Sometimes, I like to reflect back on the “good ‘ole days.” You know, those carefree days of college with lots of fun and little responsibility. After remembering many of those wonderful and fun times, my mind goes to some not so good days and not so good times. I was a senior in college,...
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When you hear the term “Group Therapy,” what images come to mind? I’m sure we all have preconceived ideas of what a Group Therapy session is. Perhaps you imagine a group of strangers sitting in a circle spilling their guts out, passing around kleenex, and patting each other on the back. Maybe the term...
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Now that we have defined boundaries, understand where they come from, and know how to set them, we will address how to keep boundaries. Whenever we make a change in our lives, it can be difficult at first to maintain that change. Think of when you try to stop a bad habit. You often...
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We began by identifying healthy boundaries and understanding why they are important in our lives. Next, we addressed reasons we have poor boundaries in our lives. Now the hard part comes, actually setting healthy boundaries. Just like with all new things, it will be a challenge at first and will get easier with time....
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Now that we have defined boundaries, let’s consider the origin of our boundaries. We have found that people develop specific rules surrounding boundaries based on several factors. Learned over time – As children, our parents or guardians teach us how to live in relationship. Our first ideas of boundaries are usually based on our...
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As a mental health professional, over and over again I see that poor boundaries are a source of much pain and anxiety. This blog is the beginning of a four-part series to help you: – define boundaries – understand the origin of your boundaries – create healthy boundaries – keep those boundaries Dr. Ryan...
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If you walk into any Office Supply or Value Mart store this week, you will quickly see that the shelves are lined with markers, crayons, notebooks, and backpacks, meaning one thing: it’s back to school time! Many parents are turning cartwheels at the fact that their kids now have a daily routine again. Teachers...
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The world is made up of many different types of people. Some people love to try new experiences and take risks. For other people, doing something new can be scary and intimidating. Many people even become paralyzed by fear or anxiety when they have to take a step forward into uncharted territory. At Water’s...
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As a mental health therapist, parents come to me with many questions about raising their teenagers. I hear comments such as “Am I making the right choice in this form of discipline?” or “Why did my teenager make this decision?” or “What am I doing wrong?” These can be some of the most difficult...
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This is a wonderful week of the year. We enjoy the extra time off work and celebrating with family and friends. We remember the freedom we experience in our country. We eat hotdogs, hamburgers, and cakes in the shape of flags. I love blueberries, strawberries, and cool whip! Even with all the celebrating, the...
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