Monthly Archives: August 2014
Couples Counseling and Confidentiality — It’s Essential and It’s the Law.
Good article about the imploding of the Virginia Governor’s marriage. Three lessons, among others, make time for the marriage, family experiences keep happening, and couples counseling is critical. Unfortunately, they didn’t have it. They feared lack of confidentiality. Confidentiality in marriage counseling is essential. All good counselors and therapists provide confidentiality. It’s required by the law and by professional standards.
“Love, Marriage and Disaster.” Washington Post (August 26, 2014).
Couples and Compromises — Rules and Realities — Need for Adjustments.
Good article. This article concludes with stating that the key to a long-lasting relationship is realistic compromise by couples between the rules we make and changing reality. In other words a marriage lasts when there when there is a more-mature self-realization.
‘We Pledge Allegiance ….” New York Times (August 24, 2014).
Baby Boomers — Suicide, Depression, and Couples Communication — Good Communications Always Necessary.
It’s clear that suicide risk is on the increase for baby boomers facing a career or a personal setback, illness, or leaving the workforce. What can be done? One strange fact that emerged concerning Robin Williams is that his wife left for work without checking in on him or saying goodbye. He was already dead. Does this indicate a breakdown in marital communications? I don’t know. One thing I do know is that good marital communications are essential for couples to confront problems and newer situations as they go through all stages of life. But this is even more necessary as they begin to retire, become ill, and begin to confront new challenges.
“Suicide Risk on the Rise for William’s Age Group.” Wall Street Journal (August 13, 2014)
Husbands and Couples Counseling — How to Start.
Often husbands don’t want to start couples counseling. Newer approach is to start with one or two sessions with just the husband. Not a bad idea. Still need to get him to start. No easy task. But a very worthwhile undertaking. Eventually, hopefully, increasing better communications.
“Husbands and Counseling.” Wall Street Journal (August 12, 2014).
10 Minute Naps and Real Vacations — Biologically Restorative.
New research shows the importance of real vacations and short naps (even 10 minutes). They are both biologically restorative. They improve cognitive vigor and decrease sleepiness and fatigue. You are then better to start solving some problems.
“Hit the Reset Button in Your Brain.” New York Times (August 10, 2014).
Self-Absorbtion and Maturity — Does Maturity Mean Seeing the Broader Landscape?
Does keeping a journal contribute to self-absorption and narcissism? This article argues that maturity is moving from the close-up to seeing the broader landscape. Focusing less on your weaknesses and more on the broad context. We should not over-analyze information. Ruminators end up making themselves more depressed. Citing newer studies this is a good article for everyone. Look at the mountains not the weeds.
….. “Introspective or Narcissistic.?” New York Times (August 8, 2014).
Charisma and Presence — The Office & Social Media — The Message & Communications Need to be Consistent.
This article gives you 5 steps for developing ‘presence.’ Most importantly is to stay calm in stressful situations, and then show your teeth when necessary. The way you communicate is important. It’s important to understand that your online presence is part of your corporate and professional presence. So take care.
“The Charisma Boot Camp.” Wall Street Journal (August 6, 2014).
Promising Development — Blood Test & Risk of Suicide.
This is a really promising development. Early tests indicate that a blood test may be capable of indicating the risk of suicide. More needs to be done. But this holds great promise.
Couples-Counseling Connection --- Marriage & Family (McLean, Virginia). 