
Blog

I wrote this article published Winter 2023. The need for compassion has remained, even increased, as we see more people living with anxiety and depression, impacting their ability to manage life stressors - at work and at home.
Family, Faith Community/group identity and Culture are forces of impact that Timothy Sanford considers in Chapter 2 of, I Have to be Perfect and other parsonage heresies. What forces of impact have you experienced?
In, I Have to be Perfect, Tim Sanford, gives examples of several conflicting statements and explains that situations can occur simultaneously that are conflicting and contrasting, AND both may be true. When we try to live in this ever contrasting world without “and”, difficult situations and relationships can seem even harder.
Often times I see not fitting in, not being perfect, not being perfect enough, not being what others or another expects or wants, not being “something"….results in our feeling that our life is not full, joyful, or more tragically, not worth living.
Many psychologists are saying we may need to give ourselves a break and give grace, regarding resolutions for this year. It’s been tough and we’re experiencing more depression, anxiety and other mental and physical health issues as a result of the pandemic…
It’s another cloudy and middle cold day. This year of 2020 continues into another day, and then a next I’m sure, and I hope, overcasting each with a sense that time is passing both faster and slower than we can track. Most chronological markers in the form of traditions, seasonal events, have been or will be changed…
How many people during this pandemic - sheltering in place, in quarantine, or lock down - need to ask for forgiveness? An internet search didn’t return with a relational result, rather than a financial one
As therapists, we don’t always get to pick our specialties. Sometimes they pick us. Such was the case for me with Reactive Attachment Disorder. I have more than 27 years’ experience working with teens and adults and it’s normal for any number of issues to present, all as varied as the people that sit across from me…
It’s all new, the potential for, well, anything is in it. There are no mistakes or regrets in it. Even if you are carrying over a few less than stellar situations from last year - face these with a new perspective. Review and re-frame them as needed.
So what stresses you, or increases your anxiety this time of year? Is it preparing for guests, preparing your home, preparing meals and treats? What about the extra financial strain? What about those difficult family relationships?
Talking about forgiveness in nice psychological or theological terms keeps it sterile and at a safe distance. The reality is it’s not nice…sterile…or safe. It’s not cheap, quick or easy either. When you look deeply at the issue of forgiving another person…
Have you been forgiven? Have you forgiven? Most of us can answer yes to both questions. Tim in his down-to-earth, straight talk, from a teacher’s heart style of writing helps build the steps we need to reach healing through the powerful act of forgiveness...
September is National Suicide Prevention month. Usually the focus on those at risk as is appropriate; but, what if you’ve already lost someone to suicide? I’d like to address the loss experienced by those who are still living…
The depth of pain, hopelessness, overwhelmed-ness, sadness - you name the feeling - is tragic and for some unimaginable. You don’t have to understand the pain to be able to help. You also don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Here are some ways you can help make a difference…
How much we work is something that we have some say in. Work-life balance? No such thing. There’s just life…
We have many things in our lives that are out of our control or our sphere to manage. Choosing a few goals or setting resolutions that we genuinely value can help us gain a sense of control and help us learn to live life well…
Does a grateful attitude help in being a servant-leader? Most of us know what servant-leadership is. We understand the general concept of acting gracious toward our direct reports and team, focusing on what’s best for others or the success of the team rather than our personal gain...
There are more books than a person can read on how leaders can get their team to focus and achieve their goals, create loyalty, and increase engagement - but not many that appear to be as compassionate or fun as those used by Jim Henson and the culture of the Muppets Workshop.
It's helpful to not only plan trips and outings, it's a good idea to have plans for ourselves…We'll need to plan for times to celebrate and times to deal with the hard things of life - having a destination helps us plan our route and choose what we pack. Are you packing a positive, resilient posture? A cynical self-protecting mindset? Bravery? Self-centeredness? A gracious and giving spirit?
Almost 16 million American adults experienced at least one major depressive episode within the last 12 months. Included in the diagnostic symptoms list is; feelings of hopelessness. How do we lose hope and how do we get it or get it back?
Tim shares with you what he has learned to be effective in his work with RAD clients and families. Whether you are a professional working with RAD clients or an individual impacted by RAD, you will gain insight into the complex inner thoughts and relational constructs by reading through Tom’s journal. You’ll learn by written word and in the visual presentation from the font chosen to the movement/placement of Tom’s words in his journal.
Tim invites mental health professionals, family members, friends, and those dealing with attachment issues to dive deep into the world of Tom, a man living with RAD, coping with the disorder and his journey toward hope. There IS hope.
Inside RAD is a book is written by a therapist for therapists. This book is written for adults with RAD or un-diagnosed RAD. This book is for those who care for someone with RAD or RAD symptoms. This book is truthful about what RAD is, how it may occur (maybe not exactly what you expect), the long road ahead for healing, and very importantly – hope for a healthier future…
Back in January we talked about how journaling can be therapeutic. I still find that to be true. When I take the time to write, it allows my brain to process things in a way that doesn't happen if I keep my thoughts in my head, or even if I speak them out loud. Journaling is an inexpensive and relatively easy form of therapy.
Last week was National Sleep Awareness Week! This week we started Day Light Savings Time (well most of us anyway) and set our clocks ahead Saturday night or Sunday morning. How do you feel about losing that hour? Do you see it as a lost hour of sleep or a lost hour of time to be productive?
Where did the last year go? As many of us take some time to look back on the last year I feel like 2015 for me was rather unbelievable, unexpected, unbalancing…well…it was “un-“
I have always enjoyed the fresh feeling of a new year – the countdown and hope for something better than what has been. After going through a divorce this past year, I am ready for a fresh start.