This Therapist's Therapy

  Shared Child Custody During the Holidays The holidays are supposed to be a fun, festive, and happy time of year.  Children especially look forward to Christmas with all the activities, food and toys.  And, from my perspective, Christmas should be a magical experience for children. However, for families navigating through the complexities of shared custody, it often ends up being a time of sadness, stress, and emotional challenges.  As a Marriage & Family Therapist, and in my many years working in the publich child welfare system, I've witnessed many of the unique dynamics and feelings that come into play during the  holidays. Understanding the Impact Shared custody arrangements require a delicate balance on a normal balance, and moreso during the holidays.  Pehaps this is your first year of share custody and you're not sure how to best manage the holiday season.  There is a need for effective communication and cooperation between the parents. This is where is gets tough,

  Navigating the Seas of Togetherness:  A Therapist's Guide to Vacationing Vacations are a great opportunity for couples to create lasting memories, strengthen their bond, and escape the routine of everyday life.  However, the journey from depautre to return can sometimes be challenging.  As a couples' counselor, I've witnessed common pitfalls and successes. Below are some tips to help couples navigate the seas of togetherness during their vacations Communication is Key As with most things involving couples, open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship.  Prior to going on vacation, a couple should discuss the location and type of vacation they'd like to have.  This may means that each person shares a few location ideas and together, they discuss the pros and cons of each, until they agree.  This may also mean discussing whether the vacation will be a leisurely, relaxing trip, or one full of scheduled activities and tours, or hikes of local