Words of Resilience

Reflect and Rebuild Group

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nicole Huefner, MSW, CSW, is offering a 6-week support group for Separated and Divorced Adults.

Mission Statement: To help enhance personal well-being and strength through mutual support and sharing.

The cost for the group is $25 per session or $130 for all 6 weeks.

Meetings will be held for six weeks on Friday evenings from 7-8:30 PM beginning February 10th at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste 3, Bountiful.

Please call or email any questions to 801.230.0064 or nicole_huefner@hotmail.com.

Mindfulness. An Eight-Week Plan

2012-01-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Join Becky and Christy for an 8-week Mindfulness class. Our next courses will begin Wed February 1st, 5:15 - 6:30 or Thursday February 2nd, 1:15 - 2:30. Space is limited.

What are some of the benefits of mindfulness meditation?
--Anxiety, depression and irritability all decrease with regular sessions of meditation. Memory improves, reactions times become faster and mental and physical stamina increase.
--Regular meditators enjoy better and more fulfilling relationships
--Studies worldwide have found that meditation reduces the key indicators of chronic stress, including hypertension.
--Meditation has always been found to be effective in reducing the impact of serious conditions, such as chronic pain and can even help to relieve drug and alcohol dependence.
--Studies have now shown that meditation bolsters the immune system and thus helps to fight off colds, flu and other diseases. --Mark Williams and Danny Penman, Mindfulness, An eightweek plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World.

Course is $295 for the 8-week course. Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT (801.259.3883) or Christy Cox, LCSW (801.243.4959) for more details.

Alleviating Stress

2012-01-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

Do you feel stressed? You might feel as if you are “juggling many balls in the air” throughout each day: family, home, work, and relationships. You can feel you are running in circles even if you are sitting down. Wear and tear on your body, mind, and emotions can result in stress that continues to increase…
As we begin this New Year, many of us desire to approach life a little differently than before- but we don’t really know where to start. Sometimes it’s the simple, basic things that can help us the most. Here is a 6-step, 6-second relaxation tip from Robin S. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

1. Notice that you’re stressed – Some individuals may tense certain muscles, others may feel their heart beating faster, or others can become consumed with thinking about their stressful situation. Recognizing early on your personal reaction to stress is your red flag to continue with the next step.

2. Find a little humor in your circumstance – Humor is a great way to reduce stress. Some examples: You can imagine a funny hat or face paint on a person you feel is being difficult. You may find something silly about your situation. If this doesn’t work, you can think about something else that was humorous; a movie clip, a funny situation you were in earlier, or a hilarious joke. Whether you’re smiling inside or out, this can start to lower your stress level.

3. Breathe in deeply – Put your hands on your abdomen. Slowly and deeply breathe in through your nose and fill your diaphragm with air. Your abdomen (lower belly) will get bigger as you slowly breath in (your hands should rise with your abdomen). Feel the air enter your chest and going down toward your belly button. Be patient; this may take a little practice!

4. Begin exhaling – After slowly breathing in, start to slowly breathe out through your mouth. While you’re slowly breathing out, take note that your abdomen is slowly lowering.

5. Speak out a peaceful word or phrase – As you’re breathing out, say a peaceful word or phrase, such as “calm” or “peace.” If you already meditate, and have a mantra, you could use that too. If this doesn’t work, try using the word “one.” You can use a word or visualize something, as long as it relaxes you.

6. Pay attention to your muscles to make sure they’re less tense – If they’re still tense, try “shaking out” the tightness from that muscle.

This simple exercise can help you feel a little calmer and lower your stress level. If you feel stressed at any time throughout the day, you can use these relaxation tips, and as many times as you would like. As you first learn these 6 techniques, it may take you a little longer than 6 seconds; but you’ll soon get the hang of it and see that it really works!

For questions, information, and therapy on recognizing the many forms of stress, contact Monica Forsman, M.Ed., LAPC at Resilient Solutions, Inc., in Bountiful, Utah.

Monica can be reached at (801) 604-5040 or email at: monica.lapc@gmail.com

Men's Grief Group.

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things men suffer alone. That's part of our DNA. We find great personal satisfaction in accomplishing on our own, independently. We famously won't ask for directions, won't admit when we are lost – we prefer to find our own way home. And eventually we do. Most of the time. And that's fine; that's our way.
But, as new and continuing research shows, there's one loss that men could use a little help from their friends to cope with. That's the loss of a spouse or a lover or a parent or a child or a lifelong friend. And it's often help that only other men can provide. Because we understand, many times without saying the words, where you're at, how you got there and even why. Although everyone's grieving process is unique, research shows that, faced with the loss of a spouse or partner, men report feeling “lonely, lost, dismembered, and numb.” They tend to seek activity and coping skills.

Those of us who have been where you now may find yourself (or lost yourself), after losing the love of your life, have gained a little information, have put together a kit of coping tools that belong in your garage right about now.

You are not alone and you don't need to go through this alone. There's another guy in your community in the same place as you and in this case – trust us – two or more heads and hearts are better than one. A men’s 8-week Grief Group is being held in Bountiful starting this January 19th each Thursday evening, 5:30 - 7:00 PM for 8 weeks. If you would like to learn more about this group, give Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, FT, a call at 801-581-8901.

Men's Grief Group

2012-01-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things men suffer alone. That's part of our DNA. We find great personal satisfaction in accomplishing on our own, independently. We famously won't ask for directions, won't admit when we are lost – we prefer to find our own way home. And eventually we do. Most of the time. And that's fine; that's our way.

But, as new and continuing research shows, there's one loss that men could use a little help from their friends to cope with. That's the loss of a spouse or a lover or a parent or a child or a lifelong friend. And it's often help that only other men can provide. Because we understand, many times without saying the words, where you're at, how you got there and even why. Although everyone's grieving process is unique, research shows that, faced with the loss of a spouse or partner, men report feeling “lonely, lost, dismembered, and numb.” They tend to seek activity and coping skills.
Those of us who have been where you now may find yourself (or lost yourself), after losing the love of your life, have gained a little information, have put together a kit of coping tools that belong in your garage right about now.
You are not alone and you don't need to go through this alone. There's another guy in your community in the same place as you and in this case – trust us – two or more heads and hearts are better than one. Men’s 8-week Grief Group being held in Bountiful starting this January 19th each Thursday evening for 8 weeks. If you would like to learn more about this group, give Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, FT a call at 801-581-8901.

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Courses

2012-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Our next course will begin Wednesday, January 25th, 4:45 - 6:00 PM at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste, 1, Bountiful, Utah. Christy Cox, LCSW and Becky Andrews, LPC will facilitate this course.

8-week course, $295 ($38/group). To register, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959.

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it ... George Moore

What are some of our topics? We will follow A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook as well as some other excellent texts. Some of the topics will include:

The mind-body connection
Practicing Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness and stress reduction
How does mindfulness help our interpersonal relationships
How mindfulness can contribute to our healthy path of mindful eating, exercise, rest and connection.

Join us on this journey!

Resource for our Grief Groups.

2012-01-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Our next upcoming grief groups will begin the week of January 16th. Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT for details at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com.

One of the books we will be using is a daily meditation of working through grief by Martha Whitmore Hickman, Healing after Loss.

First affirmation is: May I honor - and trust - the process of grief ande of healing, knowing that in time, a new day will come.

Mom's Grief Group

2012-01-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Course

2011-12-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

Emotional suffering comes in all shapes and sizes. We might worry about the future, be angry or sad, feel guilty or ashamed, get upset about physical pain, or just feel bored or stressed. Sometimes it's pretty subtle - we 'don't feel great; or are 'out of sorts'. Other times we can get so taken over by anxiety, depression, addictions, pain, or stress-related symptoms that it's hard to even function. A remarkable amount of the time, being human isn't easy.
Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD The mindfulness solution

Join Becky Andrews, LPC, FT, and Christy Cox, LCSW, for an 8-week course on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Our next course begins Thursday, January 12, 11:45 - 1:00 PM (8-week group course - class size is limited to 8, $295, insurance may be billed). To register contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959.

Workbook included.

Men's Grief Group

2011-12-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

Men's Grief Support Group

Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah and will be held at the Resilient Center for Grieving Families in Bountiful at 1355 N Main Ste, 1 Bountiful, UT 84010. Cost is $120.00 for 8-week group course. Group will begin, Thursday, January 19th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM.

For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT at 801-581-8901.

Group for Children with parents who are divorced

2011-12-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

See that the "children aren't forgotten" when divorce occurs.

10-week group to begin Tuesday, January 10th. ($250/10 weeks)

Children who live in divorcing families often experience their primary relationships as "unpredictable and double binding". These children manage the resulting anxiety by narrowing their feelings and ideas about themselves, other people, and relationships into "very simple and rigid patterns". They become distrustful and begin to avoid closeness as a means of creating safety for themselves. They become distrustful and hard to reach such that they are difficult to engage (see "High-Conflict, Violent, and Separating Families" by Vivienne Roseby, Ph.D and Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D).

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, is offering an interactive group designed to demystify children's responses to divorce, to reduce anxiety and shame related to their family experience, to know that "they aren't the only one", and to establish a "new normal" to help them proceed with assurance, confidence, and hope in their lives. As a Certified Music Therapist, I will incorporate musical interventions into the group format.
For information, contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW, 801.815.6152
or email: vandam.michael@gmail.com

SSA Parent Support Group

2011-12-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

SSA Parent Support Group

Christy Cox, LCSW, offers a Parent Support Group for parents whose children have Same Sex Attraction. The group not only offers support and an emotional exchange with other parents, but also offers information and tools in dealing with the feelings of grief, loss, and confusion. Christy has had 7 years of group and individual counseling with this population and has a close and caring understanding of the deep challenges that individuals and families face.

Next group is:
Tuesday, January 10, @ 5:00 - 6:15 pm. $25/Group.
at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah.

Contact Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 for details.

A few more holiday grieving ideas

2011-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, continues

Do What is Right for your during the holidays

Well-meaning friends and family often try to prescribe what is good for you during the holidays. Instead of going along with their plans, focus on what you want to do. Discuss your wishes with a caring, trusted friend.

Talking about these wishes will help you clarify what it is you want to do during the holidays. As you become aware of your needs, share them with your friends and family.

Plan Ahead for Family Gatherings

Decide which family traditions you want to continue and which new ones you would like to begin. Structure your holiday time. This will help you anticipate activities, rather than just reacting to whatever happens. Getting caught off guard can create feelings of panic, fear and anxiety during the time of the year when your feelings of grief are already heightened. As you make your plans, however, leave room to change them if you feel it is appropriate.

Embrace your treasure of memories

Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved. And holidays always make you think about times past. Instead of ignoring these memories, share them with your family and friends. Keep in mind that memories are tinged with both happiness and sadness. If your memories bring laughter, smile. If your memories bring sadness, then it's alright to cry. Memories that were made in love -- no one can ever take them away from you.

Lastly, Renew your resources for living

Spend time thinking about the meaning and purpose of your life. The death of someone loved created opportunities for taking inventory of your life -- past, present and future. The combination of a holiday and a loss naturally results in looking inward and assessing your individual situation. Make the best use of this time to define the positive things in life that surround you.

Remember that implicit in Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah is the miracle of human survival and hope for the future.

Our Winter Grief Groups will begin in January. Contact Becky Andrews, 801.259.3883 for more information.

Grieving During the Holiday Season

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Alan Wolfelt continues ...

Be tolerant of your physical and psychological limits

Feelings of loss will probably leave you fatigued. Your low energy level may naturally slow you down. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. And lower your own expectations about being at your peak during the holiday season.

Eliminate Unnecessary Stress

You may already feel stressed, so don't overextend yourself. Avoid isolating yourself, but be sure to recognize the need to have special time for yourself. Realize also that merely 'keeping busy' won't distract you from your grief, but may actually increase stress and postpone the need to talk out thoughts and feelings related to your grief.

Be with Supportive, Comforting People

Identify those friends and relatives who understand that the holiday season can increase your sense of loss and who will allow you to talk openly about your feelings. Find those persons who encourage you to be yourself and accepting your feelings - both happy and sad.

Healing During the Holiday Season

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, http://www.centerforloss.com/, states that holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of someone loved. Rather than being times of family togetherness, sharing and thanksgiving, holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. He offers some helpful suggestions:

Talk about your grief

During the holiday season, don't be afraid to express your feelings of grief. Ignoring your grief won't make the pain go away and talking about it openly makes you feel better. Find caring friends and relatives who will listen -- without judging you. They will help make you feel understood.

Our Winter Grief Groups will begin in January. Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT, 801.259.3883 for more information.

Men Grief Group

2011-12-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Men's Grief Support Group
Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah and will be held at the Resilient Center for Grieving Families in Bountiful at 1355 N Main Ste, 1 Bountiful, UT 84010. Cost is $120.00 for 8-week group course. Group will begin, Thursday, January 19th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM.

For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT at 801-581-8901.

Resilient Center for Grieving Families. Winter Groups

2011-12-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

Out of loss can come hope, not from forgetting or letting go of love, but through sharing with others.

Winter Grief Groups:

Mother's Group. Join with other mothers who have experienced the death of a child. Every other Monday beginning January 9th, 11:30 - 1:00. 12-weeks, $175. Evening group is also available.

Day Grief Group. Join with others who have experienced a loss of a loved one. Tuesdays beginning January 17th, 11:45 - 1:00. 12-weeks, $175.

Evening Grief Group. Beginning January 17th, 6:30 - 7:45. 12-weeks, $175.

For more information about these groups, contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883.

Men's Grief Group (Thursday 5:30 - 6:45). 8-weeks, $120.
Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah.
For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin at 801-581-8901.

Course for Children Coping with Divorce, Michael Van Dam, LCSW

2011-11-30T20:57:00.000-08:00

Michael Van Dam is offering a ten-week group course for school-aged children designed to help children cope with and adjust to the impact of divorce. Having lost control of important areas of their lives, children of divorce often become anxious and distrustful. They can avoid closeness as a means of creating safety for themselves. The group setting is particularly valuable in deterring children from withdrawing socially and from suppressing anxiety and shame driven thoughts and feelings. The children will find comfort in learning that "they aren't the only one". A new normal will be established that will help the children proceed with reassurance, confidence, and hope.

Date: January 10 - March 13
Time: Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

Cost: $250

For registration, contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW
vandam.michael@gmail.com
801-815-6152

SSA Parent Support Group

2011-11-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

SSA Parent Support Group
Christy Cox LCSW

We are offering a Parent Support Group for parents whose children have Same Sex Attraction. The group not only offers support and an emotional exchange with other parents, but also offers information and tools in dealing with the feelings of grief, loss, and confusion. Christy has had 7 years of group and individual counseling with this population and has a close and caring understanding of the deep challenges that individuals and families face.

Tuesday, December 13, @ 5:00 - 6:15 pm. $25/Group.
We meet the second Tuesday of each month at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah. Contact Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 for details.

Children of Divorce

2011-11-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

See that the "children aren't forgotten" when divorce occurs.

Children who live in divorcing families often experience their primary relationships as "unpredictable and double binding". These children manage the resulting anxiety by narrowing their feelings and ideas about themselves, other people, and relationships into "very simple and rigid patterns". They become distrustful and begin to avoid closeness as a means of creating safety for themselves. They become distrustful and hard to reach such that they are difficult to engage (see "High-Conflict, Violent, and Separating Families" by Vivienne Roseby, Ph.D and Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D).

I am am now offering an interactive group designed to demystify children's responses to divorce, to reduce anxiety and shame related to their family experience, to know that "they aren't the only one", and to establish a "new normal" to help them proceed with assurance, confidence, and hope in their lives. As a Certified Music Therapist, I will incorporate musical interventions into the group format.
For information, contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW
vandam.michael@gmail.com
801-815-6152

SSA Parent Support Group.

2011-11-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

SSA Parent Support Group

Christy Cox LCSW

We are offering a Parent Support Group for parents whose children have Same Sex Attraction. The group not only offers support and an emotional exchange with other parents, but also offers information and tools in dealing with the feelings of grief, loss, and confusion. Christy has had 7 years of group and individual counseling with this population and has a close and caring understanding of the deep challenges that individuals and families face.

Tuesday, November 8, @ 5:00 pm. 1 ½ hours.

$25/group session

We meet the second Tuesday of each month.

Resilient Solutions, Inc.

1355 N. Main, Ste. 1

Bountiful, Utah 84010

Contact Christy Cox, 801.243.4959 for further details.

Mindful Grieving

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mindful grieving informs us to allow ourselves to feel what is there, without judgment. For me, there was sadness there and I needed to nonjudgmentally acknowledge it, feel it, and let it be. It was important in that moment that I didn't resist it or strive to make it any different, but just feel it as it was. Read the full text here .
Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, Fellow in Thanatology, to learn more about the upcoming groups that can support you to Mindfully Grieve. Becky can be reached at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Children when Divorce Occurs.

2011-10-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

See that the "children aren't forgotten" when divorce occurs.

Children who live in divorcing families often experience their primary relationships as "unpredictable and double binding". These children manage the resulting anxiety by narrowing their feelings and ideas about themselves, other people, and relationships into "very simple and rigid patterns". They become distrustful and begin to avoid closeness as a means of creating safety for themselves. They become distrustful and hard to reach such they are difficult to engage (see "High-Conflict, Violent, and Separating Families" by Vivienne Roseby, Ph.D and Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D).

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, MT-BC is now offering an interactive group designed to demystify children's responses to divorce, to reduce anxiety and shame related to their family experience, to know that "they aren't the only one", and to establish a "new normal" to help them proceed with assurance, confidence, and hope in their lives. As a Certified Music Therapist, Michael will incorporate effective musical interventions into the group format.
For information, contact Michael Van Dam
vandam.michael@gmail.com
801-825-6152

Mom's Grief Group

2011-10-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Why a group when one is grieving? A group can be helpful in gathering relevant information, talking and sharing about your loss, and supporting others who have had a similar loss. I have watched a beautiful group of moms who have had a child die, lift each other in their deep time of grief. We have two groups specifically for moms who have had a child die. Daytime group meets Mondays: 11:30 - 1:00 and the evening group is meeting Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:45 pm. Please contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com for the specific schedule.

A group member shares:
A mother who has buried her child can't breathe at times, can't see at times, can't hear at times, can't focus hardly anytime. The group Becky has for us is a place we can breathe again, see other grieving moms, hear familiar sounding problems and pain and allows us to focus where we really want to focus, on our child and how to cope with his/her leaving us. We feel free to laugh in group because we all know that we may not be laughing an hour from now. Group is a place of love, understanding, compassion; it's the place where people GET IT.

Parenting Course.

2011-10-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

The best way to help a struggling child is to help the family. As a therapist with LDS Family Services for ten years and now continuing my work with Resilient Solutions, many of the mental and behavioral health challenges I address as a therapist precipitate from disruptions in home life and family relationships. For this reason I am focused on strengthening families as a preemptive measure to thwart conditions that could later require complex, expensive, and extensive treatment.
When individual therapy for children is warranted, the desired outcome is achieved more effectively and efficiently when family and home life is addressed simultaneously with the child's individual therapy. Therapy is brief and the results are more lasting when the therapist serves to teach, coach, and model to parents how to become the therapist to the child themselves.

I am offering a course on strengthening the family that will guide parents in creating stability in the home and in establishing secure relationships with their children. Gospel centered principles and practices will be taught that will yield improvement in many dimensions of individual and family life.
Families have their choice between classes on Tuesday evening or Saturday mornings. The eight-week courses will begin Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 12th at 9:00 a.m.. The cost is $175 per person or $250 per couple.

For questions or information, please contact Michael VanDam, LCSW at 801 815-6152 or vandam.michael@gmail.com.

Practicing

2011-10-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

The term practice is inviting. Often part of the therapeutic process is to practice healthy ways in our life. Thich Nat Hanh states:

Encourage ourselves to find peace and joy.
If you want to garden, you have to bend down and touch the soil.
Gardening is a practice, not an idea.
To practice well being, you yourself have to touch
deeply the things that bring you peace.

Face our own suffering directly,
Don't run away from things that are unpleasant in order
to embrace things that are pleasant.
Put your hands to the earth of your being.
Face the difficulties and grow new happiness.

Don't throw away the pain. Learn from it.
As we learn, whether by reading, listening, or discussing,
we need to be open so we can see ways to put
what we learn into practice. If learning is not
followed by reflecting and practicing,
it is not true learning.

There is limited space still available for our Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Course that began last Thursday, 11:45 - 1:00 PM. If you are interested, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959.

Strength in Numbers. Trauma.

2011-10-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Addressing Trauma – Strength in Numbers

We may at some point in our lives become a witness or even a victim of a traumatic incident. Circumstances of this nature can be shocking, overwhelming, and confusing.

Addressing post-traumatic concerns is imperative for anyone affected by a distressing incident or accident. Many therapists agree that group work is highly valuable and a successful tool as it presents an opportunity to share and gain relief in a safe setting. It also provides a possibility to picture one’s experience through different perspectives, as group members share their point of view from the same situation or similar circumstance.

There is strength in numbers when working through a traumatic experience in a group setting. “The give-and-take of group work offers individuals a nurturing environment for growth, change, renewal and connection” states Shallcross. It can be like a sense of unity in a community of fellow-beings, dealing with similar issues at hand.

Within a group setting, one has the opportunity to come to the realization that one is not alone or isolated with one’s feelings and struggles. One has the opportunity to learn from others and their successes, by learning how others overcame their challenges. Also, when genuinely contributing to the group setting, one usually feels satisfaction as one realizes one’s own contribution helps other group members gain relief. This in turn, empowers and strengthens oneself to tackle one’s own challenges anew and in a more positive way.
Counseling Today/September 2010; Strength in Numbers, Lynne Shallcross; One School’s Response to External Traumatic Events, Thomas J. Pallardy.

Monica, an LAPC with Resilient Solutions, Inc., works with individuals, families and groups who have witnessed traumatic incidences or accidents, and may be suffering with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Contact Monica Forsman, M.Ed., LAPC, at Resilient Solutions, Inc., in Bountiful, Utah, for questions and information on group/individual therapy concerning trauma issues.

Monica can be reached at (801) 604-5040 or email at: monica.lapc@gmail.com

Mindfulness. Self-Compassion Course.

2011-09-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Cricket, Christy and I are having so much fun teaching our Self-Compassion & Mindfulness Course. A teaser from Kristin Neff's book - So, why is self-compassion a more effective motivator than self-criticism? Because its driving force is love not fear. Love allows us to feel confident and secure (in part by pumping up our oxytocin), while fear makes us feel insecure and jittery (sending our amygdala into overdrive and flooding our systems with cortisol).

Cricket has such a loving heart. It reminds me of another quote in our Dr. Neff's book: When you begin to touch your heart or let your heart be touched, you begin to discover that it's bottomless, that it doesn't have any resolution, that this heart is huge, vast, and limitless. You begin to discover how much warmth and gentleness is there, as well as how much space. Pema Chodron, Start Where you Are

Our next course will begin Thursday, October 6th, 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM at Resilient Solutions, Inc. in Bountiful. Call Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959 for more information.

Sudden Death & Trauma Loss

2011-09-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Lisa Bradford, LCSW (801.660.8441), Trisha Jensen, LCSW (801.541.4944), Melanie Jackson, LCSW (801.721.1013) and Becky Andrews had the chance to attend Dr. Alan Wolfelt's conference in SLC: Exploring "Complicated" Mourning: Sudden Death and Trauma Loss.

His presentation was so validating on the difficult grief journey. He stated our journey rocks our complete foundation. We can experience the impact of grief in five realms: Physically - drained, exhausted. Emotionally - intense, overwhelmed, Cognitively - Short-term memory difficulty, Socially - no relationship energy, Spiritually - question meaning & purpose. We also heal in these five realms.

Grief means we've been able to open our heart and love.

The grief and loss groups at Resilient Center for Grieving Families incorporate Dr. Wolfelt's book and work in our discussions to create a safe environment. Dr. Wolfelt states: When we feel safe, we have the capacity to mourn. For more information about our upcoming grief and loss groups, contact Becky Andrews at 801.259.3883. If you'd like a therapist to companion you through your grief journey, one of the therapists in our office.

Compassion for Self & Others

2011-09-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Self-compassion is a personality trait, like optimism or extroversion, but it's also a trainiable mental skill with big benefits. According to numerous psychological studies, research subjects who entertained self-compassion thoughts experienced greater emotional resiliency and psychological well-being. They were measurably happier, wiser, more capable, and curious. They felt greater life satisfaction and social connectedness, and they took more personal initiative and responsibility. On the flip side, they were generally less depressed and anxious. They ruminated less, though fewer self-critical thoughts, and were less afraid of failure. Jean Fain, The Self-Compassion Diet

At the end of our session with a client who is going through a difficult experience, I invited him to simply write a compassionate note to himself. What?
Is that really okay to do? Simply write as if you are a friend. It was difficult but felt so good he indicated a few moments later.

Becky Andrews, LPC, and Christy Cox, LCSW are excited to begin their Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Course this Wednesday. Join us if you can. Contact Becky at 8012593883 or Christy at 8012434959 to register.

Teen Girls Anxiety Group.

2011-09-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

We will begin our next teen group on Monday, September 26th at 4:00 pm. 8-week group, $190 or $25/group session. We will learn both prevention and intervention techniques to help manage your anxiety.

Contact Becky at 801.259.3883 to register.

Mindfulness Course.

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Emotional suffering comes in all shapes and sizes. We might worry about the future, be angry or sad, feel guilty or ashamed, get upset about physical pain, or just feel bored or stressed. Sometimes it's pretty subtle - we 'don't feel great; or are 'out of sorts'. Other times we can get so taken over by anxiety, depression, addictions, pain, or stress-related symptoms that it's hard to even function. A remarkable amount of the time, being human isn't easy.

Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD The mindfulness solution

Join Becky and Christy for an 8-week course on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to begin the week of September 11th. (8-week group course - class size is limited to 8, $295, insurance may be billed). Classes begin Wed September 14th, 4:45 - 6:00 or Thu September 29th 11:45 - 1:00. To register contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959.

Laughter in Grief

2011-08-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alan Wolfelt states in his book Healing your grieving body, Humor is one of the most healing gifts of humanity. Laughter restores hope and assists us in surviving the pain of grief. It helps us feel peace in both mind and body. You can only embrace the pain of your loss a little at a time, in doses. In between the doses, it's perfectly normal, even necessary, to love and laugh.

Our Grief Groups will begin the week of September 12th. Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, CT at 801.259.3883.

Fall Grief Groups

2011-08-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alan Wolfelt states in his Healing Your Grieving Body, #9: Move toward your grief not away from it.

- our society teaches us that emotional pain is to be avoided, not embraced, yet it is only in moving toward our grief that we can be healed.

Carpe Diem: Today, talk to someone else who cared about your loved one. Share your thoughts and feelings with him openly and encourage him to do the same. Support each other in your grief.

Fall Grief Groups at Resilient Solutions, Inc begin the week of September 12th. 12-week groups, $175.

Mother's Group, Monday, 11:30 - 12:45
Day Grief Group, Tuesday, 11:30 - 12:45
Evening Grief Group, Thursday, 5:30 - 6:45
Teen Grief Group, Thursday, 4:00 - 5:15
Suicide Grief Group, Thursday, 7:00 - 8:15

Contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com to register.

Out of loss can come hope, not from forgetting or letting go of love, but through sharing with others.

Teen Grief Group

2011-08-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

Out of loss can come hope, not from forgetting or letting go of love, but through sharing with others. Join other teens who have experienced the loss of a close family member or friend. Next 12-week group to begin Thursday, September 15th, 4:00 - 5:15 at Resilient Solutions, Inc., 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful. Group will be facilitated by Becky Andrews, LPC, CT (Certified Thanatologist). For more information, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Children Adjusting to the Consequences of Divorce

2011-08-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, MT-BC, will be offering a group for children who are adjusting to the consequences of divorce to begin in October. Contact him at 801.815.6152 for more information about this group and individual and family therapy.

RISE. Resilient Individuals Succeeding through Emotional Trauma

2011-08-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

RISE is a 24-week group focusing on assisting women heal from the emotional trauma of sexual abuse. Next group to begin Wednesday, September 7, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, $40/group session. Groups are held at: Resilient Solutions, Inc., 1355 N. Main, Ste.1, Bountiful, Utah. To join this group or for more information, contact Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441.

Suicide Survivors Support Group

2011-08-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Our next group for those who are experiencing the loss from a loved one or friend who died from suicide will begin Thursday, September 15th, 7:00 - 8:15 pm at Resilient Solutions, Inc. This group is 12-weeks ($175) with an optional book/journal.

Watch this moving clip created by Krystal.

To join us or for further questions, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Teens Experiencing Depression/Anxiety Group

2011-08-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Girls CHAT (Courage, Hope and Trust) Group

For girls ages 13 - 18, experiencing depression and/or anxiety

Join us for a group where other girls your age can understand and support one another, you can learn healthy skills to help reduce depression and anxiety, and increase self-esteem and confidence.

Mondays, beginning Septemer 26th, 4:00 - 5:15, 8-weeks, $190

Groups will be facilitated y Becky Andrews, Licensed Professional Counselor at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah

To register contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Understanding Therapy

2011-08-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

The nuts and bolts of therapy. Therapist Christy, Cox, LCSW, will offer a four-week course: Tuesdays, 11:30 - 1:00 beginning Aug 23rd or Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 beginning August 25th. ($152 for 4-weeks).

A primer to understanding where we come from (behaviorally), why we are who we are and where would we like to be internally. The course is intended to bring clarity, a kind of map, to the therapeutic process.

Contact Christy at 801.243.4959 for further details.

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion

2011-08-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Some people worry that self-compassion is a private coccoon that will close them off from other people by making them selfish and self-centered. The reverse is actually the case: the more open hearted we are with ourselves, the closer we feel toward the rest of life. Self-compassion is the foundation for kindness toward others. Acceptance is in the present moment. We start by befriending who we are today. Full acceptance of ourselves, moment to moment makes it easier to adapt and change in the direction we'd like to go. Christopher Germer, The Mindful path to self-compassion. Contact Christy Cox, 801.243.4959 or Becky Andrews, 801.259.3883 to join one of our upcoming 8-week courses on Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Skills.

Freeing Yourself

2011-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Come learn Self-compassion and mindfulness skills. 8-week course taught by licensed therapists: Christy Cox, LCSW and Becky Andrews, LPC. Wednesdays, 4:45 - 6:00 beginning September 13th or Thursdays, 11:30 - 12:45 beginning September 14th. To register or more information, contact Christy at 801.243.4959 or Becky at 801.259.3883.

($295 - 8-week group ($38/group session), insurance may be billed.

When bad things happen to us, we tend to have three unfortunate reations: self-criticism, self-isolation, and self-absorption. Neff's three components of self-compassion dirt us exactly in the opposite direction: self-kindness, recognizing the common humanity in our experience, and a balanced approach to negative emotions.
Christopher Germer, The mindful path to self-compassion.

Substance Dependency

2011-08-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Breaking the Cycle of Substance Dependency

Multiple attempts to beat addiction is not unordinary – in fact, it’s a common place theme for most who are trying time and time again to overcome addictive habits. Addictions can be extremely hard to break. Getting professional help is often the best way to gain control, even though it can take more than one try to break the addiction cycle, according to Dr. Joe Shrand, MD, medical director of the Castle Adolescent Rehabilitation Unit in Brockton, Massachusetts.

There is hope to break the substance dependency cycle. Addiction recovery is a process, and no one is a failure when one picks him/herself up from their fall, learns from it, and tries again. Here are 7 tips essential to recovery:

1. Start Safely – Detox is usually the first step, and done in a medical setting to monitor withdrawal symptoms.

2. Seek Lots of Support – Cultivate many healthy, caring relationships. Join a support group! Embracing this kind of support substantially increases your success to get clean for good.

3. Choose Right – Receive therapy/counseling from professionals who are board certified.

4. Address Everything – About 40% of those dealing with addictions suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, explains Dr. David Sack, MD, chief executive officer of Promises. Addressing all issues can help you learn how to prevent relapse.

5. Avoid Triggers – Learn coping skills, and carefully choose your environment to avoid temptations.

6. Manage Expectations – Be humble and realistic about your journey to recovery, counsels Dr. Shrand; it’s important to forgive yourself for all that has happened; and it’s just as important to take responsibility for your actions.

7. Be Vigilant – Temptations and cravings can be a struggle throughout your life. However, even if addiction recovery can be a lifelong battle, following these 7 tips will be successful tools to see you through!

www.everydayhealth.com

Contact Monica Forsman, LAPC, for questions, information, and therapy on substance dependency at Resilient Solutions, Inc., in Bountiful, Utah.

Monica can be reached at (801) 604-5040 or email at: monica.lapc@gmail.com

Individual, Family, and Child Therapist

2011-08-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, MT-BC. Individual, Family and Child Therapist. Michael is trained and experienced in working with individuals, couples, families and children in the following areas:

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and adults with anxiety, depression, ocd, add, adhd, odd, and aspergers.
*Individual and group therapy for children adjusting to the consequences of divorce.
*Individual and Group Parent Coaching (emphasizing principles from "Parenting with Love and Logic").
*Family Counseling.

Michael recognizes that treatment becomes especially efficient and effective when he is given opportunity to involve parents, families, physicians, and school teachers in treatments.

You may contact Michael at 801.815.6152, email: vandam.michael@gmail.com.

Discovering Self-Compassion

2011-08-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion 8-week course to begin the week of September 12th. Contact Christy Cox, 801.243.4959 or Becky Andrews, 801.259.3883 for details.

Discovering Self-Compassion. Sharon Salzberg, The Force of Kindness, states: This kind of compulsive concern with "I, me, and mine" isn't the same as loving ourselves ... Loving ourselves points us to capacities of resilience, compassion, and understanding within that are simply part of being alive.

Grief. Hope.

2011-08-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

The book that we will use for our Fall Grief & Loss Groups is: The Mourner's Book of Hope, by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. His book has quotes, opportunities to write, and share our feelings and memories of our loved one. Chapter One: "It may be difficult for you to elieve right now, but you will survive this. I know that you will survive because we all have the capacity to mourn in ways that integrate loss into our lives."

Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, 801.259.3883 for information on our upcoming grief groups.

Mindfulness. Self-Compassion. Support.

2011-07-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

One of our reference books for our 8-week course to begin in September will be The Mindful Path to Self-compassion by Christopher Germer, PhD.

"... no matter how hard we try to avoid emotional pain, it follows us everywhere. Difficult emotions - shame, anger, loneliness, fear, despair, confusion -- arrive at our door. They come when things don't go according to our expectations, whe we're separated from loedd ones, and as a part of ordinary sickness, old age, and death. IT's just not possible to avoid feeling bad. But we can learn to deal with misery and distress in a new, healthier way..."

Contact Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 or Becky Andrews, LPC, 801.259.3883 for details on our course at Resilient Solutions, Inc to begin Tuesday, September 13th (10- 11:15) or Wednesday, Septemer 14th (5:00 - 6:15).

Healing from Sexual Abuse.

2011-07-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

RISE is a 24-week group focusing on helping women heal from the emotional trauma of sexual abuse. This group is a Savior focused group which encourages spiritual as well as emotional healing. Some of the topics discussed are: healthy boundaries, fear, anger, intimacy in relationships, guilt, shame, triggers, self nurturing, trust, relaxation and forgiveness. This group has both discussion and experiential elements to encourage optimal work and healing. The next group will begin Wednesday, September 7th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ($40/group session). Contact Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441 to register for this group or more information.

Discovering Self-Compassion

2011-07-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Current read: Self-Compassion - Stop Beating Yourself up and Leave Insecurity Behind. Kristin Neff, Ph.D.

From this book and others, we will implement two 8-week courses this Fall on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion.

Contact Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 for more information.

This kind of compulsive concern with "I, me, and mine" isn't the same as loving ourselves ... Loving ourselves points us to capacities of resilience, compassion, and understanding within that are simply part of being alive. --Sharon Salzberg, The Force of Kindness

Fall Grief Groups

2011-07-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our Summer grief groups will finish in a couple weeks. Lasting friendships have been made, support and knowing that someone can understand your grief has been felt, sharing about loved ones, crying and yes, much laughter is in our groups.

Fall Grief and Loss Groups (12-weeks, $175) will begin the week of September 12th. Some people join our groups, some find it helpful to meet individually as well as join a group, others find meeting individually is what is helpful. Our grief is unique. Contact Becky Andrews, 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com for details.

"All those years I fell for the great palace lie that grief should be gotten over as quickly as possible and as privately. But what I've discovered since is that the lifelong fear of grief keeps us in a barren, isolated place and that only grieving can heal grief; the passage of time will lessen the acuteness, but time alone, without the direct experience of grief, will not heal it ... we are in a world of grief, and it is at once intolerable and a great opportunity. I'm pretty sure that it is only by experiencing that ocean of sadness in a naked and immediate way that we come to be healed -- which is to say, that we come to experience life with a real sense of presences and spaciousness and peace." Annie Lamott, Traveling Mercies

Labeling Emotions Calms the Brain

2011-07-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

In Christopher Germer's book, The Mindful Path to Self-compassion, freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions (one of my favorites), he defines Self-Compassion as bearing witness to our pain and responding with kindness and understanding. Labeling emotions calms the brain. How does mindfulness meditation actually help balance our emotions? In a research at University of California discovered that the amygdala - the part of the brain that sounds an alarm in times of danger- was less active when en emotion label was attached to the upset face shown compared to when a name was attached. Parts of the prefrontal cortex became more active as the amygdala became less active, demonstrating that the prefrontal cortex inhibited the activity in the amygdala. Creswell's research suggests a neurological 'mechanism of action' for why we feel better when we talk to a professional, a friend, write in a journal, or otherwise put our feelings into words. (page 72, Mindfulness & Self-Compassion)

Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 will be offering an 8-week course beginning in September on Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions at Resilient Solutions, Inc. Contact her for more information.

Couples in Crisis. Marital Therapy

2011-07-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Trust & Betrayal

Regrettable incidents between individuals happen in everyday life – they are inevitable, explains Dr. Gottman. If it is not fully processed, it can become as a stone in one’s shoe. Unhappy couples can do irrational things toward one another that can be hurtful and damaging to their relationship.

However, couples taking responsibility for their own actions, instead of pointing their finger at their partner, are taking responsibility and ownership for themselves, which actually helps repair the relationship with their partner. Look to your spouse’s happiness before you look to your own, counsels Dr. Gottman. Both individuals in the relationship want to feel and know that their partner is there for them… if they can really talk with their partner.
Trust is built during small moments… being there for your partner is the most powerful way for trust to build! Gottman’s research further reveals “in a happy marriage, while discussing problems, couples make at least five times as many positive statements to and about each other and their relationship, as negative ones… a good marriage must have a rich climate of positivity.” Unconditional commitment to one another is paramount for a couple to thrive in their relationship together.

The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples/May 2011; John M. Gottman

The goal of therapy is to help change the response to a behavior, explains Dr. Kathleen Eldridge. It’s important to understand the other partner’s response, as well as having an awareness of your partner’s emotions, that is the key.

Counseling Today/May 2009; Couples Counseling, Jim Paterson
Contact Monica Forsman, LAPC, for Individual, Marriage & Family therapy at Resilient Solutions, Inc. in Bountiful, Utah.
Monica can be reached at - 801.604.5040 or email at: monica.lapc@gmail.com

Child Therapy. Parent Coaching.

2011-07-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Often just a few rather simple adjustments in parenting can with consistent application improve a child's previously obstinate behavior, strengthen the parent/child relationship, and cause parenting to be a more satisfying and hope filled experience. Here are some tips:

Focus less on the child's behavior but rather on your response to their behavior. Stay calm. Demonstrations of anger, irritation, or frustration often reinforce the child's negative behavior. In truth, a child feels, though often won't admit it, that he feels more safe and secure when he sees that the parent is capable of handling a difficult situation without falling apart. Warnings and reminders are not necessary. These only give a child more opportunity to leverage and manipulate a parent. Avoid demands or threats by instead creating conditions upon which you as a parent are willing to meet a child's request: "You'd better . . . or else", or "If you don't . . . then you can't . . .", can be replaced with, "As soon as . . . then I would be happy to . . . , or "Those who . . . get to . . . ". The parent is then able to step back from the situation and allow the child to be up against the consequence of his choice rather than to the parent's demand or threat. It is OK for a child to disagree, even throw a tantrum (if it is done in a place such as a room where others are less effected). Give the child as many decision making opportunities as possible within parameters that the parent sets, where the parent can live with the consequences of the child's decision. This gives the child a sense of control, builds confidence in the child, and allows the child to experience and learn from the consequences of their decisions. Finally, be sure that whatever happens, the child feels loved. Remember this statement and consider it before you respond to negative behavior: "A parent does not have the right to discipline a child for whom they don't feel love." No discipline will be effective over the long run if the child does not know they are important and valuable to the parent.

Contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW, 801.815.6152 for individual therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching. He has taught several courses in Parenting with Love and Logic as well as offering a course for children whose parents are going through a divorce.

Financial Coaching. Bountiful, Utah.

2011-07-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Financial Coaching Minute
With the tough economy chipping away at our income and high gas prices taking what is left, we are all faced with the dilemma of re-evaluating our budget and lifestyle. The true key to financial freedom is paying off our debts. We are no longer tied down with our paychecks spent, before we even get them. It has been proven time and time again that becoming debt free is not only feasible but when taken as a personal challenge and with your loved ones on board, it can even be fun.

Three things are necessary to accomplish this goal:
1) Total commitment by all those involved in the budgeting process.

2) A plan that is well thought out with realistic goals in place.

3) Accountability to follow through with that plan with rewards in place as the milestones are achieved.

Only you can make the commitment necessary to reach your goals, however, having a financial coach assisting you to develop your plan and hold you accountable makes following through on your goal of financial freedom very real. Prior bad habits and mistakes are more easily overcome when you have a professional coach to take the emotion out of the situation.
Some say how can they afford a Financial Coach when they are living paycheck to paycheck. How can you afford not to have a Financial Coach. Implementing a realistic budget will free up enough money to pay off your debts, cover the Financial Coaching, and provide a good amount of savings. The average couple finds over $300 per month in freed up money in their budget after meeting with a good Financial Coach. You will never know unless you take that first step.
Call Steve Andrews with Resilient Solutions Inc. at 801-589-0300 or email: andst6@gmail.com. Steve has over 25 years experience advising families on debt management, budgeting, and establishing an abundant future.

Dealing with Emotional Trauma

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

RISE group (Resilient Individuals Succeeding through Emotional trauma)

RISE is a 24-week group focused on helping women deal with the emotional trauma from sexual trauma. This group is a Savior focused group that addresses topics such as fear, anger, self-nurturing, healthy boundaries, relaxation, guilt & shame, forgiveness & trust, triggers and more.

For further information on this group and/or individual therapy, contact Lisa Bradford, 801.660.8441.

We Grieve Differently

2011-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

We accept without question uniqueness in the physical world ... fingerprints, snowflakes, etc. But we often refuse that same reality in our emotional world. This understanding is needed, espeically in the grieving process.

No two people will ever grieve the same way, with the same intensity or for the same duration. It is important to understand this basic truth. Only then can we accept our own manner of grieving and be sensitive to another person's response to loss. Only then are we able to seek out the nature of support we need for our own personalized journey back to wholeness and be able to help others on their own journey. by Jinny Tesik, M.A.

Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, CT for information on a grief group that may meet your needs or individual companioning. 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com.

Budgeting for Couples

2011-06-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Big Picture Budgeting for Couples. Steve Andrews, Financial Coach, is offering a six-week course for couples at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 3, Bountiful, Utah. The next group will begin July 14th 7-8 pm. ($195 per couple). Cost includes one private session as a couple and five group courses. Contact Steve at 801.589.0300 or email: andst6@gmail.com for more information and to register.

Acknowledging Anxiety

2011-06-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

The first step in reducing our anxiety is to acknowledge our anxiety. When you hide your anxious feelings for weeks, months, years; the anxiety perpetuates. Anxiety is not your fault. There is nothing inherently wrong with who you are. You are a good, valuable, uniquely special person. You simply are experiencing anxiety. You are not alone. Share how you are feeling with a trustworthy friend, partner, or professional. When you acknowledge how you feel, you taken an important step toward feeling better. You step into the driver's seat and take the wheel away from axiety. You open the door to learning how to feel better.

The therapists at Resilient Solutions, Inc. can help you in this journey. Visit our website: http://www.resilientsolutionsinc.com/ and contact one of them directly.

Summer Grief Groups.

2011-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." C.S.Lewis

The power and connection of knowing we are not alone in our grief. You can still join one of our summer grief groups at Resilient Solutions, Inc in Bountiful, Utah. Mom's group (moms who have had a child die) meets Mondays, 11:30 - 1:00 for six more weeks. Spouse group (for men/women who have had their spouse die) meets Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:45 for six more weeks. Groups are $120 - 8 weeks including book.
Contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email becky.lpc@gmail.com to register.

Money Management. Budgeting.

2011-06-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Steve Andrews, Financial Coach, is offering a six week course for couples on Big Picture Budgeting. This is a six week course that takes each couple from basic budgeting through the emotional roadblocks of finances and has each couple set goals for their big picture of what they want in their life together. The next group will begin July 14th, 7 pm at Resilient Solutions, Inc, Ste 3. Cost is $195 per couple. Cost includes one private session as a couple. Contact Steve Andrews, 801.589.0300 or email: andst6@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Loving Ourselves

2011-06-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Christy Cox, LCSW, will be offering a 4-week course entitled: The Psychology of Loving Ourselves at Resilient Solutions, Inc. This course will begin Tuesday, June 28th, 3:00 - 4:30 and is $40/group session ($160 - 4-week course.)

Contact Christy at 801.243.4959 for more information and to sign up.

Group for Moms who have had a child die

2011-06-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Our Summer group will begin Monday, June 6 at 11:30 - 1:00 pm. We will meet for 8 weeks ($120 for the 8-week group). If you would like to join us and feel the support of other moms who understand the loss of a child, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com. Groups are held at Resilient Solutions, Inc. at 1355 N. Main, Ste 1, Bountiful, Utah.

This is an open group and you can join at any time. Please contact Becky prior to joining the group.

Widow. Widower. Bereavement Group

2011-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our summer group will begin this Thursday, 6:30 - 7:45 at Resilient Solutions, Inc. in Bountiful, Utah. This group will run 8-weeks. Cost is $120/8-week group.

If you would like to join us, email becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com or call 801.259.3883. No group on June 9th. This is an open group but contact Becky prior to joining.

Teen Girls Experiencing Depression. Anxiety.

2011-05-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Whether in a group setting (we will begin to offer our next teen group - Girls Chat Group the end of June - contact Becky, 801.259.3883) or individual therapy, summer is a great time to have your teen meet with a therapist to work through some of the symptoms they may be experiencing related to depression or anxiety.

We offer several licensed therapists who can meet with your teen and assess the best help available to them. You can contact them directly:

Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441
Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959
Monica Forsman, LAPC, 801.604.5040
Trisha Jensen, LCSW, 801.541.4944
Melanie Jackson, LCSW, 801.721.1013

Substance Dependence

2011-05-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

As a result of difficult circumstances in life that may or may not be under one’s control, one might resort to high-risk behaviors such as using excessive amounts of prescription medications or other substances to cope – thinking it may alleviate stress.

Dr. E. J. Essic explains that happenings in our environment, such as trauma and grief, can have a great impact on individuals that may lead to high-risk behaviors. It’s important to recognize that while we are responsible for our own thinking and behavior; dependent/addictive thinking is the same as impaired thinking.

Counseling Today/August 2009; Confronting Addiction, Lynne Shallcross
When struggling with substance dependency, therapy can be helpful on the road to recovery. There is hope, even with relapse. There are tools one can learn (healthy thinking/behaviors) that can strengthen one on the journey toward healing. It’s always a good time to address this type of distress!

Monica Forsman, LAPC,is an Individual, Marriage & Family therapist at Resilient Solutions, Inc. in Bountiful, Utah.

Monica can be reached at - 801.604.5040 or email at: monica.lapc@gmail.com

Summer Grief Groups

2011-05-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. Lin Yutang

A group can be a helpful part in the healing journey after a loss. The following are our groups offered for those experiencing the loss from death or divorce.

Mothers who have had a child die, Mondays - 11:30 - 1:00, June 6- Aug 8

Day Grief Group for those grieving the death of a loved one, Tuesdays - 11:30 - 1:00, June 7 - Aug 9

Evening Grief Group for those grieving the death of a spouse, Thursdays - 6:30 - 7:45, June 9 - August 11

Young Adult Grief Group for those grieving the death of a loved one/close friend, 8:00 - 9:00

Teen Group for those experiencing Divorce in their family, Tuesdays, 10 - 11:15, June 14 - August 9 (every other week)

Teen Group for those experiencing the loss of a loved one, Tuesdays, 1- - 11:15, June 7 - August 2

Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, CT at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com to register. Groups are $120/8-week group.

Mothers who are Grieving

2011-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

We had our annual Mother's Day Luncheon for mother's who are grieving the death of a child. I love these women and love to transform our group room into a place for a lunch and a time to remember them and their children who have died.

What Grieving Mothers Want for Mother's Day

By Renee Wood

Over 80 percent of the nearly 100 respondents in a survey of mothers who are grieving answered, "Recognize that I am a mother" to the question of how can someone help. In addition, nearly every mother surveyed wanted their loss to be remembered with a card, a phone call, a gift or a hug. Over half of the mothers surveyed considered Mother's Day to be their most difficult holiday.
In response to the heartfelt answers given by the survey participants, the Comfort Company has issued a list of the ten things grieving mothers want most for Mother's Day:
1. Recognize that they are a Mother: Offer a hug and a "Happy Mother's Day". Send a simple Mother's Day card to let them know you remember that they are a mother even though their child is not with them physically.
2. Acknowledge that they have had a loss: Express the message, "I know this might be a difficult day for you. I want you to know that I am thinking about you today." Removing the wall of silence gives a grieving mother permission to talk about her child.
3. Use their child's name in conversation: Saying the name of a child who has died is like music to a grieving mothers ears. One mother suggested, "Say his name and ask me my fondest memory of him from past Mother's Days".
4. Plant a living memorial: This is a wonderful day to plant a tree or flower bulbs in memory of the child. This is something that will live on as a beautiful reminder in the years to come.

5. Visit the Gravesite: Many mothers felt that it was "extremely thoughtful" when others visited their child's gravesite and left flowers or a small pebble near the headstone.

6. Light a Candle: Let the mother know you will light a candle in memory of their child on Mother's Day.

7. Share a Memory or Pictures of the Child: Give the precious gift of a memory. One mother wrote that the "greatest gift you can give is a heart felt letter about my child and your most lovely moments with them".

8. Send a Gift of Remembrance: Many mothers suggested appropriate gifts of remembrance that would bring them comfort. These items included: an angel statue, a piece of jewelry, a memory box, a memorial candle, a picture frame, a library book donation, an ornament, memorial poetry, anything personalized with the child's name or a date, books on grief, a garden stone or a toy donation in the child's name.

9. Don't try to minimize their loss: Avoid using any cliches that attempt to explain the death of a child. ( "God needed another angel.") Secondly, don't try to find anything positive about the loss ( "You still have two healthy children" or "She's in a better place").

10. Encourage Self-Care: Self-care is an important aspect of the "healing the mind and spirit effort" according to several mothers. Encourage a grieving mother to take care of herself. Give her a gift certificate to a day spa or any place where she can be pampered.

Labyrinth Journey

2011-04-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

This past week I had the opportunity to attend an excellent conference at Caring Connections where Labyrinths were discussed and a listing of those to visit in Utah. We spent the weekend in St. George and were able to visit two of these special labyrinths

Grief

Like the labyrinth,

the narrow pathway of my grief

winds back and forth along well walked ways,

covering with each twist and turn almost the same ground

time and time again.

And yet

the designer's skillful hand leads me now

closer

now further away, but ever deeper

toward the open space that waits for me at its heart.

In the tillness at the center I cannot stay

but must move quickly out again back

into the familiarity of repeated motions that wind me out

to the safety of the margins.

The stillness,

the expectancy at the heart of my

grief is yet

too much

to bear.

Unique Mother's Day Events

2011-04-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day for those who have had a Child Die

Monday, May 2nd, 11:30 - 1:00, Lunch

Women who have had their Mother Die

Monday, May 2nd, 5:30 - 7:00, Dinner

Women who are experiencing a loss that

creates a difficult mother's day

Tuesday, May 3rd, 5:30 - 7:00, Dinner

(emotional loss of a child, inability to conceive or any other loss)

What to Expect: A time of serenity, support, and encouragement

Nourishment in food, self-care treasures and other women who can understand

To register: contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com or 801.259.3883

$25 per woman

Mindfulness

2011-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

I just returned from five days in San Diego ... three of which were for The Art of Mindfulness and Counseling. Perhaps you know you are in the right profession when the day flies by as you soak in 8 hours of amazing messages including an invitation to be silent for 30 minutes during one of our breaks. I whispered to Cricket, Find the Room, where she took me back to our hotel room (good girl!) and then we walked out to this beautiful area just outside our room. Cricket and I sat for our silence: sunshine, birds chirping, a slight ocean breeze near the Torrey Pines Golf Course, some belly rubs for the Cricket and just being in that moment created a beautiful mindfulness experience. What is mindfulness? ongoing, moment by moment awareness of and openness to our current experience without judgment and with acceptance.

Mother's Day

2011-04-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Life events can take our breath away. No one plans to live without their mother or have a child die. Join us for one of our Mother's Day Celebrations like none other.

May 2, 2011

11:30 - 1:00
Mothers who have had a child die
Lunch included, $25

5:00 - 5:30
Women who have had their mother die
Dinner included, $25

To register for one of these events, contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com

Spring Grief Group

2011-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

Our next Grief & Loss Group is scheduled to begin Thursday, March 17th at 7 p.m. at Resilient Solutions, Inc. The group will run 12-weeks and is $20/group session. Dr. Alan Wolfelt's book and journal will be included. To register, email: becky.lpc@gmail.com.

This group is for adults who have experienced a death of a family member or friend and would like to benefit from the support of others who are also going through a loss.

Winter Grief Groups

2011-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Three elements that are helpful in healing from a loss can be experienced in a grief group. They are 1) gathering relevant information, 2) talking about your loss, and 3) supporting others who have had similar experiences.

At Resilient Center for Grieving Families, we offer groups where you will share with others who are having a similar loss in their lives. (Cost is $20/weekly group session)

Moms Group. For women who are grieving the death of a child. Mondays, 11:30 - 1:00. (Begins, Monday, January 24th)

Spouse Group. For those experiencing the death of a spouse. Wed, 5:15 - 6:45. (Begins Wed, Jan. 12th)

Suicide Group. For those experiencing the death of a loved one to suicide. Thu 5:15 - 6:30. (To begin Feb. 3rd)

Adult Group. For those experiencing the death of a loved one. Thu 6:45 - 8:00. (To begin Feb. 3rd)

Groups will be facilitated by Becky Andrews, Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Thanatologist. To register, contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Girls CHAT Group

2011-01-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

C.H.A.T. = Courage, Heart, And Trust Group.

Join us for a group where other girls can understand and support one another. You can learn healthy skills to increase your confidence and self-esteem.

12-week group for girls ages 14-19; $25/group session beginning Monday, January 24th, 4:00 - 5:15. (Our office accepts insurance.)

Call Becky at 801.259.3883 or Shannon at 801.628.4298 for further details.

Becky Andrews, LPC, CT is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is on many of the insurance panels.

Love and Logic to Challenging Children

2011-01-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

An eight-week course and discussion group will begin this Wednesday, January 12th, at 7 pm at Resilient Solutions, Inc., 1355 N. Main, Ste 1, Bountiful, Utah

This group will by offered by Michael Van, Dam, LCSW. To register contact him at 801.815.6152 or email: vandam.michael@gmail.com.

The cost is $120 per person or $200 per couple.

AMAC Group

2010-12-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is a 20-week group session which focuses on learning new skills to deal with abuse issues and to begin to heal.

Topics addressed include: healthy boundaries, fear and anger issues, relationship issues, coping skills for stress and triggers, trust and forgiveness.

Group starts on January 4, 2011, $40 per session. For more information, please contact Lisa Bradford, LCSW, 801.660.8441

Renew & Restore

2010-12-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Resilient Solutions, Inc & Infusion Yoga Studio are offering a course for therapists to Renew & Restore while they earn 6-CEU's on Friday, February 4th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. This program is approved by the Utah Chapter, National Association of Social Workers.

$119 for registration before 1/1/11, $139 after. Lunch inclued.

Dress comfortable. We will learn simple, relaxation techniques. We will explore Burnout Reduction, Compassion Fatigue and Increase Compassion Satisfaction.

To registration or further questions, contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com or 801.259.3883.

Parenting with Love and Logic

2010-12-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, will be offering an 8-week course and discussion group beginning Wednesday, January 12th at 7:00 PM. The course is $120/person or $200 per couple.

For further details contact Michael Van Dam, at 801.292.1549 or email: vandam.michael@gmail.com

AMAC Group

2010-12-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Lisa Bradford, LCSW, will be offering a 20-week group for Adults Molested as Children (AMAC). This group will begin Wednesday, January 5, 2011. Group is $40 per session.

Topics addressed include: Healthy Boundaries, Fear and Anger Issues, Relationships Issues, Coping Skills for Stress and Triggers, Trust Issues and Forgiveness.

For more information, please contact Lisa at 801.660.8441

Nurturing Ourselves this Holiday Season

2010-11-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

Are you grieving this holiday season? We invite you to join with us on Monday, December 6, 11:00 - 1:00. Warm Soup will nourish our bodies, Sharon, a yoga instructor will guide us through some relaxing techniqes, and conversation with others who can understand your grieving heart.

$25 for lunch and this group. RSVP to Becky Andrews, LPC, 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com by Thursday, December 2nd.

Within each of us is the capacity to heal, and in any given moment we do the best we can.

Supporting Yourself

2010-11-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

The anticipation of the holidays when one is grieving can be so challenge. Join us for our Grief & the Holidays: an evening of support on Wed, Nov. 17 at 7:00 PM. RSVP to Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Article from Bereavement Publishing, Inc. 1-888-604-4673, by Joanetta Hendel. Awesome Resource.

-Refrain from projected suffering, anticipated heartache, or manufactured anguish. Now is theonly eternity there is --and the only reality. Let the road rise to meet you, rather than jumping ahead to agonize over projected illusions of doom and despair.

--Consider allowing this holiday season to become a meditation on life rather than a distraction from it. Trust the mind and psyche to guide you in the direction you need to go. Embrace this moment and give it expression. Make peace with your place in the universe. Feel the feelings that are present now -- solve today's problems, receive today's gifts.

More in tomorrow's posts. What have you done to support yourself through the holidays?

Grief and the Holidays

2010-11-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

The holidays can be a difficult time for those experiencing grief and loss. Join us for an evening of support with our special guests: Dennis and Joyce Ashton.

Wednesday, November 17th, 7:00 PM

If you'd like bring an ornament for our Remembering Tree and/or a treat to share with others.

To register or further questions, please call Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Grief Support Groups

2010-10-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

We will start our next Grief Group for those experiencing the death of a loved one on Wednesday, October 20th at 7 pm. This group will be 8-weeks and is $25/group session. For more information, contact Becky at801.259.3883 or email at: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Also, our Mom's Group on Mondays at 11:30 - 1:00 still has openings. This group is for moms who have had a child die. Join with us for support.

Join us ...

2010-09-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Groups offered in our office:

Cultivating Beauty Women's Group, Contact Jackie for details at 801.628.6344

AMAC (Adults Molested as Children) Women's Group, Contact Lisa Bradford at 801.660.8441.

Group for Children experiencing Divorce, Contact Michael at 801.815.6152

Mom's Group for women who have had a child die, Contact Becky at 801.259.3883.

Spouse Group for men and women who have had a spouse die, Contact Becky at 801.259.3883.

Finding Hope Group for women experiencing depression, Contact Becky at 801.259.3883

Finding Hope

2010-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Our next group for women experiencing depression and/or anxiety will be starting on Monday, September 13th. (4:30 - 6:00 PM - $25/group session).

Learn techniques to help the healing process and gain your life back. Some of our topics of discussion will be nutrition, exercise, medications, anxiety management, cognitive behavioral techniques and more. MOSTLY, we're a group to support and encourage you to take back control and find hope again in your life.

Contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com for details.

Open House

2010-09-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

You are invited to an Open House at Resilient Solutions, Inc. & Resilient Center for Grieving Families. Stop in for a few minutes, have a quick tour and a treat, or stay longer and meet some of our therapists.

Thursday, September 9, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Fall Grief Groups

2010-08-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Twelve-week Fall Groups to begin the week of September 13th.
Mother's Group: for those experiencing the death of a child, Mondays - 11:30 - 1:00
Adult Grief Group: for those experiencing the death of a spouse, Wed, 5:30 - 6:45
Adult Grief Group: for those experiencing the death of a loved one or friend, Wed, 5:30 - 6:45
Adult Grief Group: for those experiencing the death of a loved one to suicide, Thu 5 -6:15
Teen Group (14-18), teens experiencing the death of a loved one, Wed, 3:45 - 5:00
Pre-teen Group (9-13), Wed 3:45 - 5:00
Children's Group (4-8) Wed 5:30 - 6:45.
Pet Loss - Call for Schedule.
Group for those experiencing a Physical Loss (illness, disability, accident), Wed, 1:30 - 3:00.

Groups are facilitated by licensed therapists. For more information or to register for a group, call Becky at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Groups are 12-weeks and $25/group session.

Resilient Center for Grieving Families

2010-07-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

Mission: To offer a safe, caring environment for children, adolescents, and adults to come for support while grieving a death, divorce, disability or other loss.

Our Values: Our grief is unique. An environment of caring and acceptance assists in the healing process. Within each of us is the capacity to heal. Grief is a natural reaction to a loss.

Support for Families: We offer individual theapy, specialized grief support groups, family session, monthly educational evenings, holiday healing events, and outreach educational support.

For further details on upcoming groups, contact Becky at 8012593883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com

Teen Girls

2010-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Feeling anxious? Want more self-confidence? Feel like the world is on your shoulders? You're not alone! Join us for a group for teen girls. Meet new friends, prepare for school, and learn more about yourself!

Group begins Friday, July 16th, 10 - 11:15 am ($95/ 5-week course). Groups will be facilitated by Kaylene Whicker, SSW and Becky Andrews, LPC, CT.

To register contact, Becky at 8012593883.

Girls Group

2010-06-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Kaylene will be starting a 5-week group for teen girls on Friday, July 16th, 10 - 11:15 ($95). Topics range from goals, accomplishments, decision making; self-esteem building activities. Meet new friends, prepare for school and learn more about yourself. To register: email: becky.lpc@gmail.com or call 8012593883.

Be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Summer Grief Gatherings

2010-05-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Mothers Group for Moms who have had a child die. Our next group will begin Monday, June 14, 11:30 - 1:00 pm. ($120 - 8-week group).

General Grief and Loss Group. Thursday evenings to begin June 10, 5:00 - 6:15, ($120 - 8-week group)

Adolescent Grief Group to begin Wednesday, June 9, 5:30 - 6:45. (6-week group, $90)

Contact Becky at 8012593883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com to register for one of the groups.

Within each of us is the capacity to heal and in any given moment we do the best that we can.

The Five Things We Cannont Change ...

2010-05-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

My latest read is David Richo's book: The Five Things We Cannot Change. They are:

1. Everything changes and ends.
2. Things do not always go according to plan.
3. Life is not always fair.
4. Pain is a part of life.
5. People are not loving and loyal all the time.

He indicates we find happiness by embracing these.

Mother's Day Luncheon

2010-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Life events can take our breath away. No one plans to have their child die. Join us for a Mother's Day Celebration like none other. A peaceful remembering time in a location of serenity; wondrous companionship and serene encouragement; delicious nourishment from lunch and understanding women with love, smiles, affection, and understanding.

Date: Monday, May 3; 11:30 - 1:30
Where: Resilient Solutions, Inc., 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah
For: Mother's who have had a child die
$25 per women for lunch

RSVP to Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com or 8012593883 by Friday, April 30th.

Finding Hope Group

2010-03-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Our Women's Group - Finding Hope for Women Experiencing Depression/Anxiety is in its fourth week. This group of women have found support and connection in realizing they are not alone in what they are experiencing. We have talked about the five areas that we need to find ways to practice self-compassion: physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and emotional. They have begun to implement kindness to themselves in each of these areas ... perhaps a nice walk to nourish our body or journaling our feelings to release our emotional. We have talked about the ten hits that impact depression/anxiety: genetic, developmental (these two we cannot control), the other eight we have some control over: lifestyle, circadian rhythm, addictions, nutrition, toxic thinking, social stress, medical conditions, frontal lobe. This week we will have Carena from Infusions Yoga and Pilates join us and teach us about healthy living. A couple of the women have indicated that they look forward to Monday evenings and the support they are receiving from this group.

My Current Read

2010-03-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions by Christopher K. Germer, Ph.D.

page 38: Mindfulness is a moment-to-moment awareness. There's freedom in mindfulness because paying attention to our stream of perceptions, rather than our interpretations of them, makes every moment fresh and alive! Life becomes a festival to the senses when we're mindful.

Questions to Ask Yourself

2010-03-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

This article captured my attention: 12 questions to ask yourself -- right now. As a solution focused therapist, I believe that we do know the answers to our life - 1. How do I spend my alone time? ... walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love -- what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show?
2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs? Do you listen when it tells you it is working too hard? Treat your body like a new pal who has lots of insightful things to tell you.
3. To Whom am I grateful? Reflecting on who coaxed you to express your opinion, who advises you to fearlessly try new things, who gave you their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit.

The list goes on and is a fun list to ponder your answers to ...

Finding Hope

2010-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

Our group for women experiencing depression/anxiety will begin this Monday, March 8, 4:30 - 6:00 PM. We are excited to offer this psychoeducational group to women who can join us in Bountiful and as indicated we will post our journey in this blog as well. Join us if you can! Contact becky at 8012593883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com for more information. Some of what we'll learn:

how to stop being so hard on yourself
how to handle distrubing emotions with greater ease
how to motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
how to practice healthy self-care

Acceptance

2010-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am then I can change.
Carl Rogers

Surrender

2010-02-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

The concept of surrender teaches you that when you stop resisting and surrender to your situation exactly as it is, things begin to change. Resistance is an instinctive mechanism you use to push away or deny your pain to protect you from your feelings of loss and grief. In the end, resistance robs you of your capacity to heal and transcend. when you surrender, you acknowledge, "This is what I am faced with right now in my life's journey. While Id like it to be different, I must allow myself to face the reality of what is happening -- When you surrender you release attachment to how you feel your life should be and invite yourself to be in the presence of your life exactly as it is. While naturally difficult to do, surrender is an act of courage. Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

SOS Help for Emotions

2010-02-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

My current professional read is: SOS Help for Emotions - Managing Anxiety, Anger & Depression by Dr. Lynn Clark, Ph.D. It is a book grounded in Albert Ellis' Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It is an easy to read book with exercises and a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter. He states: Manage your Emotions or they will Manage you! Effectively managing our emotions includes: soothing and calming ourselves when update; practicing self-control; managing anger; controlling impulses; expressing emotions in healthy ways; avoiding sustained anxiety, anger and depression; handling inevitable defeats and setbacks in life; preventing negative emotions from dominating our judgment and problem solving. Two additional ingredients for managing our emotions are: tolerating frustration and accepting and valuing ourselves. Learn to soothe your emotions.

Thus far, a good read with some helpful suggestions.