Social Anxiety During The Holidays
The holidays are filled with gatherings, work parties, socials, and church events … all activities typically enjoyed by most people. For some though, they are not events that bring nostalgia and excitement. Individuals that suffer and deal with social anxiety find these events troubling and more of a chore than a longed-for reunion with family […]
My Spouse Won’t Come To Counseling, Now What?
Often when relationships are conflicted or distant one member of the relationship recommends counseling as a part of conversation, usually when things are loaded and a feud is underway. It is not uncommon for one spouse to be ready and the other resists or balks at the request. The layman’s assumption is that counseling needs […]
Depression: Fueled by Sadness and Self-defeating Thoughts
Depression is a condition that is fueled by several factors. More often than not, laypersons think that depression is a result of a chemical imbalance based on discussion and rumor in layperson circles. Actually, it is not technically known what causes depression but we have a few solid leads on that issue. Depression can be […]
Your First Therapy Session
It has been my experience that new clients are often unsure what to expect in the first counseling session. At times, they feel doubt about what to say or do. There can be nervousness and anxiety about opening up to someone you’re meeting for the first time, especially when you find that you are sharing […]
Grief and Loss: Understanding Bonding & Attachment
Most individuals experience loss at some level at some point in their lives. Loss of a friend who has moved away or of a pet that passes is a common experience for children as they grow and develop. What makes loss difficult is primarily due to the attachments or bonds that are created when we […]
Communication in Relationships and Marriage
Healthy Relationships Communication is the path by which individuals share and exchange information about their perceptions, feelings, and thoughts. It is imperative that individuals learn to engage and connect with others in ways that promote healthy relationships and bonding within them. Many adolescents I work with and adults alike, struggle to communicate in ways that are supportive […]
Marriage Counseling, Who Needs it?
Many marry with hopes of memories and many years of love and connection with their spouse. Marriage often starts with a bang: flowers, ceremony, family, then off to the honeymoon. Too often, couples lack the skills to keep the ’spark’ they started with when they first married. Many factors enter in and make marriage more […]
Mindfulness: Purposeful Awareness In Relationships
Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist teaching with respect to pondering and meditation. One need not subscribe to Eastern religion to adhere to pondering and mindfulness. It can be lived in common every day life. Mindfulness is the state within which one has keen and clear awareness. It is conceptualized as a mental state that […]
Confidentiality – How It Works in Therapy
Often clients ask, “Are the things I talk about in counseling kept confidential? The answer is “yes.” As the patient you have the right to have absolute privacy and confidentiality in counseling with me. This means that without your explicit consent, I am prevented from discussing information you share during your sessions with anyone else […]
Copyrights Regarding Site Content
The content on this site is written by Justin Stum, LMFT and is intended for general mental health education and support. Reading these articles does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are in need of mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area. You are welcome to quote from […]