Q: SELECTING THE RIGHT TYPE OF COUNSELOR

A: Counseling services are available from a variety of sources. You may find a counselor at school, at work or at your church to help you with general problems related to your studies, or employment or spiritual issues. Psychologists can also administer testing inventories for courts and schools. Social workers help coordinate the clients' needs with available community resources. Pastoral counselors can deliver a full spectrum of counseling services, with the freedom to also address spiritual issues when appropriate. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medications for more severe emotional problems. Psychiatrists often work in inpatient psychiatric units in hospital settings. For those people suffering from life threatening addiction problems, most hospitals have inpatient recovery centers with in-house counselors. A telephone call can usually help you determine the type of care you or your loved one needs, and which type of counselor is best suited to your situation. The important thing is to make the call, and to begin getting the help you need as soon as possible. Let a trained professional help you become the best you can be! This information is general in nature and should not substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q:WHAT IS A PASTORAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST?

A: A Pastoral Psychotherapist is an ordained clergy person who also has specialized training similar to other counseling professionals. The separation of church and state provisions of the United States Constitution prohibit government agencies from licensing or supervising Pastoral Psychotherapists. However, Pastoral Counselors are required to be certified & supervised by an established religious organization. There are many Pastoral Psychotherapists in private practice. Pastoral Psychotherapists also serve as institutional Chaplains in prisons, universities, hospitals, and hospice facilities. Pastoral Psychotherapists frequently specialize in marriage and family counseling. This information is general in nature and should not substitute for the advice and care of a qualified Pastoral Psychotherapist.

Q:WHAT IS COGNITIVE/BEHAVIORAL THERAPY?

A: In the past, most therapists were trained in the classic methods of Freudian Analysis and standard insight therapy. The last few decades have enjoyed tremendous results from the advent of cognitive/behavioral therapy. Cognitive/behavioral therapists don't find it necessary to scrutinize the cause of the problem in order to find a solution for it. "You don't need to know how the fire started to put it out!" Cognitive therapy starts from the premise that by changing our thinking, we can improve our lives. Behavioral therapy posits that you can improve your personality by changing your behavior; that is, "fake it, 'til you make it." A cognitive/behavioral therapist combines these two techniques to create a very effective method of short-term, solution-focused therapy. Cognitive/behavioral therapy helps most people feel better, faster, for far less money, with long lasting results. Start becoming the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: NUTRITIONAL ANSWERS FOR EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

A: While some emotional problems require medication and counseling, many levels of depression, anxiety, anger, addictions and cognitive dysfunction can also be greatly reduced with the aid of proper nutritional supplementation. Except is crisis situations, is it usually more effective to use natural solutions, which bring positive side effects, rather than chemicals or drugs, which have negative side effects. Most mood disorders, eating disorders and learning difficulties respond positively to supplying the brain with the nutrients that satisfy deficiencies caused by physical, chemical or emotional stress. It is extremely difficult to get sufficient nutrition from our present food supply. Find a nutritional counselor who can help you build healthier brain chemistry through the use of top quality nutritional supplementation. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: STRESS MANAGEMENT

A: As our pace of life continues to soar, so do tempers, anxiety and stress. Sometimes it seems like our moods just take over our lives. Stress is a common factor in many different physical and psychological symptoms. It is known to contribute to the incidence of high blood pressure and heart disease. Other symptoms of stress include, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, irritability, apathy, anxiety and problems concentrating. Stress is caused by a natural physical reaction to perceived threats, called the fight or flight response. It means that our muscles tense, and our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, as adrenaline is released into the system. Are there certain people who really know how to pull your strings? Have you ever felt that you've lost control? If you have a problem, and you get upset about it, then you have two problems! In prehistory, we dissipated tensions by either fighting or fleeing. But today, we cannot simply attack or run screaming. whenever confronted with a stressful situation. Would like to learn a better way to deal with difficult situations? A counselor can help you learn to be in charge of your moods, rather than your moods being in control of you. Then you will be able to look back on those times with pride in the way you responded. Learning how to deal effectively with stressful times can make all the difference! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: TELL TALE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

A: Feeling sad or low is not the only sign of depression. If you believe you or a loved one suffers from depression, look for these accompanying symptoms: a depressed mood, the loss of interest in living; recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, a lack or motivation, greatly diminished pleasure in most or all activities, a reduced ability to think or concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, a lack of confidence and the feeling of being a burden on others, a loss of appetite, unusual weight fluctuations, fatigue or a loss of energy, disturbances in sleep patterns and an observable slowing or speeding up of common activities. Depression can also cause impaired social functioning and on-the-job difficulties. Depression can take the flavor from your food, the color from your environment, and the spring from your step. While some of these symptoms can also be signs of other physical illnesses, they should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one suffer from five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks at a time, it could very well be an indicator of depression. Talk with a counselor to get the help as soon as possible. This information is general in nature, and not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: THE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

A: The causes of depression can be situational or biological. Most people can pinpoint possible situational causes, such as loss of a job, home, or loved one, a major move or illness. Physiological factors can include heredity, hormonal changes, & nutritional deficits. Psychological factors can include faulty thinking, detrimental behavioral patterns, increased stress, and devastating traumas experienced in the course of life. For someone with a tendency towards depression, a trauma may cause the onset of a depressive episode. Studies have shown that people from families with high incidence of depression suffer up to three times the risk of depression. Many people develop downward cycling thought patterns that feed upon and further aggravate depression. Whatever the cause, it is important that you seek the help of a qualified counselor to aid you in assessing and treating your depression as quickly as possible. You don't have to keep suffering like this. There is a better way to live! Finding help can make all the difference! The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

A: Depression is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and nutrition. There is no one solution to this complicated disease. As many as half of the mild to moderate cases respond to psychotherapy alone. The chances of successful long-term recovery are greatly enhanced with nutritional supplementation. Once the anxiety has been reduced, behavioral therapy can help you find alternative ways of dealing with the problems that brought on the mood swings in the first place. In severe cases, medication may be necessary. Many people must go through several different medications before finding the right one or the right combination that reduces their depression. Relief from medications is often not felt for several weeks, and must be carefully monitored for side effects. A qualified counselor can help you assess your depression and find the right answers for you. The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: SUICIDE PREVENTION

A: A suicide threat is an emergency situation. If you are thinking about suicide, you need to contact immediate help. Talk to someone you trust who will listen to your problems. Write down your thoughts each day and list the things you are grateful for, your plans and the people who make themselves a part of your life. Learn the signs of an emerging suicidal episode and have a plan. This should include calling someone and perhaps going to the hospital. If you are helping a suicidal individual, encourage them to talk. Do not make judgments. Do not analyze. Suggest solutions or alternatives with an easy first step. People who talk about killing themselves often go through with it. Telling someone to go ahead and do it, will not shock him out of suicide. After the episode has been defused, contact a mental health professional. The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?

A: There are many types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobia and agoraphobia. Symptoms include, excessive worry, difficulty controlling their worry, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. The anxiety must also cause impaired functioning at work and in social situations Treatment includes cognitive/behavioral therapy, medication and nutritional regimens. These treatments are generally effective at reducing the symptoms and can often result in a return to a normal life. The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: WHAT IS AN ANXIETY ATTACK?

A: Anxiety attacks can have as many causes as there are sufferers. Each individual may have his own trigger events. There are many different anxiety disorders, some of which are defined by what causes the anxiety. Phobias are a form of anxiety disorder. Phobiacs are believed to have a genetic predisposition, with families tending to have a common phobia that runs throughout the clan. Theories also include factors related to childhood experiences, which may have resulted in trauma. That trauma may then be associated with a specific object or situation. For these individuals, a snake, spider, bridge, or social situation may be the sole source of an anxiety attack. For others, the anxiety is general. The attack is all day long, every day. They worry about everything, from their marriage, to their job, to their children - everything is a source of anxiety. The root causes are difficult to pin down. No matter the cause, there are treatments available. A counselor can lead you on the road to relief, and a satisfying normal life. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: TREATING PHOBIAS & ANXIETY DISORDERS

A: Anxiety attacks can be very disabling. They may affect work and social situations to the point of paralysis. There are estimates that eleven percent of the population will develop some sort of phobia during their lifetime. It is when a fear interferes with normal life, that it becomes a disorder requiring treatment. Because there are so many different types of anxiety disorders, the treatment varies. People with general anxiety disorder or specific phobias may be treated with cognitive/behavioral therapy, medication, nutritional regimens, bio-feedback, and/or systematic desensitization - a process whereby a phobia sufferer is gradually exposed to the dreaded object or situation until he can master his response. These treatments are generally effective at reducing the symptoms and can result in a return to a normal life. Seek the help of a counselor to help you get on top of your anxiety. Become the best you can be! The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a qualified professional.

Q: ANOREXIA /BULEMIA

A: Many of us struggle with body image. However, anorexia is a very serious eating disorder, especially among today's teens. This disease is about much more than a poor body image. Although there are many forms of anorexia, most starve their bodies by not taking in enough nutrition. They may stop eating with family and friends, become withdrawn and secretive or depressed and irritable, and may also exercise to the point of exhaustion.
People who suffer from bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food and then try to rid their bodies of that food by vomiting, taking laxatives, diuretics, enemas or exercising obsessively. Those suffering from this illness, which often begins during puberty, will often eat in secret and try to hide the problem. While their weight can appear normal, the bingeing can damage the stomach, while purging can damage the heart, esophagus and lead to irregular menstrual cycles in women.

Other common symptoms of eating disorders include: cloudy thinking, fatigue, depression, sleep disruption, becoming very cold easily, skin irritations, digestive problems, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles.

People who suffer from bulimia will often suffer from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, as well as other psychological problems. Some signs of bulimia are: obsessions with food; hiding food or eating in secret; frequent trips to the bathroom, especially after eating;

weight fluctuations; loss of menstrual cycles; This is a psychological disorder with serious consequences. If you think that you or someone you care for is struggling with an eating disorder, it is critical that you seek professional help

Q: BULIMIA - BINGEING AND PURGING

A: People who suffer from bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food and then try to rid their bodies of that food by vomiting, taking laxatives, diuretics, enemas or exercising obsessively. This disorder often begins during puberty. Those suffering from this illness will often eat in secret and try to hide the problem. Their weight can appear normal, however, the damage that is done to their bodies can be quite severe. The bingeing can damage the stomach, while purging can damage the heart, esophagus and lead to irregular menstrual cycles in women. People who suffer from bulimia will often suffer from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, as well as other psychological problems. Some signs of bulimia are: obsessions with food; hiding food or eating in secret; frequent trips to the bathroom, especially after eating; weight fluctuations; loss of menstrual cycles; and excessive use of laxatives and diuretics. This is a psychological disorder. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, please consult a qualified professional immediately.

Q: CAN ART THERAPY HELP ME?

A: Art is an outward expression of one's inner being. Whether through the medium of painting, dancing, writing, acting, home improvements, sports, or business, the purpose of Art Therapy is to promote wellness through self-expression and visual communication. This particular process of becoming more healthy is especially effective for those who have much to say, but find it difficult to communicate with words, and for those who have experiences that they would rather not talk about, but would like to explore. Something unique happens when we allow our minds to operate in a state of creative flow. We tend to slip out of that thinking, analyzing, systematic mind set, and grow more aware of the feeling, intuitive, investigative, freeing side of ourselves. This is a less explored, but equally important part of our being. You don't have to become a Michelangelo to benefit from art therapy. A trained art therapist can help you in your process toward self-expression and understanding. Explore your creativity, as you become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: MEDIATION

A: Whether your disputes are with family, friends or in professional situations, problems can become so overwhelming that sometimes people give up, and look to our judicial system for solutions. They often find out, too late, that our overburdened courts seldom have the resources to give their case the specialized time and attention it deserves. This can result in all parties having to live with the long-term effects of hasty or inadequate legal decisions. An experienced counselor can help you save you much time, money, and aggravation by guiding you toward amicable solutions to your present problems. He can also teach you conflict resolution skills, which will help all parties to come up with win/win solutions in future confrontations. Even in difficult situations, you can continue to become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: WEDDING CEREMONIES

A: If you are getting married and do not have a hometown church or local minister, remember that Pastoral Therapists are ordained clergy. They can, not only assist in premarital counseling, but often officiate at weddings. In addition, a pastoral counselor is usually familiar with the churches and wedding locations available in your area, and can help you find the perfect a location for your ceremony. They can also assist you in designing a personalized ceremony which expresses your commitment to each other in a very meaningful way. Whether you plan a private ceremony on the beach, or a formal, gala event, a pastoral counselor can help make your special day, and the decades to follow, the best they can be.

Q: ADD/ADHD

A: Perhaps you've been reading about the latest Learning Disorder, and are wondering if this might explain your child's (or spouse's) behavior. Does your loved one have difficulty controlling some aspects of his behavior? With no malice or disrespect, does he have a hard time finishing projects? Is he impulsive & restless? Do his interests in "EVerything" easily distract him? Is he tuned in to his own little world? Are you wondering if he'll ever be "on time," or learn to sit still, without fidgeting? These are just a few of the common symptoms of this syndrome, which can result in low self-esteem, poor grades and even social & emotional problems. While some families have turned to medication for relief, a family counselor can teach you behavioral and nutritional techniques that may be very effective in helping your child overcome these symptoms without risking the negative side effects of medication. Even young children can be taught to focus, be in charge of their moods, and learn to interact effectively with society. Help them excel. Help them become the best they can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: ANGER

A: Since the world can't be counted on to always caters to our preferences, we are all apt to experience anger from time to time. It has been said that continuing to carry that rage-is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Anger hurts us, as well. Learning how to find acceptable alternatives for expressing our anger can help us transform that energy into productivity. A qualified therapist can teach you to transcend aggression, scape-goating, repression, resentment, & retaliation with methods which work better & feel better, too. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION

A: One of he painful effects of deteriorating relationships is the turmoil and pain it brings to the offspring. Regardless of their personal differences, healthy parents realize that children draw their identity from both their mother and their father. Children often internalize negative comments made about the "other" spouse. They often think that negative comments also mean there is something wrong with them. It is usually in the child's best interest to have unlimited access to both parents, with shared custody. A qualified family counselor can help clarify the child's ongoing rights and needs. In the midst of all a failed relationship involves, find a therapist who can help make things as smooth as possible for the children who truly need stability during this difficult transition. Help them be the best they can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: CHILDREN OF DIVORCE

A: It only takes the hint of domestic disharmony to upset the lives of children. When things get so bad at home that the adults are ready to dissolve the marriage, it can be devastating to the lives of the children for years to come. Children have the right to a healthy, nurturing environment. It is our job as parents to provide that. When a break up comes, please see a family counselor to help you cultivate as stabile a life as possible, for them and for yourselves, during this transition. There are things the children need to be told, and should not be told, to help them through this upsetting time. Do all you can to minimize the unnecessary pain, so that they can join you on the road to becoming the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: COMMUNICATION

A: Do you have a hard time getting your point across? Do you feel that people don't understand you? There are simple communication skills that can help you speak in such a way that people can hear what you are really saying. Counselors can also teach you how to listen in such a way that people actually feel understood. These skills will help you tear down those walls that are causing human relations problems, and build bridges to family members, friends and co-workers. The time you spend learning how to converse effectively will result in better relationships in every realm of your life! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: SELF-ESTEEM

A: My parents warned me about getting a "big head." My church taught me I was "sinful." At school, the jocks & brains got all the attention. I got married thinking finally someone would appreciate me. My spouse became a pro at pointing out my faults. I finally started believing them all! A qualified therapist can help you stop looking to others for validation, and focus on your internal worth. What "everybody" thinks of you is none of your business! Learn to slay that "phantom!" As you lead an honorable life and become fully alive, you can learn to be proud of who you are, and what you are contributing to society. Start appreciating your own gifts. Experience the joy of becoming the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: WEIGHT CONTROL

A: Virtually every world-class athlete will tell you that the mind is the most important part of any sport. The mind is also the most important part of weight control. Our thoughts influence our eating habits, our cravings, our metabolism, and our attitudes toward exercise. You need not starve, or stuff yourself, to look and feel your best. A qualified counselor can help you learn to use your mind to achieve your ideal weight. The positive changes in your mind will soon shape your physical reality. Get off the diet see-saw once and for ever, and take permanent charge of your weight in a positive and healthy way! Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: DIVORCE

A: When you said "I do," you undoubtedly intended to live happily ever after. When your marriage falls apart, and all options have been exhausted, a family therapist can at least help you have a successful divorce. Inevitable dissolution of your marriage does not have to involve intentional cruelty & unnecessary pain. A counselor can help you mediate your separation more amicably, saving you much time, money & long-term suffering. Family therapists can also help you through the necessary steps in rebuilding your life, and caring for those around you who will be inevitably affected by your divorce. Life can go on with meaning and purpose. Seek qualified help to help you make the transition more smoothly, so the rest of your life can be the best it can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: FEAR

A: Not knowing what is going to happen can be a major source of anxiety. It can cause us to avoid, run away, fight, or become paralyzed and totally non-productive. It can ruin the quality of our lives. Yet, when we have information, we can learn to deal with the future in a rational, constructive manner. A qualified therapist can help you identify the source of your distress, and teach you how to deal with your worries. You can experience victory over the "boogey man." You can learn to overcome your fears once and for all, and see the future as a novel, exciting opportunity. Enjoy the freedom of becoming the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: FINDING A MATE

A: Are you at the stage where you would like someone special with whom to share your life, but don't know where to begin looking? Are you paralyzed by the thought of having to enter the "dating scene?" Every time you think you've found someone, do you realize that they are after the "wrong thing?" There is nothing closer to heaven-on-earth than having a life partner with whom to build a successful, long-term relationship. A qualified l therapist can help you decide which traits are important to you in mate selection, and how to enjoy the process of looking for a life partner. You may be surprised to find yourself attracted to people with interests quite different than yours! Once you learn what to look for, your counselor can also teach you how to weave your differences into a blend that will create an exciting and satisfying future! Learn how to become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: GIFTED & TALENTED CHILDREN

A: The traits typical of gifted or talented children include creativity, leadership, high achievement, aptitude in the visual or performing arts, and superior thinking skills. Your school district probably has an active gifted and talented program. MENSA, the high IQ society has a Gifted Child Coordinator in each local chapter. Best Self USA has a MENSA Gifted Child Coordinator on staff. If you are the parent of a gifted child, expect to be challenged. Gifted children are usually born to gifted parents who are able to influence them in a positive direction. It has been said that raising gifted children is like raising thoroughbred horses: "They are a lot more trouble, but when you are done you don't have a plow horse, you have a champion!" The problems and needs of gifted children are as unique as their abilities. A qualified counselor can help you direct your gifted child toward pro-social goals and a life that is stable and productive. If your gifted child has problems, please find a counselor who understands giftedness and can relate well to children. Investing in the future of a gifted child pays rich dividends. Help them be the best they can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: LONELINESS

A: Whether you have recently suffered a great loss, or it has just been too long since you have enjoyed pleasant companionship, feeling lonely can be devastating. Will it be like this forever? Is there anything I can do to relieve this feeling of isolation? A qualified therapist can help you identify and overcome the causes of your loneliness. He can help you muster the courage to overcome the fear of rejection and begin seeking satisfying social interactions. There are lots of people in your position who are eager to develop enjoyable friendships that can make life an exciting adventure. Misery is optional. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: PARENTING

A: Raising children in this day and age can be an enormous challenge. Successful parenting requires skills and talents we never dreamed of when we first hugged our little darlings. Children need to be taught respect, responsibility and resourcefulness. Learn to understand the phases children go through; what behaviors are normal, and what unhealthy habits need modification. A family counselor can help you learn how to modify unhealthy habits, and communicate your values to your children. They will learn how to set healthy limits and learn from their mistakes. Knowing what works can bring more joy to one of the most intensive jobs on the planet. This information is general in nature, is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: REBUILDING WHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP ENDS

A: Whether it was a short-tem involvement, or a long-term marriage, the pain of a break up is inevitable. That pain can spiral you down into a dreadful depression, or urge you to begin climbing the steps toward healing. Those steps to recovery are also very predictable. Knowing the ups and downs of the recuperation process can help you make the transition more quickly and smoothly. A qualified family therapist can show you the upward path that can reveal the potential of your new life. An experienced counselor can teach you to discard your baggage, and regain your personal self-esteem. When one door has closed, a better door can open. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: RESTORING TRUST

A: When you tell me you have a hard time trusting, I know you have been wounded. People who have counted on others and had their hopes dashed over & over will be leery of daring to believe again. They may even run from those loving individuals who want to help them overcome their pain. A therapist can help you find your inner strength and begin to rebuild successful relationships with people worthy of your trust. Your negative history need not repeat itself. You can enjoy becoming the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: SENIORS

A: This is the time of life we've all worked hard to achieve. Yet, once we get there, retirement may seem to have lost some of its glitter. Whether due to illness, grief over the loss of loved ones, restrictions on mobility, or financial limitations, many retirees find it difficult to make the transition from their working life, to the dignity of being a retiree. Many seniors, having moved south, find they miss their families and longtime friends. Single retirees face the additional pressure of creating a new social circle in a new community, after they have lost their lifetime mate. Alcoholism & depression can further complicate the senior dilemma. Amid all these changes, a qualified counselor can be a valuable resource in helping seniors find meaning and direction for their lives. Many retirees have discovered the joy of sharing their wisdom and expertise in service to others. Your counselor can help you work through issues that may have been getting you down, so you can enjoy life to the fullest. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: TROUBLED TEENS

A: Adolescence is a difficult phase of life for all of us. Some teenagers have more trouble adjusting to the transition to adulthood than others. Troubled teens often "act out," with their behavior, internal emotions they have not been able to consciously identify or reconcile. Thus, adolescence is frequently marked by rebellion, hostility, uncooperativeness, substance experimentation & abuse, sexual promiscuity and other destructive, or antisocial behaviors. It is important to find a qualified family therapist who relates well with teens to help your youngster identify and learn to find better ways of dealing with his internal strife. With help, it is possible to get both you and your teens through this difficult phase with a minimum of negative consequences, while maintaining the integrity of your family bond. Your therapist can help them avoid the negative consequences that come from antisocial behavior, and help you launch them into a successful adulthood. Help them to become the best they can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

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Q: INFIDELITY

A: While infidelity can be one of the most devastating threats to the survival of a relationship, it can be overcome. Destroying a family because of a mistake can cause misery that will reverberate for generations! With the help of a qualified therapist, a couple who wants to end the needless pain and restore their relationship can do so with predictable success. Many people have done it, and are glad they made the effort! Let a qualified counselor show you how you can each withdraw your contributions to the problem, and discover the kind of relationship that you've always wanted. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: FORGIVENESS

A: Were you ever confused by the statement, "I may forgive, but I'll never forget" ? To forgive means to give up resentment, to proceed as if it never happened. Some people carry grudges for decades. Those resentments eat away at them every time it comes to mind. One can never have peace, without forgiveness. Forgiveness is something one grants himself! He stops punishing himself for something someone else did to him. He stops letting their actions ruin his life. A qualified therapist can help you do the work of emotional healing, so that the very people and circumstances that injured you can become the transformers through whom you can experience a new sense of acceptance and well-being. You can at last enjoy peace of mind! Become the best you can be!

Q: HIGH IQ-PROS & CONS - WHAT IS A GENIUS?

A: It has been said that there is a "genius" IQ score, however this is misleading. There is no IQ score ranked as "genius." What one does with a high IQ might qualify one as a "genius". To join MENSA, the international high IQ society, an applicant must achieve a score at the 98th percentile on a standardized IQ test. Genius may be in the eye of the beholder. Furthermore, a true genius may not score particularly well on a standard IQ test. A Nobel Prize winner may have never scored at the Mensa level on a high school IQ test - he was too busy seeing all the alternate possibilities for each answer. Those who are what we may call a genius don't need a score on an IQ test to prove it. Sometimes very bright people have trouble making a successful adjustment to ordinary society. A qualified counselor, who also has a quick mind, can help gifted and talented people toward a more rewarding life, and more stable relationships. This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

A: We all deal with them, in person and professional relationships. The YES People, who agree to anything, but seldom deliver. The Chronic Complainers & Pessimists, who can throw a wet blanket over the entire operation. The Know-It-Alls, experts on everything, who pass the buck when they're wrong. The Passives who avoid interaction at all costs, so you never know where they stand, and the Snipers, who bully, intimidate, and criticize unfairly. If you are tired of feeling angry and helpless at the hands of difficult people, you can now do something about it! A qualified therapist can teach you what to say and do to overcome all sorts of difficult situations. Don't let screamers, pouters, or complainers get the best of you. Learn how to keep your cool, transcend your environment, and come out on top. Become the best you can be! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.

Q: CHANGING FOR THE BETTER

A: Nothing is more certain than change itself. Yet when we want to make changes in our thinking, feeling, or behaving, we often go about it exactly the wrong way, making matters worse, rather than better. By studying how effective behavior modifications occur, we can escape becoming even more deeply entrenched in old habit patterns. A qualified counselor can guide you in learning to strengthen the new, desirable habits. You and those you care about can become experts at ending those behaviors that have been keeping you from achieving your highest potential. Knowing how to effect desirable changes in our lives can help us to become the very best we can be! Next year, keep your New Year's Resolutions! This information is general in nature, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified professional.