Yep, sometimes therapists gotta go there.
The work we do in session is very serious and focused, but sometimes it helps to take a momentary break and laugh a little.
I hope this little bit of levity adds a spot of joy to your day!
Archive for the ‘Good Things’ Category
Therapists have a sense of humor, too
Saturday, August 28th, 2010
Roadside Attractions
Monday, July 26th, 2010
This summer I hope one and all have the great opportunity to create some lifetime memories by taking a family car trip.
Recently I took just such a car trip with unexpected side effects. We headed out to Webatuck, NY to the artisan village there for a day of crafts and wandering. Unfortunately, the roadside attraction that added to the spot’s charm had been demolished, the giant chair was gone, and surprisingly so was the craft village. All that remains is one small painter’s gallery. Really? A giant chair can have that much power?
But upon further reflection I realize that why yes it does. Think back to all of the myriad car trips you have taken and see what stands out. More often than not it’s the silly or strange or amazing “thing” along the way that we really remember and not whether or not the dog threw up or Jimmy spilled his soda, or even the destination. There is power in that unusual creation that someone boldly puts out there. It’s their inner creative uniqueness that is brazenly thrown up in larger than life form and it draws us to it, we stop in awe of someone else’s inner vision.
Which is why I was melancholy when I learned of a recent controversy over another roadside attraction. This time it’s the Vermontasaurus that is under fire. Apparently another person’s inner spark has created a brush fire of revolt and petty fines in a small town. I am saddened to think of this unique creation being cut down before it even has time to create a following. Just look at Webatuck and take heed. There is magic in the unusual and bold. Roadside attractions create an experience bigger than themselves, they can bring a community together if allowed.
So stop or take that extra 2 or 3-mile detour and go see the giant duck or funny-shaped whatchamacallit. Take pleasure in the journey, stop and see the sights. In retrospect you and the community will be glad you did.
Summertime Therapy
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
I know, I know, who wants to think about therapy when it’s beautiful outside and there are so many other fun things to do like chase fireflies and play in sprinklers and read a book in a hammock? But relationship and emotional issues don’t go away just because the temperature reaches 80-degrees. Sometimes the unstructured time can add to the problems and discord, and that’s where summertime therapy comes in.
So the kids are at home more now, your husband has “golf with the boss”, your neighbor’s windows are open and you can hear little Johnny’s drum set even more clearly, and let’s not forget the extra alcohol consumption that the hot weather seems to invite.
Coming in for sessions in the summer may seem like a drag at first but in reality it’s a great time for therapy. First, there are usually more slots open in a clinician’s roster due to all of the above reasons so getting a time you want is probably easier. Second, having a weekly appointment can help to keep some semblance of a routine which may be helpful if not downright necessary for kids (or adults) who function better with a steady, predictable routine. Sometimes summer can be a time to dread rather than celebrate for families with this issue. Third, having your budding teen learn about safe dating practices is always a great idea but now with more free time on their hands and skimpier clothing, this education may be a lifesaver. And finally, setting aside a block of time like “the summer” to focus on building new interactional skills, practicing intimacy building tools, resolving old haunting memories, really slow down and focus on yourself – summertime therapy can be a gift for a lifetime of better functioning.
So come on in and enjoy the air conditioning, the fireflies and s’mores will be there later.
MFT3 is Growing!
Friday, June 25th, 2010MFT3 is Proud to Introduce our Newest Associate!
Please join us in welcoming our newest associate, Erica M. Cannata, LADC, MFT, CCDP-D, to Marriage & Family Therapy of Trumbull (MFT3).
Erica joins both Katherine Allen, M.A., LMFT and Laura Petiford, M.A., LMFT at the Trumbull location. Erica, a seasoned expert in addiction disorders and adolescent issues, is a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate in the state of Connecticut. Erica will begin taking new clients starting June 28, 2010.
At MFT3 we understand that life can come at you fast, and that’s why we’re here to help. MFT3 can be found online at http://www.mft3.com. Visit our blog at http://blog.mft3.com or join the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mft3page.
Our office location is at 2 Corporate Drive, Suite 211, Trumbull CT 06611. Phone: 203-416-6008. E-mail: info@mft3.com.
Wishing one and all balance and peace.
Adversity as Opportunity
Thursday, June 10th, 2010May is Mental Health Month!
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010Happy May everyone. May finds us again in National Mental Health Month. Here are some highlights that I have discovered to spur on some big or small observances of this very important state of being.
Mental Health America has, as usual, loads of information for someone who may be in a stuck place, where to seek help, quizzes to gauge severity or presence of things like depression or anxiety.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also has a very valuable website full of resources and information for the public as well as professionals.
Regular readers will recognize the next link. PBS’s “This Emotional Life” has created a unique and useful resource full of information regarding tough topics like PTSD, autism, adolescence and parenting to name a few. MFT3 is proud to be listed among the providers in the Resources section of the site.
But on a lighter note, I have discovered some atypical mental health related days or remembrances for the month of May.
For some fun yet obvious ideas, there is Hug week (May 2-8), Meditation week (May 2-8), Teen self-esteem week is also the same week. May 16-22 is Celebrate New and Old Friends week.
There is a theme of literacy in May, it is “Get Caught Reading” month as well as Read for Fun week (May 9-15) and Childrens’ Book week (May 10-16). You could read about mental health.
I found a bunch of food related themes, too. It is National Barbecue month, as well as designating specific days dedicated to celebrating hamburgers, salad, salsa, eggs, sweet vidalia onions and bread pudding recipe exchange week. Yum. To this we can add in May 6 as No Diet Day and May 11 as Eat What You Want day, followed closely by the fun-filled May 15: The Day of Families, Pizza parties and Chocolate Chips. I sense a theme here…
Oooh, speaking of chocolate chips, that leads me to my favorite day so far: May 25, Cookie Monster’s Birthday (voice Frank Oz).
Cookie Monster should also make an appearance on May 5 for the Great American Grump Out day festivities, to help out Oscar the Grouch a bit?
And to end the month on a full yet thoughtful note, May 31 reminds us that “What You Think Upon Grows” day. I use this philosophy often with clients; that if our thoughts are centered on what’s missing, then what’s missing, by definition, will have to expand.
I wish you all a month of good mental health, however you choose to create it!
The Story of Stuff
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010I just learned of this great new movie/social consciousness/reality check phenomenon called “The Story of Stuff”. I am sharing the teaser below, but go to the website to see the whole 20-minute movie, free of charge, and political stance aside, see where you weigh in regarding your stuff.
I meet with so many families that are facing changes in their lives regarding their income, specifically recent drop in income, and the discomfort associated with changing social status definitions. I believe that this movie can go a long way to altering the definition of value, worth and consciousness to bring a new perspective and comfort in these changes.
Thank you TPSLD!
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Heartfelt thanks to Jacki Bruni and Yolanda Soto for their amazing event on Saturday, the 2010 Summer Options for Children with Special Needs…An Educational Expo at the Trumbull Library. It was such a pleasure to be included in the mix, to meet so many wonderful service providers and to explain how family therapy can be a final piece in the pie of services that families (and couples) with special needs kids can benefit from.
I have created a link on this blog with all of the wellness services from the event, please use it and share it with others, and I will be adding to the list as I learn of more services or opportunities.
One thing I wonder is how all of these families can come together and assist one another in a new way. Every family is struggling with burn-out, with couple breakdown, with having too much to do and not enough time. How can a community support group be built where things like shared babysitting (of trained and skilled childcare workers) is a real option, where Moms or Dads can share in carpooling to classes or workshops. Just thoughts but I’d love to hear your feedback.
Congratulations TPSLD! Keep up the great work!
It’s Valentine’s Day
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
I know, so many people are offput by the somewhat contrived essence of Valentine’s Day, a Hallmark cash cow and one more way for those who are un-coupled to feel even more left out. I know, I know. But that’s why I liked today’s Modern Love column in the New York Times, Explaining the Irrational: Here Goes...
It offers a look at a lot of the pitfalls of being coupled, un-coupled or not-so-sure-what-we-are. Basically, relationships are hard, confusing and messy. They are a lot of work if you want a really good one and it can take a good deal of work to get an off-track one back on track, yet that still comes in far less expensively than the d-word.
So whatever your state of coupling may be, please accept my wish for you, a wish for love filled with desire, vulnerability and bravery.
Time to stop repeating ourselves and just live
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010I know that this is a bit late, Groundhog Day was Feb. 2, but I was struck by this thoughtful review of the movie of the same name starring Bill Murray. It’s not exactly new (1993), and maybe not on too many top-10 lists, but it may have more to offer than meets the eye.
For so many, life can become seemingly unbearable in its repetition, mundaneness and predictability. This review by A. O. Scott lets us see that by not trying to make something better or different but to just live, change can occur and it can be good.
Check out this 4-minute review at the New York Times and see for yourself. Is it time that you stopped repeating yourself?
