Recently, I attended a training that was comprised of mental health clinicians because the speaker's topic of filial play was of great interest to me . The trainer engaged the class around the importance of meeting the client where they were in that moment. Calling on his own experience, he recounted an experience with a … Continue reading Fighting Against the Stereotype
I have a Story to Tell: Zane
My story began the night of my birth. I emerged from the warm darkness of my mother's body into the cold darkness of a flat bed truck. Everything felt cold and unfriendly as I came into this world howling my displeasure of the transition. No loving arms cradled or comforted me. No soft words or … Continue reading I have a Story to Tell: Zane
Taming the Wild Horses
I love watching videos of wild horses running over open fields in Wyoming or Montanna. They are beauty, grace and ferocity in motion. And they answer to no man. I read that wild horses are very hard to domesticate. The term "breaking" is used, as in breaking their untamed spirit , so that they can … Continue reading Taming the Wild Horses
What Does it Mean to be Selfless?
Selfless. Is anyone truly selfless? I know a multitude of really good people who dedicate their lives to making a difference in the lives of others: Social Workers, Counselors Teachers, Nurses...you get it. These positions require self sacrifice to be sure. But are these people selfless? Midnight. Saturday. Barbara, a case manager gets a call … Continue reading What Does it Mean to be Selfless?
Overheard in the Gym…
This weekend, I visited a friend who lives in Gulf Shores. While there, I obtained a guest pass to his gym so I could walk the indoor track. After all...It was 102 degrees outside. I usually walk, headphones attached, while listening to a book on Audible. I am so focused on my walking and listening, … Continue reading Overheard in the Gym…
When Its Time to Cut Bait
How many of you have heard the term... It's time to fish or cut bait? The modern context in which it has been widely used centered around a challenging deadline or an ambivalent situation that required an imminent decision. And in every context, it was used as a call to action. In other words... Do … Continue reading When Its Time to Cut Bait
Fighting Personal Demons
The cycle will remain unbroken until you break it... I have written much about the trauma behavior of abused children. But what about the abuser? Who bothers to think of the "why" behind their actions? Jan grew up as the middle girl between two other sisters for the first 13 years of her life. When … Continue reading Fighting Personal Demons
Building Blocks for Change
As a social worker, supervising visitation between children and their estranged parents was an expectation of the job. I utilized visits to observe the interaction between child and parent as well as to incorporate goal training with the parent. Meeting with the parents before the visit, we went over our shared treatment plan and to … Continue reading Building Blocks for Change
The Shame and Blame Game
John sat in the principal's office, fists clenched, eyes unblinking...staring at the water stained drop ceiling. If he heard the low toned conversation around him, he gave no clue. The school secretary shook her head and clicked her teeth as she talked (in a too loud whisper) with the vice principal. "This boy is just … Continue reading The Shame and Blame Game
Be the Change
I notice how many people post, via social media, about the injustice in the world...the inequality...the unfair treatment of others. I can feel your outrage as the innocent and ordinary are often trampled by the powerful and self important. Rights are snatched away based on age, gender, race... The World can be a cold and … Continue reading Be the Change
Water for Camels 