behavior e.g., taking a shower and needing the dog nearby, securing the home premises at night before bed, responding to a doorbell or knock.


Psychotherapists can "prescribe" dogs, cats, pigs and other species to clients in need.
An ESA is often an alternative to medications or simply allows the client to more fully function in daily life, perhaps through great anxiety or panic attacks; a constant companion is something to touch and focus on, something to love, walk, feed, and brush.
An ESA is always a pleasant distraction with a calming influence.

Most importantly, an owner knows that his service pet "needs" his human, providing a sense of meaning and a great reason to carry on. 
read more here



"Therapists are facilitators - not experts, not perfect human beings...just tour guides through the rough terrain."

3.20.2015

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision...
  Helen Keller 

 

3.17.2015

ACE Test/Adverse Childhood Experience App

Adverse Childhood Experience App

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My current availability for counseling appointments is limited to mid-morning hours.
Please call for further information or helpful referrals.

March e-newsletter is available. Please let me know if you'd like to receive it on a monthly basis.

Christina


3.10.2015

Special Hours @ the San Diego Museum for ASD


The San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) is pleased to offer a brand-new pilot program for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community: a once-a-month ASD Morning in which the Museum opens early for adults and children on the autism spectrum and their families, friends, and caregivers. This innovative program, which will continue if we receive a significant amount of interest and participation, encourages individuals to explore, play, and discover the treasures theNAT has to offer in an environment that is comfortable for them.
ASD Mornings take place the second Wednesday of every month, beginning April 8, 2015. The Museum will open at 9 AM*, one hour earlier than its standard 10 AM opening time, providing a quiet and less crowded environment. Visitors may explore the Museum’s galleries at their own pace and watch a private showing of Ocean Oasis in the giant screen theater, with a lower volume and higher light levels. In addition, on ASD Mornings the Museum will offer a “quiet room” from 9 AM to noon if visitors need a quiet space to decompress or desensitize.




3.04.2015

The opposite of cynicism is a renewed wonder.


3.02.2015



For children in Step-Families, the challenge is to find a way to honor the stepparent without dishonoring the original parent.Great News! 
Step-families are often healthy, happy and strong.

3.01.2015

What is Oxytocin?




Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
In women, it is released mainly after distension of the cervix and vagina during labor, and after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating birth and breastfeeding, respectively.
Oxytocin is released during orgasm in both sexes.


(Which may be why we are not very good at unemotional one-night stands!)