by Christine Hammond on August 10, 2016
Movies love to portray the inner and outer conflict that arises from being blackmailed, especially when someone’s life hangs in the balance. There is the villain (the blackmailer), the victim (the target), a demand (what is being asked for), and a threat (what negative thing will happen if the victim refuses to comply). But blackmail… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 5, 2016
This school year can be the best one yet for parents and children. Here are ten tips for a successful back-to-school. Be an active parent. Passive parents don’t engage in their child’s school activities or volunteer at the school. Helicopter parents are too involved with every aspect of their child. Neither approach is healthy. An… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 3, 2016
The primary purpose of parenting is to raise fully functional adults who can take care of themselves and make a positive contribution to society. Generally speaking, this should be accomplished by eighteen. After this age, parents have less verbal influence but can still be positive role models through actions, not words. It is with the… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 28, 2016
There seems to be a revolving door of crises at any given time. Just when things begin to slow down, another chaotic moment arises out of nowhere and demands immediate attention. When the underlying cause is addressed, the spouse claims they have no responsibility for contributing to the disruption. They emotionally cite numerous external sources… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 26, 2016
When adults realize they were the product of a narcissistic parent, it can shock them into a state of grief. Instantly, they go from idealizing the narcissist to grieving their lost childhood and the God-like image of their parent. Suddenly, the parent is transformed from larger than life to a deeply insecure human being. With… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 21, 2016
Healing from a narcissistic parent has a positive effect on all of the other close relationships in a person’s life. The distorted perception of reality a narcissistic parent imposes on a child can have damaging consequences as an adult at work and home. The lack of self-esteem, obsessive thinking, minimization of abuse, excessive anxiety, and… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 20, 2016
It is hard to remember a time when the marriage was tranquil. Rather, each year brings more drama, intensity, frustration, distance, and hostility. Efforts to improve the situation are temporary and shallow at best. There is something else happening other than poor communication skills. It might just be that one spouse has a personality disorder…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 11, 2016
Ever wonder how a person was able to earn trust so quickly and then exploit it for their own benefit? Perhaps they stole money, took over a business, or openly violated ethical conduct codes. One day they were a best friend and now for no apparent reason, they make themselves an enemy. Even now, it… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 7, 2016
From the outside looking in, things look perfect. That is precisely the impression a person with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) intends to give. They seem to be the model spouse, parent, friend, and most especially employee. And they have many rewards, honors, recognitions, and promotions to prove it. But things are not what they… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 5, 2016
If only churches, synagogues, and mosques were safe places for people to learn about God and grow spiritually. But sadly, many are not. Rather, they can become safe places for three of the most intense personality disorders. Regardless of the religious belief system that a person subscribes to, these three disorders can be found within… (more…)