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Anxiety

Here are some resources for those seeking information on anxiety.

US Capitol Riot

US Capitol Riot – Talking to Our Kids: Fox 5 Interview

Anxiety, Depression, Family Therapy, Grief, News, Parenting, Relationship, Thoughts /

This past Wednesday our country shared in collective shock and sadness following the events that occurred in the US Capitol. Never before as a country have we had to experience so many losses and mind-bending concepts about who we are as Americans. How do we explain these types of events to our kids when we don’t really understand them ourselves?

I had the privilege of speaking with Kelsey Christensen of Fox 5 News about how to best help our children understand why this happened and what it means to them. One of the take-aways from our chat was how important it is that we not minimize our children’s fears and that we give them the space to talk about their fears as often as they need to.

We should normalize for them that these big feelings are real and that it is important for them to talk to their parents to help them better understand what they are experiencing. This means that parents need to be willing to have these conversations even though they may not know what to do or say. The important thing is that parents should be a safe space for their children and let them know they will never judge them for having their feelings – even if their children’s thoughts and feelings differ from their own.

Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety and the Coronavirus Shutdown

Anxiety /

Even before 2020, the year we began to shelter-in-place and socially isolate, social anxiety was one of the most common mental disorders that people experienced. Today, after almost a year of staying home and with far fewer social interactions than ever before, many more people than ever are nervous about interacting with others. What is social anxiety? Many people experience social anxiety disorder to varying degrees. It is a psychological condition that affects someone’s thoughts, …

Social Anxiety and the Coronavirus Shutdown Read More »

self quarantine

Quarantined from your Partner?

Couples Counseling, Anxiety, Family Therapy, Relationship, Thoughts /

People in essential services have continued working throughout the quarantine, and those who have had the option to work from home have been able to remain on the job as well. Many others have only recently begun returning to work.

Every day we hear reports about new cases of Covid-19, increased rates of positive tests, and speculation about another shut-down. For those venturing out into the world and workplace, they are increasing their exposure to other people and the risk of being infected themselves.

Concerns about exposure is leading many to quarantine themselves from their partners and/or families in order to protect them. As an example, I have a relative who routinely flies for work, stays in hotels, and eats take-out (when sit-down dining is not available). When he returns home, he quarantines himself from his wife for two weeks to ensure he does not have any symptoms.

Quarantining yourself this way may be prudent and responsible, but it can also cause anxiety, stress, and feelings of disconnection from your partner.

Here are some ideas to help you stay connected and reduce anxiety and stress during your time of quarantine:

Dana Feelings

Seeing Light: Authority Magazine Feature

Anxiety, As Seen In, Couples Counseling, Parenting, Relationship, Self-Esteem, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Thoughts /

I was recently interviewed by Dr. Ely Weinschneider, Psy.D of Authority Magazine for an article titled “Seeing Light at the End of the Tunnel: 5 Reasons To Be Hopeful During this Corona Crisis.” As we are beginning to see the world slowly start opening up (although limited), this article is timely. I’d like to pull some highlights out which could help improve mental health and feelings.

I do Uncertainty

“I Do” Uncertainty Podcast

As Seen In, Anxiety, Couples Counseling /

Of course, life is uncertain. Now more than ever we’re collectively feeling the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Chase and Sarah Kosterlitz for their “I Do” podcast to discuss tips and advice for couples dealing with uncertainty. You can listen to the podcast here. 

Social Distancing

Disagreeing About Social Distancing?

Anxiety, As Seen In, Couples Counseling, General, Parenting, Relationship /

I recommend my clients approach each other with an attitude of being more curious than furious about your partner’s differing position. Your partner is not opposing you just to be difficult or obstinate about social distancing. When you can approach your partner with an open attitude of wanting to really understand what is driving their thought process you start off the conversations from a gentler approach, which promotes compassion and compromise.

pistanthrophobia

The Fear of Trusting: Pistanthrophobia

Anxiety, General, Relationship, Self-Esteem, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Thoughts /

Pistanthrophobia is the fear of trusting others and is often the result of experiencing a serious disappointment or painful ending to a prior relationship. As a result of the trauma, the person with this phobia possesses a fear of getting hurt again and avoids being in another relationship as a way to guard against future similar painful experiences. When this happens, you’re unable to have a future relationship that may help you gain perspective or understanding as to why the prior relationship may not have been a good fit to begin with.

living with an ex

Living With An Ex During Coronavirus?

General, Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Thoughts /

Living with an ex is common these days. There are many reasons that couples make the decision to stay living together even when the relationship has ended. Most of the reasons my clients give revolve around finances and children. However, during this COVID-19 crisis, living together with your ex may cause additional stress and frustration making your reasons to stay in the first place seem insignificant!

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