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 […]
Insecurity: The Fuel of Relational Conflict
One of the core components of reactivity and defensiveness is personal insecurity. I work with individuals that often share how family or friends are often reactive relative to them. The difficulty with defensive individuals is that they feel they are just protecting themselves from another, that their defensiveness with their spouse or teen or coworker […]
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 […]
The Facebook Fuss – Frustrated Friendships?
Is facebook complicating relationships? Many are connecting online with old friends, distant family, and unfortunately at times old flames. Problem is, these relationships are not in ‘real’ time they are virtual relationships, ones maintained and fostered online.I spoke to a few individuals recently and one person in particular did sheepishly admit to me that she […]
Stepping Into The Dark – Risk Taking
What makes taking risks so difficult? I’ve often heard clients, family, friends, and others talk about the difficulty in taking risks; in trying something difficult; in stepping into the unknown.Anxiety and trepidation is fueled by irrational thoughts. Thoughts like, “I can’t do that, it is far to difficult.” or “That’s not me, he can do […]
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 […]
Sleep and Emotional Regulation
Sleep is one of the most key elements in emotional and relational health. Sleep is a process within which your body rejuvenates. I am not referencing merely resting, it is a time when the body-mind repairs itself. It is during rapid eye movement or REM that you actually rest and your body is restored.We live […]
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 […]
Articles by Justin Stum
Most Popular What Is It Most Women Really Want? Self-Esteem: Knowing Your Value and Worth How To Overcome Obsessive Compulsive Behavior, OCD Overcoming Depression, Finding Hope – Robin Williams Your First Therapy Session Not Just Friends: Emotional Affairs and Infidelity My Spouse Won’t Come To Counseling, Now What? 5 Signs Of A Healthy Couple Relationship […]