“Susan” walked into my office, shoulders slumped, clothes disheveled and hair unkempt. Eyes sunken, even the most mundane decision regarding where to sit challenged her on this day. She stumbled into a chair and, without removing her coat, proceeded to tell me how she had reached a new low in
Month: April 2015
Chances are that an online review of a product or service has significantly influenced your decision to purchase something (or not purchase something) recently. In fact, one research study reports that 84 percent of Americans say online reviews influence such decisions (see www.saurageresearch.com/online-consumer-reviews-drive-sales/ ). Furthermore, 63 percent of customers say
Coming on the heels of its successful annual conference and expo in March in Orlando, Florida, the American Counseling Association is turning its attention to another conference in a tropical locale. This one, however, will be across an ocean. The inaugural American Counseling Association-Asia Pacific Counseling Conference 2015, or ACA-APCC
The most potent of love potions, “romantic chemistry,” draws lovers into a trancelike experience that results in a steamy dance of infatuation, intrigue and sexual desire. Romantic chemistry, or the “urge to merge,” typically controls our rational mind, so much so that lessons learned and pledges made are neutralized in
I was raised with my mother telling me that the three things you were not supposed to discuss in polite company were religion, politics and money. Historically, counselors have also been hesitant to talk about religion or religious issues. This hesitancy is grounded in the profession’s belief in the separation of
A 40-year-old man enters counseling to deal with “relationship issues.” He says his marriage is failing due to his use of online pornography and that his financial situation is in constant peril because of high gambling debts. He adds that he drinks alcohol daily and fears he is dependent on it to
Trauma, suicide and bullying are not new topics for most counselors, who at some point in their careers have likely worked with clients on each of these issues. However, as research and practice continue to progress, some counselors are using emerging approaches or perspectives to tackle these problems. At the
The responsibility of providing documentation that would allow individuals to have an emotional support animal live with them should not be taken lightly.
A new smartphone app has been designed to put suicide prevention tools and resources at the fingertips of medical and mental health professionals. Practitioners who download the free Suicide Safe app will have access to case studies, training and data to help them recognize and address suicide risk in patients
When working with adolescents in a group setting, it is important to provide opportunities to explore, evaluate and process the dynamics that occur within their homes. After all, eventually they will be faced with the dilemma of figuring out how to apply what they have learned in therapy to situations