What is really known about body language? You have probably read about common body language traits, or seen courtroom drama using body language as a sign that someone is guilty. But what is really known about body language? A person’s physical reactions often can include: Pupil dilation Eye movements Sweating Blushing Involuntary mouth movements A crease in the … [Read more...]
Does Christmas Cause Divorce?
The holidays and causes of divorce Most Divorce lawyers will tell you that as the New Year starts that it also kicks off the divorce process for many of their new clients. The holidays have passed. Kids are back in school. Reality starts to set in again. But, does the Christmas holiday season really cause divorce? Holidays can be healing for a relationship. People’s thoughts can refocus to … [Read more...]
5 Tips To Protect Your Kids During the Holidays
Keeping the kids out of the middle of marital problems during the Holidays For a couple that is going through problems in their marriage, the holidays can exacerbate these issues. If your response to the holidays includes frustration and stress, it can be easy to scapegoat your spouse or children. Speaking to your peers about problems can be helpful at times, but it can be very easy and very … [Read more...]
Should you limit the amount of time children spend online?
New screen time rules for kids Have you ever thought about how much time you personally spend on the internet everyday? Have you considered if it that takes away from time that could be spent interacting with other people or learning a new skill? Now think about your children’s internet usage. Children in developmental stages need to interact with other children and learn new skills, even more … [Read more...]
Improve Your Diet, Improve Your Mental Health
I have people asking me fairly often about how I keep my health up. One of the ways I do this is through my diet, which includes a concoction of green smoothies that I have been drinking for years. I believe what we put into our bodies is a major factor in our overall health; our overall health is a major factor in our mental health and ability to deal with stress. It seems so obvious and yet … [Read more...]
When is it Time to Call it Quits?
There are no easy answers to that question. Only you know whether you should stay with your spouse or seek a divorce. However, there are some points to consider that may help lead you to a decision. Susan Pease Gadoua, licensed therapist and author of Contemplating Divorce, A Step-by-Step Guide to Deciding Whether to Stay or Go, suggests that individuals contemplating divorce focus on some … [Read more...]
Coping with Change
"All great changes are preceded by chaos." – Deepak Chopra, author, public speaker and alternative medicine advocate Wow! Chopra’s comment about change was definitely directed toward me this past month. After 20 years, I recently moved my practice to two new locations, Denton and North Dallas. While this is a positive change that brings a wealth of opportunity and provides great benefits to my … [Read more...]
The Children’s Bill of Rights in Divorce
I have many parents who come to my office – either ordered by the court to do so, or of their own volition. One of the documents I give them is this writing by Robert Emery, PhD, entitled “The Children’s Bill of Rights in Divorce.” It is an excellent reminder to parents about how to see things from their kids’ points of view. If parents can put the children’s rights before their own needs there … [Read more...]
Happiness: It’s All In Your Head
I love it when my clients bring great information to me to read. Recently I had a session with a client I have been seeing in therapy for several years now. He has made great progress, and will sometimes bring me an article he has found helpful. It's all about using brain science to make you happy. I've put together an abridged version below, but you should read the entire Time article here … [Read more...]
“Chip, the Puppy With Two Homes”
Book Review of Chip, the Puppy With Two Homes written and recorded by Jodi Hassler, MA, LPC. Sometimes we struggle with “good” ways to talk to children about difficult situations, especially young children who might have a difficult time expressing their “bad” feelings about a divorce and living in two homes. It is disruptive for children to develop the new “two homes system” – typically one with … [Read more...]