donna's blog

That's where the light comes in... What can you possibly learn in school to prepare you for this level trauma, shock sadness and grief? In my suicide bereavement group it is raw. Then, allowing for the individual and collective pain points, they soften and comfort each other. They participate as if it was a group no one would ever be a member of. Because it is. I am bearing witness, gently guiding, holding space. I manage the monopolizers and the retreaters. This is ho

Dreams of falling are among the most common and vivid experiences people report. They often leave a lingering sense of unease or confusion upon waking. What do these dreams really mean? Are they just random brain activity, or do they carry deeper messages about our waking lives? Exploring the symbolism behind dreams of falling can reveal insights into our emotions, fears, and personal challenges. What Falling Dreams Typically Represent Falling in a dream often reflects feelin

local track - hastings-on-hudson, ny When the darkness starts coming around mid-November and the clocks turn back, many people call me - in fact - the most people call me of all the times of the year! (However, I have read it can happen in ANY season!!). As the Solstice approaches we all have to turn inward a while. It's not a punishment, as my dear Dad would say. I happen to be one of those rare individuals who is BOTH an introvert and an extrovert. I love to be around p

Navigating the teenage years can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. As teens seek independence, it becomes crucial for parents to foster open and respectful communication. Building trust and understanding during this formative period can significantly impact your relationship with your teen. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical tips for improving communication with your teenager and ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open. Understan

I've been writing articles on SAD - seasonal depression/affective disorder for more than 25 years. There's not much new to say about it, but there are plenty of more reasons to be SAD. I am working with a lot of teens and young adults right now who are acting out and getting into trouble and doing risky things, which are all normal to adolescent development. What is not normal is running your parents into the ground. In other words, young people move around the world witho

Navigating the teenage years can be a rough journey, especially when anxiety becomes a frequent companion. As a parent, it’s essential to understand this challenge to provide support and foster an environment where emotions can be shared openly. With anxiety rates among teens rising, with a reported increase of 25% in anxiety symptoms from 2011 to 2021, recognizing and dealing with these issues is more important than ever. Anxiety can show up in various ways—from worries abo

Many therapists have "branded" their practices: Winding Road, Finding Yourself, Path to Fulfillment, Thoughtful Change, etc. etc. Nice, calm and creative names. They have a blog and a podcast. They pitch themselves on Youtube. What does it all mean? To be honest, I'm not sure. I just finished reading "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" and it was good. Better than I expected in this hallowed Irvin Yalom corner of the world where therapy becomes the drama for a book, filled w