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Resources and Thoughts from Marilyn Halls, MA,LMHC

While I cannot share experiences that happen in the privacy of my counseling sessions, there is so much information available to us to freely share in this resource blog. I write from my experience drawing on other professional resources to educate and guide you in ways that can help you both before and beyond the counseling conversation.

Please scroll down to see my posts collected under the following topic headings:

  • Relationships and Communication 
  • Anxiety and Stress 
  • Depression Therapy 
  • Grief and Loss 
  • Transitions 

Featured Posts

couple in difficult communication

How Can We Improve Our Communication? Part 1

From an initial group of 130 newlyweds, 17 couples were divorced at the six-year point in their marriages. Gottman divided them into what he called “masters and disasters.” What set them apart? The most significant finding was that it was not arguments about key issues, such as money or sex but rather the presence or lack of emotional connection in their communication.   READ MORE

Positivity in Communication Part 2

Many couples struggle with communication issues. In my practice, I hear comments such as “When we try to address a serious topic such as in-laws, disciplining our children or getting them to finish their homework our arguments escalate into a fight” or “my partner does not listen to what I am saying, he/she interrupts and tells me I am wrong”. Positivity and soft startups are missing. Harsh startups are common and there is a great deal of criticism and complaining.  READ MORE

Master Stress Management With This Guide to a Balanced Life

In our fast-moving world, stress has become an omnipresent aspect of everyday life. It shapes our experiences, impacts our well-being, and challenges our mental health. Yet, understanding and effectively managing these stressors is not just a necessity but a skill that can significantly improve our lives. This guide is designed to lead you through the intricacies of recognizing and addressing the various stressors in your life, with the aim of guiding you towards a healthier, more balanced existence.

Relationships and Communication

Anxiety and Stress

Master Stress Management

Master Stress Management

In our fast-moving world, stress has become an omnipresent aspect of everyday life. It shapes our experiences, impacts our well-being, and challenges our mental health. Yet, understanding and effectively managing these stressors is not just a necessity but a skill...

Self-Isolation Woes

Self-Isolation Woes

Self-Isolation Woes, Your Fitness, and You: Keep the Negative Energy Out with These Three Things Self-isolation during these stressful times can be a challenge. It is difficult to find your balance and get right with yourself. A lot of adults and children are...

Depression Therapy

Depression: Get Treatment Early

Early diagnosis of depression, before it can develop from moderate to severe with potential grave risks, can have positive effects in all areas of life. We often equate depression with sadness but sadness and depression are very different states. Feelings of sadness...

Grief and Loss

Grief – how can I help a loved one?

When someone we love experiences the death of a loved one, a divorce or any other major life event we often do not know how to help them in this period of grief and loss. In our efforts to alleviate pain we often fall back on platitudes such as: You are lucky to have...

Transitions

Senior Living – Independent or Assisted

Senior Living – Independent or Assisted

At a certain age, the idea of a senior living community becomes more appealing. How appealing it is different for each individual, Then there are those who are fiercely independent and will have nothing to do with this group living arrangement.  ‘ Weighing your...

The Many Benefits of Assisted Living

The Many Benefits of Assisted Living

Despite the many benefits of assisted living many seniors dread moving into these communities. They fear it means an end to independence, but all it means is that you are getting more support for the things you need. Assisted living can be one of the best ways to live...