ACA MEMBER BLOGS

While generational years have been clearly defined, not everyone born into a specific generation exhibits characteristics attributed to that era. Many individuals born on the end or beginning years of a new generation often display qualities of both.

I thrive in environments that allow me to use planners and fun pen colors and organizational tools to my heart’s content. This is reason # 45,093 why counseling has been a great choice in profession for me.

As mental health providers, we have been heavily implicated as ‘players’ in the national gun debate. In the aftermath of shootings, the nation often questions whether the individual had mental health issues or radical political beliefs or ideologies.

Mothers and daughters are suffering from relationship conflict at epidemic levels. Ask any female about whether she gets on with her mother or daughter, and chances are, you will find a large percentage of women admit to having difficulties with creating the mother-daughter relationship they yearn for.

Group work is an important part of the therapeutic process. When individuals partake in individual counseling, it is imperative that they participate in some form of “group work” as well.

I spoke to a practice group composed of large practice owners in the Chicago area on how to help their practices move from forming, storming, norming to performing. One crucial component of moving through the stages successfully, is a code of conduct.

Until recently, I never would have conceived of labeling myself a risk taker. Those around me would likely laugh at the suggestion.

Oysters protect the soft part of their bodies by snapping their shells shut as a response to any sign of danger. For the mollusks in the sea, the closing down action makes sense as a defense mechanism. The case is not so for us humans when confronted with emotional or psychological difficulties.

There is a big difference with respect to wants and needs in our daily lives. Needs are necessary to survive (food, air, water, shelter, freedom, fun, power, and of course LOVE). Wants are things we believe we need but are not necessarily imperative to our daily survival (jewelry, Xbox, designer shoes, etc.).

Thousands of miles from home, in a hostile land. Life uncertain never knowing if this breath could be your last. Battles raging, brothers in arms killed or missing, life back home raging as well without you.