tips

Are you having trouble with communication?

We all know that better communication leads to better relationships in all aspects of life. We have to learn how to communicate well with our bosses and coworkers at work. We do this so everything can run smoothly and efficiently. We have to learn to communicate effectively in school so that we don’t fall behind or misunderstand an important lesson. We have to learn how to communicate with our friends so that plans and events go the way they need to. In relationships with our loved ones, we know that we have to communicate our wants, needs, and feelings to achieve a fulfilled relationship. If we know this, then why is it still so hard? What are some of the things we can work on to better communicate with our loved ones to make our relationships thrive?

Earning his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson State University and his EdS degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University, Jeffrey Brandler is owner and founder of Jeffrey Brandler, EdS CAS SAP in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. He has had a private practice since 1991 working with individuals and couples with the most common treated issues being anxiety, depression, addiction and stress. Jeff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Addictions Specialist and Substance Abuse Professional, as well as a chapter advisor for the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance. He has been published by the American Association of Mariage and Family Therapy-New Jersey twice in his career. Jeff is also a presenter at self help, corporations, and professional groups.

To find out more about Jeffrey Brandler and his practice, Jeffrey M. Brandler, EdS CAS SAP, you can visit their website or call (973) 402-2647 for an appointment.

Can you say no to your spouse?

The term “no” may be universal in almost every language, but the decision of saying no can sometimes prove to be more difficult than it may seem. It is hard to say no to your boss when they give you a large project with an unrealistic timeline. It is also hard to say no to your young children when they pout and put on their sad little puppy eyes. It is hard to say no to your mother who needs help with something that she can’t do by herself. And it is hard to say no to your spouse on something that you don’t agree with when you don’t want to make your loved one upset. What can we do to make saying no a little easier? How do we make boundaries with our loved ones without rocking the boat?

Earning her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Ricki Geiger is founder and owner of Rickie L. Geiger, LCSW in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ricki is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Retirement Coach. She has over 30 years of professional experience. She provides individuals, couples, and group therapy for adults over 21 years of age. Ricki is a seasoned, engaging and skilled community educator and workshop presenter.

To find out more about Ricki Geiger and her practice, Ricki L. Geiger, LCSW, you can visit their website or call (919) 929-8559 for an appointment.

Each and every one of us responds to stress differently. Some of us respond to stress by eating more than we usually do while others eat less than they are used to when they are stressed. Some of us exercise until they push themselves too far while others may stop their exercise regimens. Some use smoking, drinking and drugs to try to escape the stress in their lives. Sometimes, we may choose to withdraw from our friends, families and activities while some of us fill up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems, which leads to added stress. How does our stress response impact the way we respond to others? Are we often even mindful or aware of this? How can this affect our relationships? What can we do to improve the quality of our relationships?

Earning his Master’s Degree in Counseling and License in Marriage and Family Therapy, Mr. Jude Johnson practices at Akeen Mind in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jude specializes in the practice of mindfulness, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has attended extensive training on the practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and has applied these skills into clinical practice. Jude has worked in an array of settings including inpatient psychiatric/substance abuse, home based family therapy, alternative schools, emergency services, and outpatient clinics both as a therapist and administrator. Jude utilizes mindfulness and family systems theory as base ingredients to optimize the well-being of organizations, professionals, and people from all walks of life. He has experienced the benefits of practicing mindfulness first hand and is passionate about helping others discover their own inner resources for managing stress, pain and illness.

To find out more about Jude Johnson and his practice, Akeen Mind, you can visit their website or call (843) 364-5921 for an appointment.