A Time to Give Thanks

During this week, we celebrate a special holiday known as Thanksgiving with our family and friends.  On this special holiday, I encourage you to create a GRATITUDE list.  This is a time where you can truly reflect on what you are thankful for.  I would like for you to  take a few minutes out of your day and honestly ask yourself... "What Am I THANKFUL For?" It does not matter how long or short your list is.  For the remaining week, I would encourage you to reflect on this list and GIVE THANKS.  Put this list in a special location and you can revisit this list at any time.  It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to give thanks.  This truly can be reflected upon daily. Enjoy your Holiday!   Happy Thanksgiving! ~Kacee Tannenbaum, LCSW

A self-esteem boost for YOU!

We hope that this poem encourages YOU to dig deep and allow for YOU to be all that YOU CAN!
It's time to have the mindset that YOU CAN be DETERMINED and SUCCEED. I guarantee you that this poem will do that for you!

Victorious Attitude
by James Kisner

You cannot claim a victory, if there is no reward.
You cannot shape the future, if you wait until it's here.

The future has no purpose, if you live today in fear.
Your future lies within your hand, to do with what you may.

For tomorrow brings results, of what you've done today.
The choices that you make today, reflect the life you seek.

But first of all, the seeds are sown, before the gardener reaps.
The future's like a lump of clay, you hold within your hand.

As time goes by, the clay gets hard, so mould it while you can.
Failure is an attitude, that haunts the mind of man.

But, results will be successful, for the one who knows HE CAN!

10 Common Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions are ways that our mind convinces us of something that isn't really true. These inaccurate thoughts are usually to reinforce negative thinking or emotions. We tell ourselves that these thoughts are rational and accurate, but really they only serve to keep us feeling bad about ourselves. By learning to correctly identify this 'stinkin thinkin', a person can answer the negative thinking back and refute it. By refuting the negative thought over and over again, it will slowly diminish over time and a more positive and balanced way of thinking will form. If you feel that you often experience these different types of cognitive distortions, we encourage you to give us a call today at 954-800-0108 and set up an appointment with one of our professional counselors.

RELAX.

What does it mean to relax? Most people will answer in a way that suggests that relaxing is something that you do later. You will do it on vacation, when you retire, or when you get everything checked off of your list-DONE! Most of us postpone relaxation until our "inbox" is empty. Could this contribute to why most people operate as if life was one great big EMERGENCY? Here's the thing, you can relax now. Yes, right at this given moment. It is helpful to think of relaxation as a quality that you can access on a regular basis rather than it being reserved for later. Being more relaxed involves training yourself to respond to the different dramas of life with kindness and patience. Now, its up to you to continue to live your life in a constant state of crisis or take a few moments out of your day to relax and make healthy life choices to the dramas of life. Choose to relax.

SEIZE YOUR DAY!

10 Coping Skills to help you get through your STRESSFUL day:

1. Take 3 deep breaths.
2. Count to ten.
3. Hum your favorite song.
4. Talk to your "venting" partner.
5. Take 15 minutes to yourself.
6. Walk outside and observe the scenery.
7. Read your favorite poem or quote.
8. Remember stress is an attitude.
9. Stop saying negative things to yourself.
10. Say something nice to someone else.

Need more tips to help you get through your day, please schedule an appointment with our professional counselors at 954-800-0108.  We look forward to hearing from you. CARPE DIEM!

Parent Tips for A Successful School Year

Being a parent is demanding especially when the new school year has started. Parents have to manage the daily tasks of child-rearing, career, house hold responsibilities, friend and family. With thew new school year comes stress. Here are 4 tips parents can use to stay involved this school year: 1. Ask questions and listen. 2. Offer reassurance. 3. Encourage productive and positive after school activities. 4. Know your child's teacher. Studies indicate children succeed at a high rate when parents are involved with school. It is never too late to do your part in ensuring your child's success for the new school year. To read the full version of this article pick up a copy of the Coral Ridge Newsletter or view it on this website under articles.

The 5 W's

These components are so important in our everyday life. If you feel that you are struggling with making positive life choices, please contact our professional counselors by utilizing the "contact us" page here on the website. We are looking forward to speaking to you.

A memo to your heart...

It is so exhausting some days, to hold onto everything that needs to stay organized between work, school, the kids, and don't forget the household. You feel that if you fall behind something big, catastrophic will happen. Take the time to engage in a guided meditation for self care, to find that peaceful balance. Here is one that might be helpful to you... So lie down and envision your thoughts as flowers or leaves. Place them one by one in an imaginary river that is flowing away from you, right at eye level. Place each leaf (thought) in the river. Watch the thoughts flow away from you down the river, until they become very small that you can't see them anymore at all. Now, just listen to the peaceful river flow. Imagine this sequence until all of your thoughts are gone and your body rests in silence. You see a tiny crack of light, maybe sunlight, and you write a memo to your heart saying "what do you need from me that you haven't been getting?" Close your eyes, and listen to your heart speak to you in silence. Open your eyes once you feel balanced, rejuvenated, and refreshed. Namaste.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (CBT) is based on the concept that our feelings and our actions are a direct result of the way individuals react or think in a particular situation. An event in itself does not determine how one reacts or behaves in a situation but one's thoughts or assessment of the situation is the determining factor. In addition, the way people feel and the way they behave affects the way they think. Therefore, three elements-thoughts, feelings, and behavior-are interlinked affecting the other. Cognitive behavioral therapy challenges and changes the way a person thinks which in turn affects the feelings and behaviors of that person. Want to learn more about CBT and cognitive distortions? Please call one of our professional counselors to arrange an appointment. Check out the "Contact Us" page on this site. References: Annuals of Psychotherapy & Integrative Health Volume 16, Number 2, Summer 2013.

Don't Quit Yet...

Experiencing burnout at the work place is common amongst many individuals. However, one has difficulty recognizing the symptoms of burnout. Burnout is a 3 step process: 1. The individual detects a discrepancy between the demands and resources of the job. 2. The individual begins to experience the emergence of emotional strain, including fatigue and anxiety. 3. The individual attains a point of coping defensively at work, where true burnout is occurring and the effectiveness of the individual is significantly decreased or stopped. It's important to take a look at ones lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise activites. As well as looking into other areas that balance an individuals life including spiritual development, family activities, and the positive use of recreational time. BALANCE is a must in today's society. Therefore, implementing self-care should be a priority. If you feel that you may be experiencing the 3 step process associated with burnout implement self-care immediately and seek professional help.

If you have nothing good to say...

According to Sandy Maynard, M.S., an ADHD coach, recommends putting on your breaks, breathing deeply, and flexing your "patience muscles" when you want to say something impulsive or on the rush.  Here are some questions to ask your self as you "flex" those muscles.
1. "Does what I'm about to say need to be said?" If the answer is no, take a deep breath and stay quiet, or replace your statement that your about to say with something neutral like, "Hmm, that's interesting."
2. If what you are about to say does need to be said, ask yourself, "Does it need to be said by me? What needs to be said may be best said by someone else." If so, you can turn to that person and ask for their input or simply state "I'm not the best person to respond to that. Maybe run that by Sally, she could give you some valuable input."
3. If what you are about to say does need to be said and it needs to be said by you, ask yourself, "Does it need to be said now?" Work on creating a response that is regret-free.  Luckily waiting to respond with give you time to rehearse an appropriate statement. 
These tips work for anyone, not only the people who are impulsive or in a rush. Take time to practice these skills and I guarantee more positive words coming out of your mouth.

Living Well with Attention-Deficit Additude, Fall 2013.

LIFE IS GOOD

Provide 4 staff loves this poem. Post it in a place to read every day. Need help finding happiness in your life, contact our counselors today at 954-800-0108.

A Gift From You to You!

Do positive thoughts and messages produce positive results and behaviors? Why, yes they do!

An affirmation is a statement of self-acceptance that one uses to allow the manifestation of his/her destiny.  These are positive thoughts that are sent out into the universe.

Here are a few hints to make affirmations work:

1. Keep them short and simple.

2. Use present tense.

3. Choose only positive words.

4. Believe that what you are saying is actually happening.

5. Repeat, repeat, and repeat.

6. Set aside a specific time for your daily affirmation practice.

To practice your affirmations, get into a routine of repeating them daily during your allotted time. 

To read the full article, please pick up a copy of the Coral Ridge Newsletter or schedule an initial consultation with Kacee Tannenbaum, LCSW and she will share her tips, tools, and tricks associated with positive affirmations. Contact Kacee at 954-800-0108.