Jun
01
2012
Thinking about group therapy? Maybe your therapist has suggested that you would be a good candidate for group therapy. Perhaps you’ve been in a support group in the past and have some idea of how groups work. Or, does your understanding of group therapy come solely from seeing movies like 28 Days with Sandra Bullock, or Fight Club with Brad Pitt?
You should know that there are a lot of very good reasons to consider group therapy. The following list, developed through extensive research by Dr. Irvin Yalom, famed Existential Therapist and author of The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, describes the therapeutic factors involved in the group therapy experience (don’t be surprised; there’s a bunch of them).
• Universality-recognition of shared experiences in a group dispels sense of isolation, validates experiences, and raises self esteem
• Altruism-members can help each other and feel good about it
• Installation of Hope-members can be inspired and encouraged by each other
• Imparting Information-factual information about treatment or other services is regularly shared
• Corrective Recapitulation of the Primary Family Experience-members can learn how to avoid repeating unhelpful behaviors (still lingering from childhood) in present relationships
• Development of Socializing Techniques-group offers a safe and supportive environment for members to improve their social skills
• Imitative Behavior-members can develop new skills from observing behaviors modeled by therapist as well as other members
• Cohesiveness-most important-members feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and validation; this is where personal development takes place
• Existential factors-learning to take responsibility for one’s life, decisions, and actions
• Catharsis-release from emotional distress through the free and uninhibited expression of emotion to a supportive audience
• Interpersonal Learning-members achieve a greater sense of self-awareness through interaction with other group members who give feedback on behavior and impact on others.
• Self-understanding-similar to interpersonal learning, but refers to greater insight into the origins of one’s problems and the motivations behind one’s behavior
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Aug
31
2010
- Karen Walsh, LCI, Life Coach
“This is not who I am. This is not who I want to be. This is not who I was born to become.” Have you ever felt this way, or are you struggling with these emotions right now? If so, you probably think something is wrong with you, or your life. Actually, these honest feeling are healthy, and quite normal. These feelings are nudging you not to sleepwalk through life, but to mindfully examine on how you are spending your time, and how you are using your gifts. These feelings don’t necessarily mean you need a new job, new location to live, or new relationships. What you need is already inside you. Like a sculptor, you need to chip away at the “stuff” that is in the way of your true inner being.
How do you go about “coming home to yourself”, and living the life you were meant to live? The first step is realizing you want more out of the life you have already created. You’ll need time. This is no race, and there are no material prizes for reaching your goal. What you will receive is peace, knowing you are honoring your true self.
Although you can certainly take this wonderful journey on your own, I invite you to join a group of like-minded people to help you on your way. You will need times of solitude, and time to reflect and journal, but coming together once a week to share your discoveries, share your challenges, and celebrate your successes makes the journey a joy, and keeps you from going back to sleepwalking through your life! We will explore finding work, or volunteer opportunities that ignite our passions, ways to move beyond instant gratification and materialism, and how to let go of worry and anxiety to live a calmer, more balanced life.
Please join us at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando starting Thursday, September 23, to explore “Perfectly Yourself. 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness”, based on the book by Matthew Kelly. This new life coaching series led by Cindy Fabico, MA, LMHC, and Karen Walsh, LCI certified Life Coach, is an 8 week course that will be held on Thursday mornings, 10:30- 12:30, and in the evenings from 7:30-9:30. Click here to go to the groups page for more details and registration information. Don’t wait- it’s your turn to meet wonderful new friends, and find the happiness that comes from being “Perfectly Yourself”!
Karen To read more about Karen’s work at Life Skills Resource Group
Aug
12
2010
I am a textbook middle child. I was born between a dynamic, talented, first-born and a fun-loving, darling, baby of the family. According to birth order theory, middle children have peacemaking tendencies, and I certainly do.
What I’ve had to learn though is that peacemaking in relationships is not peace-at-all-costs. If we subscribe to this view – “I must sacrifice whatever I have to in order to make peace with this person” – we need to understand that the price is too high.
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Jun
15
2010
Nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce these days and according to the Associated Press, Florida has one of the higher rates in the country. Parents invariably divorce for a multitude of reasons, but their ultimate goal is to create a happier, healthier life for themselves and their children. What parents often overlook is that their actions during this difficult time can facilitate a smooth, informed, supportive transition for the children involved. The counselors and life coaches at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando can help guide families through this difficult time of transition.
Children and parents all approach and experience divorce in different ways, but there is one common fact that all families come to realize – when parents divorce, no matter what the situation, life will be changing for you and your children. It is during this time that parents wonder how to help their child best adjust to the changes that are about to take place. These questions can persist long after a divorce is final, and it’s important to know that it is never too late to make positive changes. If you have not yet divorced, you may just now be thinking about how to help your child with these life changes. One of the most important things a parent can do for their child in this difficult time is to ensure that the child knows they did not cause the divorce and they cannot stop the divorce from happening. The child also needs to consistently hear from both parents that they still love him or her regardless of what has happened in the past or what happens in the future between the parents. It is also important for children to be aware that they have the right to love both parents equally, no matter how the parents may feel about one another.
Divorce is often coupled with anger, sadness, confusion, worry, and many other feelings that need to be expressed in a healthy, supportive environment. In the groups I conduct for children of divorce I am constantly amazed at the number of children who think it is wrong to be angry or sad. It is important for all individuals, adults and children alike, to understand that all feelings are ok. We cannot deny our feelings, or our children’s feelings, but we must be aware of healthy and appropriate ways to express these feelings.
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Apr
04
2010
Karen Q. Walsh, CLC, Certified Life Coach
At Life Skills Resource Group Orlando, we offer Life Coaching Groups 4-5 times a year. Some of the topics we have covered include “Creating the Life You Want”, “Quantum Success”, “You Can Heal Your Life”, “The 7 Levels of Intimacy”, and starting April 15th, 2010, our newest group, “Secrets of Success” (limited registration available in morning group, evening sold out).
But sharing the titles of the groups does not begin to explain the life changing experiences these groups have been for the participants. For if I told you there was a special place in Orlando, with a special group of people, who came together once a week for 8 weeks, and though most were strangers at the beginning, they came away “family”- would you believe me? Would you believe it’s possible to bring together strangers, and in 8 short weeks, find a community with an incredible bond?
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Jan
24
2010
Jessica Stage, MSW, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Isn’t it amazing that the first month of 2010 is almost at its end? Many of us may have made, and even broken New Year’s resolutions by this point. We decided that we would “eat healthier”, “go to the gym every day” or “find the love of our life”. However, just making resolutions is not the way to change your life for the better. Maybe the reason that you can’t ever seem to make it to the gym is that your poor self image makes you feel embarrassed to work out in front of others. Maybe you have always had negative feelings about food that cause you to binge eat whenever you are stressed. Maybe you have found the right person in the past but repeat the same relationship mistakes over and over again. Sometimes the best way to find a new you is to learn how to change your thoughts and actions through a relationship with a counselor or therapist. The qualified counselors at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando have collective years of experience helping other people like you to overcome the challenges of their past mistakes and open a door to a better life. Whether it is by going to one of our inspiring life coaching or relationship building groups, having couples therapy with the person that you love or partaking on a journey of individual therapy, one can learn so much from our professional therapists!
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Sep
27
2009
The other day I ran into an old friend from my children’s elementary school days. The “kids” , who are all now in their late teens and twenties, were the main topic of conversation. Of course we both started out with our “success stories”. Details on the son or daughter who makes us look good, makes us feel like a “good parent.” We danced around our other children’s lives until I decided to take the plunge- I told the truth about my child’s struggle with where he was going in life. He wasn’t the “perfect kid” you brag about, and I admitted feeling very guilty about not having ALL the answers on how to help him. I could actually see the relief on her face, and I could see her entire body relax as she admitted her own “unconventional child’s” struggles.
Karen Walsh, LCI, Certified Life Coach Specializing in Children, Teens, Young Adults
Wow- the world didn’t end to admit the truth- we have a normal family, not a perfect family!! She told me how good it felt to talk to someone, and not feel judged. We parted ways, but her words stayed in my mind and on my heart. How many other parents out there feel alone and afraid to talk to friends and family due to fear of being judged or a belief that they will be burdening others with their challenges?
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Sep
20
2009
Do daily temper tantrums make running errands a nightmare? Are the terrible twos getting to be more than you bargained for? Do you think that only “perfect parents” have well behaved children?
Young children are learning so much about the world and their families, and it is a great age to make changes that will last a lifetime!
As the mother of a three year old, I understand what other parents could be going through! My degree is Clinical Social Work did not prevent my son from throwing a tantrum at Target a time or two! However, many of the parenting techniques that I learned from the book PARENTING YOUNG CHILDREN changed how I react to my son’s outbursts. This has resulted in less whining and more peaceful shopping trips!
Even though there is no “magic book” that will help you to become a “perfect parent” there are many parenting skills you can develop that will improve the quality of you and your child’s relationship. Best of all, it uses the power of positive parenting to encourage your child to do well, rather than focusing on punishing for bad behavior. Learn how to make consequences logical and fitting for different kinds of behavior challenges.
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Sep
01
2009
CREATING THE LIFE YOU WANT
At LIfe Skills Resource Group in the Dr. Phillips area of Southwest Orlando we are committed to offering affordable classes and groups for our clients and the community in general. Over the past year we have held parenting classes for parents of toddlers, school age children and teenagers as well as Life Coaching Groups with topics including: “Creating the LIfe You Want”, “Quantum Success”, and “You Can Heal Your Life”.
We are very excited to be offering our most popular group “Creating the Life You Want” for the 3rd time. This is an 8 week group coaching experience following the #1 New York Times bestseller Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson.
Led
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Jun
11
2009
Jessica Stage, MSW
When you look in the mirror who do you see? Do you focus on your bright eyes, friendly smile and go about your day? Or do you spend time focusing on what you would change if you could. Maybe my nose could be smaller? I wish my face was clearer! If only I could lose 15(25,30,50) pounds, then I would be happy!
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