Navigating executive function issues can be challenging and fraught with emotion. Frustration is common for everyone. Children often feel shame, isolation, and hopelessness. Parents often feel guilt, anxiety, and anger. These emotions are difficult for the child and the parent, and they can wreak havoc on the parent-child relationship thus compounding the problem. Being compassionate towards yourself is key. Being compassionate with your child will let him or her know they are not alone or misunderstood, give them the security and confidence to learn and evolve, and strengthen your relationship. From there, you will both be in a much better position to find and sustain solutions that work for both of you.

It’s not always easy to follow through with an alternative plan and break the familiar habit.  But using imagery to formulate a specific action in response to a specific trigger can give you clarity about what actions will support your goal, confidence to follow through, and, ultimately, the success you’re aiming for.

Transitions are Exciting…and Can Feel Overwhelming Transitions can be exciting because we’re welcoming something new into our lives: a job change, kids going off to college, moving to a new city, a new relationship, or even a new season are common examples. Anticipation of the good things that will happen can feel energizing and fun.  […]

Clients often tell me they don’t have time to exercise, plan meals, go to bed at a reasonable hour, or schedule things they enjoy. Is it really about time?  After all, everyone has the same number of hours available to use throughout the day and we all have a certain degree of control over how […]

I am blessed with kids I feel close with, a loving extended family, dear friends I stay in touch with regularly, romantic relationships that have added much to my life, inspiring work colleagues, volunteer communities, an ability to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends, and resources to engage people to help me. […]

When you achieve goals in a way that honors you and the process, by the time you reach your goal, you’ll realize you’ve already reaped many rewards: the achievement simply sweetens the prize.

Really, how are you?  Take a moment to breathe in and check in with yourself.  Breathe in.  And breathe out.   What’s the main emotion you’re feeling?  What thoughts do you have about yourself and your life these days?  What comes up when you allow yourself to really be in the moment? Tapping into a Feeling […]

Start meditating to train your brain to better respond to thoughts and emotions so you can live in closer alignment with your goals and values.

Why do we reach for food, specifically high carb and often high fat foods, when we feel emotional? Because food provides a temporary escape, numbs the feelings, and provides something distracting and enjoyable.