June 2011 Newsletter
May 31, 2011
Summer is right around the corner, and many families will have children at home – whether they are on college vacation, school vacation, or simply coming home for a visit (often with extended families in tow). While it can be relaxing and fun to have everyone home, it can also be stressful.
Any time there is a transition, there will be stress involved. Knowing this can help you to better prepare. Working through the transition can be made easier by providing ourselves with the knowledge that we will be in an adaptive stage. Recognize that everyone will be somewhat confused at the beginning of the transition – expect to have some anxiety until everyone has adapted. Set long term goals for summer plans, as well as short term daily goals. Most young children do best with a routine. Having a set schedule of daily chores as well as activities will help young children (up to age 10) adapt better to the summer schedule. Older children should be given more freedom, but should still have established boundaries within which they operate (chores as well as check in times). Children returning from college will have a hard time getting used to new rules, as many have been operating without parental input on their day to day activities during the school year. Establishing rules and boundaries that make sense for the parents as well as respecting the returning college student’s autonomy will go far in providing a conflict free summer.
A great habit to establish over the summer is the family meeting. Set aside a time each week to check in with one another. This is a time to plan activities for the week, divide chores, and talk about issues or concerns. Everyone does the family meeting a little bit differently, but knowing that there is a time where everyone will be together to talk things out is a proactive way to alleviate problems.
Summer is a time to get to know one another. Family bonding is especially important during vacation times, as people will find it easier to connect. Make sure to plan fun family activities such as outdoor games of kickball or croquet; as well as indoor games of charades or board games. Playing together is one of the most important things we can do with our children. It is a way to bond, exercise, and work towards common goals all within the backdrop of having fun.
Our experience with the world is defined first within our families. How we learn to relate to others is developed within the context of how we form relationships within our families. Providing an environment of consistency, problem solving and fun are some of the fundamental pieces of a family.
As Leon Seltzer, Ph.D, said in his Psychology Today article “When we bond well with our parents, we’re able to feel connected, comforted and secure about our place in the family. In such cases our home is truly our sanctuary–a place to which we can regularly return (or retreat) to get the reassurance and succor that we all need as children.
Published on December 7, 2008 by Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. in Evolution of the Self
Recovering From Codependence: Support & Education Group
May 2, 2011
3 Ongoing groups facilitated by Cheryle Jones Andrews, LCPC, LMFT
Wednesdays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:30am
Thursdays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Registration cost: $180 for 4 weeks
If you struggle with feeling ok about yourself, if you find your mood depends on what others think, if you put others’ opinions and needs before your own, if your life feels out of control, then you may be struggling with the five core symptoms of codependency. Chaos and drama surface often and painfully in your life. With support and education in a trusting, confidential group, you can learn the how, what, where, when and why of codependency and begin the process of recovery. For information and a complimentary assessment interview, call Cheryle @ 385-0888. Participation depends on a pre-enrollment interview.
the write path: Write A New Tune When You’re Singin’ The Blues
May 2, 2011
Tuesdays. 5:00pm – 7:00pm. – Ongoing Group. Join anytime.
Write your way out of grief and depression, anxiety, and loss. An on-going group, Write A New Tune provides support and direction for your recovery journal. Explore the blue notes and find a peaceful song. Registration: $320 for 8 weeks.
*Health insurance may apply.
So You Want To Write (Getting Unstuck)
May 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Registration $45 before June 1, 2011 • $60 after June 1, 2011.
So You Want To Write (Getting Unstuck) : Is your writing project stalled? Having trouble getting started? Beginners and seasoned writers are invited to join us to rattle the cages of stagnation. Boost your imagination as well as your confidence during this play date for your pen. * Invest in your creative process. * Arrest writer’s block. * Spark your motivation.
May 2011 Newsletter
May 1, 2011
Is It Possible to Create S-P-A-C-E for Oneself in Relationships?
August 2, 2010
By Cheryle Jones Andrews
In his presentation, “The Essential Humility of Marriage,” Terry D. Hargrave, PhD, author of a book by the same name, defines marriage as “a separate entity…a living, breathing relationship that is as real as the two individuals that form the bond.” This separate relationship paradoxically contains the individuals while simultaneously nurturing each person’s unique needs and those created by the union. Read more
May’s Monthly Conversation
May 1, 2011
May 9 – Monthly Conversation
Free presentation sponsored by Jefferson St. Counseling & Consulting
2nd Monday of the Month, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Every successful stepfamily takes time to develop. And every couple faces particular challenges in their relationship that only stepfamilies can provide. Come and explore some of the steps for success in your own marriage, meet those challenges head on, and enrich your stepfamily home environment. May’s topic: “Successful Stepfamiles: Maintaining Our Loving Marriage” presented by Timothy J. Furness, LCPC, LMFT.