Vulnerability Just Ahead

By: Nancy Schwartz

Is feeling vulnerable a good thing?   Many of us see it as a sign of weakness, as we’re not being good enough!!  We’re afraid of not being seen by others as the “perfect” mother/father, spouse, child, worker, etc.   

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The Connection Between ADHD and Anxiety Disorders or Depression

By: Aviva Zahavi-Asa

Several theories exist to explain the higher incidence of anxiety disorders or depression among individuals with ADHD. One theory presumes that because the same neurobiological systems that control attention also control mood, it is reasonable to assume that the neurological causes of ADHD also cause anxiety disorders or depression. Another theory posits that anxiety disorders or depression are an outcome of living with ADHD, especially if attention difficulties have gone undiagnosed or untreated for many years, often leading to chronic feelings of failure, frustration, disappointment and being overwhelmed.

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How to Connect With Your Partner in the Pandemic and Beyond

By: Judy Markose

Consider this dream: you and your partner experience the pandemic with your marriage intact and your family even closer and more connected than ever. You can practice a more loving way of relating, with more kindness and giving. This blog offers practical tips for becoming a great communicator, being a generous listener, and adding gratitude to your relationship.

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PERFECTIONISM is the Enemy of FREEDOM

By: Tanya Prochko

It's getting close to Pesach and I'm thinking: what do I want to focus on at my seder table with my adolescent children who can now carry intelligent conversations and think about things in a deeper and more complex way? Afterall, our exodus from Egypt is not just a historical event and with kids, the way to facilitate spiritual connection is through relatable modern-day experiences. The obvious answer would be to focus on what each of us finds ourselves enslaved to in our lives and how we can access our personal freedom, but we've been down that road before and it hadn't hit home the way I'd want a good juicy introspective theme to do. So, I came up with IMPERFECTION

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The Wondrous “Black Sheep”: the Truth Teller of a Family

By: Keren Burgman

How often have you heard someone describing their family and either talking about a sibling…

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Who's Afraid of Retirement?

By: Rachel Kaminetsky

Navigating retirement is not only about filling your time or learning new skills. There is value in looking back, at what was, in addition to what’s next. There are relationships with others that will be impacted by retirement, and more than that; there is also the relationship with yourself.

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Why Grownups Should Play Too

By: Rachel Ozick

…as we get older, we stop playing. We feel the need to be productive or we feel so tired from our productive lives that we pursue mindless ways to relax and shut down, like watching TV, but watching TV is not playing, and playing is more important than you think.

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Encopresis: A Four-Pronged Treatment Approach

By: Sara Feinberg

Encopresis, more commonly called “soiling” or fecal incontinence, refers to the involuntary passage of feces. Typically, this condition results from chronic constipation, but it can also be triggered by emotional issues. Encopresis, which has a 9% occurrence rate worldwide, is not considered to be a medical condition until a child is 4 years old. While encopresis is often very distressing to both the child and the family, it is treatable. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome. In my years of private practice as an art therapist, I have successfully treated many children with encopresis using the following four-pronged treatment approach.

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Resilience Series Part 4

By: Esther Adams Aharony

Adversities can tint our lenses dark, giving us a gloomy, hopeless outlook. We may struggle to see a way out and feel powerless. Fortunately, you can take off those dark lenses and adopt a brighter outlook. You can find meaning and purpose even in the face of adversities and visualize a brighter future. You can boost your optimism, have a more positive view of everything, and notice things and people you are grateful for. Moreover, you can find humor in daily life and find shared humanity with others, which may strengthen your joy and compassion. By improving your outlook, you can feel more powerful to ward off whatever life throws at you.

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10 Ways to Improve a Marriage

By: Naomi Sternberg

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were just 10 do it yourself fix it solutions…

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Life Skills Taught By Horses

By: Esther Adams Aharony

In this insightful blog, we explore the transformative role of equine therapy in children's lives. Horses, far more than majestic creatures, are exceptional teachers, imparting essential life skills to young learners. We delve into how these animals mirror emotions, instill responsibility, and empower children, teaching them about trust, respect, and self-efficacy. This narrative goes beyond riding, highlighting how caring for horses shapes a child's character and resilience, revealing the profound impact of this unique human-animal bond in nurturing confident, empathetic, and responsible individuals.

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Israel Wartime Anxiety: 3 Emotion-Focused Therapy Tips

By: Daniel Fund

The more we turn towards the pain and express unmet needs, and not avoid them, the less anxious we will be.

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Cultivating Self-Care

By: Esther Avital Gottesman

In its most general sense, self-care is often equated with self-pampering. Given this notion, it can be seen as selfish. However, that idea is mistaken.

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Challenges of Returning Reserve Soldiers

By: Aharon Herskovitz

“Wow, so great you’re home, Aharon, now everything can go back to normal!” This sentence, and variations of it, have been said to me and countless other reserve soldiers over the last few months. Though well-meaning (and also an important injection of optimism and hope!), people’s wider networks are sometimes unaware of the challenges that returning reserve soldiers face.

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From Good Intentions to Real Connection (Part 3 of Winter Series 5786)

By: Yonatan Schechter

When couples find themselves trapped in conflict despite good intentions, the path forward begins within.

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Why You Should Go to Sleep Angry

By: Yonatan Schechter

Contrary to popular wisdom, going to sleep angry is often the best strategy for couples in conflict. Time and rest allow emotions to settle and perspective to return, making successful reconciliation far more likely than late-night attempts when both parties are exhausted and agitated.

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Communicating for Connection

By: Yonatan Schechter

A key task for couples is learning to express their needs explicitly, rather than expecting their spouse to read between the lines.

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Fundamentals of Trauma Recovery, Part 3

By: Chava Lederer

While extremely distressing, flashbacks are actually memories. Registering what is a memory, and what is happening now, is essential.

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On Today's Menu: Corona Sandwich

By: Jeanne Lankin

I am overwhelmed with guilt as I can’t be with my parents on a daily basis to help them navigate this challenging time in their lives. At the same time, I also feel guilty that I can’t help my kids while they struggle in raising their children and I can’t be there to help babysit or just spend time with them. I miss my grandchildren and virtual visits just aren’t doing it for me or them anymore.”

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Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

By: Jeni Danto

Growing up, I remember people saying, “I’m so depressed.” What made them so depressed? Various…

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