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Each week, we post the latest articles and new blog content across a variety of categories. Browse our latest.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse (part 2)
by Ashley Schmutzer, MA, LPC What can one do if they suspect child sexual abuse? The best course of action is to talk to your child directly. But in doing this, make sure your child feels safe by creating a comfortable and appropriate atmosphere for the discussion. Also, talk with your child about “keeping secrets.” Sometimes abusers will tell children that sexual abuse is a secret just between them. They [...]
The Three Year Twitch: How to keep your marriage from ending before it’s even begun (pt. 1)
by Jen DuBos, MA LPC Most married folk over the age of 30 are familiar with the phrase “The Seven Year Itch”, which is the notion that seven years into marriage, spouses often get a little, well itchy. Life together gets a bit dull, a little too predictable, and your spouse is no longer the radiant and mysterious creature he or she once was. A popular comedian recounts this very [...]
All Grown Up: 3 Tips for Negotiating Relationships with Adult Children
By Suzanne Clarey, LCPC Navigating the dynamic between parents and adult children can be an overwhelming experience for all involved. Parents may feel confused and rejected by their children's seeming lack of desire for parental input, and adult children can feel alternately resentful and insecure. The following three tips are for parents endeavoring to negotiate these new (and often frustrating) relationships: 1. Respect Autonomy. A shift needs to be made [...]
Spotting the Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse (pt. 1)
by Ashley Schmutzer, MA, LPC One cannot turn on the television and watch the news today without hearing about one of the many scandals that have hit our society regarding sexual abuse. Penn State, Syracuse University, and The Citadel are all dealing with this. As parents and caregivers, we may live in great fear of how to protect our children, and further, how to know if our child may be [...]
Fighting “The Negative Mind” of an Eating Disorder
by Priscilla Dean, Masters Intern I have always felt deeply for those who suffer with an eating disorder. In my years of high school and college, I have come in contact with many close friends and extended family members who suffer from this horrendous illness. It seemed to be everywhere I looked. I had heard of a group of girls on a dorm floor at my school who would throw [...]
What’s Up With My Teen?: How Brain Development Affects Adolescent Behavior
by Ryan Thill, LPC Adolescence can be a time of joy, excitement, and trials. One moment adolescents can be wonderful individuals with incredible potential and the next, they can make an inexplicable decision. We all have been there where we look at our child and say ‘what were you thinking?’ Adolescents seem to make decisions void of any logic and parents are left wondering how they will keep their sanity. [...]