The holidays are always somewhat of a mixed bag. For many people, this is a challenging time without a pandemic. For others, the pandemic, along with the associated shutdowns and quarantines, is dampening their much-anticipated frivolity....
How we approach challenging situations, especially when they seem to pile up, can make all the difference in our health and wellbeing. One not-so-secret weapon, hope, just might be the key to greater happiness and less anxiety. But, how do...
With all the uncertainty and upheaval most people are experiencing as a result of COVID-19, anxiety is a word that comes up a lot. But, what is anxiety, really?...
“Unprecedented” is the word most often used to describe the current crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19. This event has touched everyone and all areas of daily life look different as we continue to adjust to new routines and...
*Thank you to Karin Bustamante, MA, LPC, for her contributions to this blog post. To contact Karin directly, visit her profile here. The New Year is traditionally a time for resolutions. The start of a new year can evoke a...
Many people go around feeling that something is not quite right. They aren’t as happy as they once were or don’t feel at ease the way they used to. What they typically do to snap out of a slump no...
The term “sandwich generation” was coined by social worker Dorothy Miller in 1981 to describe a new generation of women who were taking care of both their own children and one or both aging parents. Since then, the definition has...
The oldest baby boomers (the generation born between 1946 and 1964) are turning 70 this year. With an estimated 76 million total boomers, the issues around aging are about to take center stage like no other time in history. In...
Please enjoy this blog written by Karin Bustamante, MA, LPC, one of our therapists here at Maria Droste Counseling Center. Karin works with clients on a number of issues and areas, including life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, emotional and/or physical...
Positive Outcomes: Recovery from Drug & Alcohol Addiction IS possible Addiction is a serious problem, but recovery is possible for the millions of Americans dealing with substance abuse. How big a problem is it? In the United States, 40 million...
Marta Oko-Riebau, MA A successful relationship requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. – Mignon McLaughlin Remember that time when you were madly in love with your partner? It was enough to be in the same room...
Marta Oko-Riebau, MA Let’s hurry to love people, they vanish so quickly And all that’s left behind are empty shoes, a deaf phone… Only what’s unimportant drags on forever, That what really matters happens much too quickly… Don’t be certain there’s...
by Lisa Ransford, LPC, CACII What is it that you find most difficult about committing to the process of psychotherapy? There’s usually some degree of fear – fear of the unknown, fear of what you’ll discover, fear of change. But...
Matthew Campeau, M.A. What do you want, but are afraid to pursue? Perhaps it is a new career. Or the ability to speak your heart and mind, and not apologize. Perhaps you want to end a relationship to something or...
Joel Silverman, MA LPC discusses couples and the importance of integrating the values and expectations that originated from their families of origin to improve communication and understanding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vh4qOLrmy8 Joel Silverman, MA LPC works with people who have experienced trauma...
By Michele Battle, MA, NCC I never liked the term “Empty Nest”. To me, it sounded like a bleak, hollow place where youth and laughter once reverberated. Then suddenly, the children leave, and only silence and the prospect of aging...
by Dawn Goers, MA As I was lying in bed earlier this week, before the sun came up, I began lamenting the idea of getting out of bed while it was still dark, and for a brief moment I got...
by Karen Lenzi, MA, LPC Major change, negative change like the death of a loved one, a divorce, losing a job – those are hard and painful – but they also make sense to us. Why is positive change so...
by Lisa Ransford, LPC, CAC II Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are. — Bernice Johnson Reagon There are two things in life that are certain: aging parents and...
Chris Lewis, EdS, LPC Trust me. I know what it’s like. You’ve just had the billionth phone call from the ex about why he can’t take the kids again this weekend after you’ve made, and cancelled and made again, plans...