How to spot love bombing
Previous PostNext Post RELATIONSHIPS How to Spot Love Bombing Signs to watch out for and why it’s unhealthy Love bombing explained: Love bombing is a manipulation for control and power in a romantic relationship. Signs you may be getting love bombed. The relationship feels like it is moving extremely fast. Is your relationship in its’ early stages yet it is moving at lightning speed? If it is moving so fast that you might be feeling overwhelmed, you could be getting love bombed. Love bombers behave like rescuers. Do they take your side in all of your conflicts? If they may be taking on how you think or how you feel, you may be getting love bombed. The person calls you their partner after knowing you briefly. Does the person call you their partner or their boyfriend or girlfriend after knowing you for a brief amount of time? Are they talking about their future wedding and kids with you? If so, you may be getting love bombed. They over-identify with you. Does the person you are with seem to LOVE everything you love and dislikes everything you dislike? They may even begin to behave in a US versus THEM kind of way. If so, you may be getting love bombed. There’s a lack of consideration for your personal boundaries. Does the person have an excessive need for your attention? If so, you may be getting love bombed. There are grand gestures of affection or extravagant gifts. Does the person you are with buy extravagant gifts. If so, you may be getting love bombed. “Special” gift-giving after knowing you briefly. Does the person you are with early on in the relationship give you a gift that appears to have some kind of sentimental value? Does the gift imply that they know you very intimately when the opposite is true? If so, you may be getting love bombed. Why love bombing is unhealthy Love bombing reinforces low self-esteem and low self-worth. You owe it to yourself to recognize these behaviors when you should encounter them. They keep you reminded of your personal weaknesses. Is there a personal weakness, a problem, or a past action that they keep reminding you of or throwing in your face? A change in how you view yourself + increased dependence on them. If the love bomber can get you to see yourself as less capable, not having as much value or work, and then create your dependence on them, it can become easy to not see yourself clearly and believe that you need them to be in a relationship. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
9 Strategies for Virtual Learning During The Pandemic
9 Strategies for Virtual Learning During The Pandemic Previous PostNext Post 9 Strategies for Digital Learning During The Pandemic Navigating the times during COVID has brought with it many unique challenges. One of the major challenges that both parents and children have found themselves facing is virtual learning. In March of 2020, many kids found themselves happy to be getting a “break” from attending school. However, virtual learning at the end of the 2019-2020 school year looked much different than virtual schooling for the 2020-2021 school year. 9 Strategies for Digital Learning During The Pandemic Virtual learning is not only the job of the teacher and child but requires much more parental time and attention than when kids are attending school in person. As Matheis (2021), points out, kids are having to navigate several online tools to locate their assignments, complete them, and turn them in. The challenges of navigating the online tools can be difficult for children which creates a need for them to call on their parents for assistance. 9 Strategies for Digital Learning During The Pandemic In addition, young children more than likely are not proficient typists, which leaves the parents needing to help their children to type responses to assignments. However, if the parents are not available due to their schedules then the kids will either end up with incomplete assignments, poor grades, missing work, or a combination of the latter (Matheis, 2021). 9 Strategies for Digital Learning During The Pandemic Many kids struggle with both impulse control and staying focused. Attending class via video screen allows more opportunity to not truly be focused and to get distracted looking at social media, texting friends, surfing the web, or watching streaming apps, which is leading to many kids doing poorly in school and having low grades. Virtual schooling has also led to an increase in anxiety, depression, and low motivation (Matheis, 2021). Kids are not having the same opportunity to fill their need for love and belonging by interacting and making connections with their friends at school throughout the day. 9 Strategies for Digital Learning During The Pandemic Parents are left wondering what they can do to combat some of the issues that they and their children are facing due to virtual learning? Some of the ways that parents can help both themselves and their children be more successful with virtual learning is to: 1) Maintain communication with your child’s teacher to stay informed about how your child is doing or ways that you can help; 2) If your child has an individualized education program or needs accommodations, communicate your child’s needs clearly to the teacher and see what adjustments can be made to help them be successful; 3) Create a quiet comfortable workspace for your child that is set up with all of the supplies they need to do their school work; 4) Create a morning just as they would have if they were attending school in person; 5) Make sure your child takes breaks during the day to get up and move around; 6) Create a schedule for your child to follow and put it somewhere they can easily reference it; 7) Help your kids stay focused by keeping distractions out of sight; 8) Set timers for your kids so that they can stay on task or know when it is time for class changes; 9) Allow your kids to set up outdoor playdates or enroll them to participate in an activity (Matheis, 2021). Matheis, L., PhD. (2021, January 18). Strategies to Get Through Virtual Learning During COVID. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/special-matters/202101/strategies-get-through-virtual-learning-during-covid All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
4 Ways to Spot Toxic Behavior
Previous PostNext Post RELATIONSHIPS How to Spot Toxic Behavior Toxic behavior signs to watch out for and ask yourself the following questions. What is toxic behavior? Toxic people are everywhere and you’re bound to come across them. What you need to ask yourself is, “What is toxic behavior?”. Toxic relationships can develop with someone as close as family or friends, and many people are unaware they are in one. You may be unaware that the way someone treats you is harming your health and happiness. They may even be preventing you from achieving personal progress and living the life you deserve. Gain self-esteem and a new awareness that you deserve better people in your life that actually care about you as a person to become smarter. The health benefits of avoiding toxic relationships could transform your life. What does toxic behavior look like? It’s one thing to know that someone is being toxic. They’re belittling you, lying to your face about something major, or slandering your good name behind your back. It’s another when the toxicity comes from someone you’ve trusted for years. Someone who, at first glance, seems okay. But there are certain tell-tale signs you can look out for to determine if that person is poisonous. How do you spot toxic behavior? Here are 4 ways to spot toxic behavior from a mile away. 4 Signs of Toxic Behavior Can they be happy for other people? A person who cannot be happy for anybody else is usually very unhappy with themselves. They will visit that on you as well. Do they enjoy putting others down? Do they get a rise out of gossiping, criticizing, or putting other people down? How do they treat people they do not have to win over? What is your observation of how this person treats other people? Are they only kind to people that provide them some benefit, above them on the food chain, people who can do them a favor? If a person treats other people as if they are beneath them or unkind because they are just a …or only a … How they treat people can be illuminating. Do all of their stories feature them as the hero and everybody else as the villain? Pay close attention to the stories they tell. Identifying toxic behavior is important Toxic behavior makes your life and the lives of those around you more difficult. It can scatter your focus, drive you crazy and sap your energy. Because toxic people don’t want to make anything better, they are hard to deal with. If you find yourself in a work or romantic relationship with someone you may think is toxic and need guidance; reach out and make an appointment. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
Do I need therapy?
Do I need therapy? Previous PostNext Post Mental Health Moment: Do I Need Therapy? We live in a time where people are asking, “Do I need therapy?” Watch this video and ask yourself the questions provided to discover if you might need therapy. Here at West Lake Houston Counseling, we are therapists specializing in various issues. We invite you to reach out to us today if you feel that you or your child may benefit from personal therapy. Common areas we treat as therapists include anxiety, depression, life changes that are hard to adjust to, family troubles, relationship complications, or work issues. Mental Health Moment Series pertains to therapy and the world of mental health matters. We offer tools and tips for managing mental wellness and offer relevant resources. Note: Mental Health Moment is not a substitute for mental health therapy. If you think you may benefit from therapy we strongly advise you to seek out those services. Feeling like you could use a little bit of therapy in your life? There are always barriers to treatment in the African American community. Barriers such as the mental health stigma in black households. Lack of adequate insurance coverage. Lack of culturally-suitable providers, provider bias & inequality of care. As a result, we are less likely to seek out mental health therapy. The stigma in black households that mental health therapy is unnecessary when research proves otherwise, for instance, it has made us feel that seeking help makes us weak. First, we must lift the stigma in the black community that talking about mental health is taboo. Second, we must use our platforms to educate people on the importance of therapeutic care. Likewise, being able to find culturally competent can be difficult for black women and men to find that feels like they meet their needs and understands their struggles. If you are looking for a culturally competent black female therapist near you, here at West Lake Houston Counseling we create a space to meet your needs. Once you get past these barriers, you may question if you in fact do need therapy. It’s no secret that we could all use a little therapy sometimes. Here are some easy tips to find just the right fit: Go slow. Don’t be rash or impulsive, choose someone who feels like a good fit—someone you’re comfortable with. https://youtu.be/b_s_5SJPLZY All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
Depression in Black Women
Depression in Black Women Depression in Black Women Depression in Black Women is often overlooked. It can not only impact your mental health but physical health as well. But this is not something we have to ‘just deal with’. There is help. Seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness. Saying, “I need help”—and then actually getting that help—shows just how strong you really are. Click the link here to find out how to know if you are depressed. We are here for you at West Lake Houston Counseling. Reach out now to find someone to speak to regarding your mental health needs. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
Mother’s Struggling with Addiction
Mother’s Struggling with Addiction Previous PostNext Post Mother’s Struggling with Addiction Life in recovery is a moment-to-moment effort. The journey to recovery is not easy, we applaud your efforts in taking back your life and getting back to your kids. It will be difficult but you do not have to go through it alone. See this article; a firsthand account from a brave mother here on Psychcentral. At West Lake Houston Counseling Kathleen Paul, LPC specializes in addiction. If you are a person struggling to maintain sobriety, we encourage you to reach out today. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
20 Effective Communication Techniques
20 Effective Communication Techniques Previous PostNext Post 20 Effective Communication Techniques Do you struggle with feeling heard when you communicate with others? Here are some techniques you can use now to improve your skills. Maintain eye contact.This shows active listening. Maintain appropriate body language.Consider whether nonverbal techniques could confuse, promote, or negate the message. Use people’s names.Using someone’s name can begin and maintain rapport while reinforcing a sense of belonging. Make it a point to learn and remember the name of the person you were introduced to. To help with remembering say their name as soon as they say it, if the name is difficult to pronounce you should ask them for help in pronouncing it. This shows a genuine sense of respect and personal devotion to the speaker and the conversation. See more techniques and the benefits of using them here. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
How to Support LGBTQ Teens Coming Out
Vestibulum nec velit ante. Praesent dignissim interdum est, in lacinia elit pretium nec. Aliquam erat volutpat. Fusce laoreet mi leo, a facilisis dui tempus id. Pellentesque lacinia eget massa in commodo. Pellentesque faucibus rutrum velit, et maximus velit bibendum et. Aenean varius, leo non venenatis feugiat, erat elit interdum ligula, in viverra diam.
4 Subtle Signs of Trauma: When You’re Dealing with More Than You Think
Vestibulum nec velit ante. Praesent dignissim interdum est, in lacinia elit pretium nec. Aliquam erat volutpat. Fusce laoreet mi leo, a facilisis dui tempus id. Pellentesque lacinia eget massa in commodo. Pellentesque faucibus rutrum velit, et maximus velit bibendum et. Aenean varius, leo non venenatis feugiat, erat elit interdum ligula, in viverra diam.
When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
Vestibulum nec velit ante. Praesent dignissim interdum est, in lacinia elit pretium nec. Aliquam erat volutpat. Fusce laoreet mi leo, a facilisis dui tempus id. Pellentesque lacinia eget massa in commodo. Pellentesque faucibus rutrum velit, et maximus velit bibendum et. Aenean varius, leo non venenatis feugiat, erat elit interdum ligula, in viverra diam.