Grieving is natural. It is a process that happens when we are adjusting our minds and bodies when we encounter a feeling of loss of someone or something. At its extreme it may be the loss of a loved one, a close friend, or a pet. It can also happen when there is a major disruption in your life. This could occur when a relationship ends, there is a job loss, or some other firmly established routine gets disrupted. It is important to realize that this process has a beginning and an end. When the end never seems to occur, then help may be warranted.

I have often written that we think and exist in terms of patterns. These are patterns of understanding, expectation, and behavior. Physically, they are represented by networks of neurons in your brain and the repeated responses in your body. (We call those responses feelings.) The more that a pattern is recalled or accessed, the...

" Love is like a puzzle. When you're in love, all the pieces fit but when your heart gets broken, it takes a while to get everything back together. " ~ Unknown

If you’re recently divorced, you may have been so focused on the actual separation process that your emotions and sadness have been kept at bay. Now the papers are final and you wonder what’s next.

Grieving is natural. Anger is natural. Regret, relief, sadness, and other emotions will probably be your companions as you start your new journey. However, it is important to start to develop your inner strength, your self-esteem during this time. Look at things in your life and focus on activities that re-enforce your personal strengths. If you’ve always been creative, but have let that outlet slide over the last few years, sign up for an art class, a writing class or pottery. If you love playing...

Let’s face it. Each and everyday we are faced with challenges to which we must adapt. They may involve threats to our survival, obstacles standing in the way of our desire to become happier, or even represent an urge to take one’s musicianship or golf game to the next level. For most of us, our ability to make minor adjustments to our way of thinking does not present much of a difficulty. For others, no matter how hard we try, we just don’t seem to make much progress. In fact, often our efforts seem to make matters worse. A common question that I often hear is whether self-help efforts are enough or whether a person should seek outside help in the form of a professional coach, medical doctor, or other clinician. Of course, if your efforts are successful, you are doing quite well on your own. You get a cold, get some vitamin C, take a day off work or school, and get plenty of rest....