Book Review: The 8 Keys to End Bullying Activity Book Companion Guide
While conflict is inevitable, it is also an opportunity for growth. When we become competent at handling the power struggles and abuses of power that occur in all walks of…
Caregivers
OCD, Worry, and Uncertainty — Then and Now
When I was a junior in college almost forty years ago, I spent the year studying abroad in England. Going overseas for college at that time wasn’t like it is…
OCD and Black-and-White Thinking
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often accompanied by some cognitive distortions, which are basically inaccurate beliefs that usually make us feel badly about ourselves. One of the more common cognitive distortions that…
Book Review: The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers
Self-care is a growing area of interest in the mental health field and in popular culture. Mental health workers encourage their clients to practice mindfulness and be aware of the…
Mental Health and Loneliness
As an advocate for mental health awareness, I have learned a lot about various brain disorders and illnesses. Of course each one comes with its own set of symptoms which…
Sarcasm on the Spectrum
Ever feel confused when others use sarcasm? Ever become frustrated by the expectation that you should understand sarcasm? Well you are not alone! While this article can be used to…
Music Training May Facilitate Memory Function in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has long been considered a detrimental form of dementia. With over 35 million individuals globally living with dementia and this number predicted to triple in the next…
Freedom from OCD
When he was dealing with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, my son Dan spent nine weeks in a world-renowned residential treatment program. During this time, he kept saying things such as “I’m…
A Systematic Approach to Understanding Learning Styles in Students with Disabilities
The way in which individuals perceive information and process it in different ways has an impact on learning. The understanding that each individual possess a unique set of biological and…
OCD is Messy
Since 2008 I have had the privilege of getting to know many people who deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder. We’ve connected through face-to-face meetings, email exchanges, telephone calls, and social media….
What If the ‘What Ifs’ Come True?
Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically realize their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and make no sense. There are times, however, that this belief can waver – especially when on…
When to Seek Treatment for OCD
Most experts agree that it is time to seek treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder when the illness “interferes with your daily life.” While “interfering” can mean different things to different people, it…
Have OCD? You Can Still Keep the Bar High
One of the main reasons I write about my family’s experiences is to get the word out that obsessive-compulsive disorder, no matter how severe, is treatable. Stories of recovery can give hope…
Book Review: Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle
My mother, a loving mother dedicated to her children, used to say, “raising children is hard.” As I grew older and began working with children and adolescents, I recognized her…
Book Review: Behavioral Challenges in Children
Raising a child with special needs is a difficult thing. Not only does a parent or guardian need a high tolerance level, but also knowledge on how to cope with,…