by Christine Hammond on June 30, 2016
Significant trauma can cause PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression at any age. But it can also have lasting effects even after a person has recovered. A childhood tragedy might lie dormant for many years until triggered by a similar event, person, or reaction. Teenage disasters might cripple the growth of budding adults leaving them perpetually… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 29, 2016
Narcissists and people pleasers seem to be drawn towards each other. While opposites do attract, there are some similarities that keep the connection powerful. Priorities. Narcissists think of themselves first and very little of others; people-pleasers think of others and very little of themselves. Both however believe that their way of prioritizing is right. It… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 24, 2016
Ever wonder what makes a person change for the better? The role of a counselor is to encourage healthy change. Many psychology schools teach the concept of unconditional positive regard as an effective method of transformation. The basic principle lies in accepting and supporting a person without judgement regardless of what they say or do…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 21, 2016
Not everyone grieves in the same way. People have different physical appearances, perspectives, experiences, thoughts, emotions, backgrounds, relationships, and attitudes. So when it comes to grieving, there are many healthy forms with the exception of one: not grieving. Embracing grief is a willingness to accept the fluctuating emotions, random thoughts, internal struggles, constant questions, and… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 17, 2016
Orlando is suffering from Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) with all of the continuous news reports, life stories of the victims, personal experiences of the first responders, FB posts from family and friends, and changes in everyday life. For those living in the area, simple things like going to the grocery store (normally a ten minute… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 14, 2016
The stages of grief apply to communities as well. I live in the historic district of downtown Orlando, a mile from the nightclub as the crow flies. My doctor’s office, grocery story, coffee shop, bagel store and daughter’s high school are all within a few block radius of the worst massacre in the United States…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 10, 2016
No one gets married wanting to go through a divorce. But unfortunately, it happens even to the best of couples. Irreconcilable differences, affairs, addiction, abuse, or abandonment are some of the reasons a person decides a divorce is the only solution. But before the next move is made, consider these different types of separating. Roll… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 7, 2016
After enjoying a nice meal at a restaurant, the bill is presented. The person with attention-deficit disorder (ADD) realizes their wallet is at work. Or… At home, the search for the car keys lasts over an hour, only to discover that the keys are in the ignition. Or… On the way to crossing a border… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 2, 2016
It may sound silly that a person would be afraid of being happy but it is more common than most realize. There is a type of comfort that comes from believing nothing will change or improve. It requires less energy, can spare future rejection, and avoid disappointment. But this is no way to live. The… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 31, 2016
Ask a narcissist if they are dependable and they will say, “I’m the most responsible person you know, you can always count on me.” And they can be. But when the rubber meets the road (an old saying about being put to the test), narcissists seem to wiggle out of accountability. Why? Narcissists will gladly… (more…)