Susan LeClair, LMFT, LLC

09/09/2019

There's great power in being able to name our emotions. When we have a response such as anger, there are probably other things lying beneath it. http://bit.ly/2VZGJAd

Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar, as Freud may or may not have said. That is, sometimes anger is just anger. You're annoyed or aggravated, because you're genuinely annoyed or aggravated. B

09/07/2019

Emotional Intelligence is crucial to improving our relationship with ourselves as well as with others. Although not everybody picks up on it naturally, it can be taught. http://bit.ly/2URzPMQ

What’s been shown by research to be more important for job success than IQ? What’s a major factor in life satisfaction? What contributes to lasting marriages and happy children? What can leap tall buildings in a single bound? (Well, maybe not that.) It’s...

09/04/2019

People who work in addiction counseling are aware that relapses are likelier when someone is hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. The same applies to emotionally maladaptive behavior in other situations. http://bit.ly/2OhVoTR

One of the many acronyms in the 12-Step vernacular is H.A.L.T., which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. It is used as a cautionary reminder that when one is in any of those modes, they are more

09/02/2019

It is possible for someone to complain without despising their partner. When they feel contempt is when a relationship is really in trouble. http://bit.ly/2P4GrVF

Couples often confuse the two.

08/30/2019

This woman shared her story about recovering from alcoholism so that other people would find the courage to confront their disease. A family history is influential, but it is not destiny. http://bit.ly/2DIOSE3

I stopped drinking in 1992, so I thought society's drinking problem had changed along with my own. In fact, alcohol-related deaths are on the rise.

08/27/2019

When a family member is dealing with a mental disorder, the whole family could benefit from support. On an individual, couples, or family basis, we can help you to build resilience and find healthier ways of coping.

08/26/2019

Crying isn't a panacea, but at the right time, it can remove stress hormones and leave a person feeling more hopeful. http://bit.ly/2GAvk5w

Tears. I liken them to numinous mist or emotional sign language. "They're considered a release, a psychological tonic, and to many a glimpse of something deeper: the heart's own sign la

08/23/2019

Communication is a skill that needs to be regularly practiced. If partners agree on what the rules for communication are, they will be able to have more substantive conversations within those rules. http://bit.ly/2HgQ3eO

To sustain an intimate relationship, we must be able to communicate with one another. Our communication needs to go beyond the events of the day to truthful, heartfelt conversation that explores feelings and issues within and affecting the relationship....

08/21/2019

We can't be kind to others if we're not kind to ourselves. This article describes how to avoid berating yourself when you're upset. http://bit.ly/2pnTpm8

This article explores what it means to be compassionate toward ourselves. It explains how self-compassion means being gentle and accepting toward our feelings.

08/19/2019

Paced breathing and conscious muscle relaxation are some techniques you can use to reduce anxiety. Read up on some other simple actions you can take for quick results. http://bit.ly/2DFM09E

In addition to containing many moments of joy, life clearly also involves hassles. Sometimes, in addition to the everyday challenges, we find (or put) ourselves in situations which seem absolutely unbearable, and we’re overwhelmed by powerful feelings...

08/16/2019

Alcoholism is the most common form of substance dependency, but many people have an inaccurate understanding of what it looks like. A person who works and has relationships may still need help. http://bit.ly/2DJzQ0V

The news headlines are filled with stories about people dying from opioid overdoses. The CDC reported 49,000 deaths just last year. However, there's a drug even more deadly -- and it might be in your refrigerator. The CDC says alcohol kills more than 50,000 people every year. That number does not in...

08/13/2019

Developing new skills will give you something positive to focus on and take pride in. It can be a great help for people who lack a sense of identity. http://bit.ly/2EF1nP7

Developing a skill can help build low self-esteem. Learn how developing skills help you combat a negative attitude towards yourself at HealthyPlace.