life changes

Steps to increasing assertiveness for shy people… or anyone really

Steps to increasing assertiveness for shy people…  or anyone really

it is possible to be introverted and assertive. It is possible to come from a family culture or heritage where self-advocacy was not an option and now acquire the skills to thrive in this emerging new environment while remaining true to your culture and self.

Woven into the Fabric of America

Things are changing daily in our world, even how we perceive the world, and how we go about our work. Change can be hard and difficult at times. But oftentimes, change is helpful and good for us. It has always been my belief that in order to have good mental health you need to feel safe and connected. We need to have the power and say over our lives. The recent protests I feel are about allowing all of us the opportunity to change and grow for the better.

Protests are Woven into the Fabric of America

The first anti-slavery protest occurred in 1688 in what is now Philadelphia. The protest was sponsored by a young German attorney and four Germantown Quakers.  The 1688 petition was the first American document of its kind that made a plea for equal human rights for everyone.


Asking for Basic Human Rights Goes Back Even Further,


Notably a protest in 1152 BC, against King Ramses III. The King was considered to be the last good pharaoh of the kingdom of Egypt. The protest involved grievances about human injustices, loss of wages and, feeding the poor.  I imagine you might ask, what those “old” occurrences have to do with Black Lives Matter and other interested supporters’ who are protesting today? Protests in the past and the one's today are shining a light on the multiple injustices that continue to exist in America and even the world. The motivating factor in all being, basic human rights for all. 

Essentially, then like now a peaceable assembly was/is used to assure, in this case, people of color are given equality, collective and not separate but equal. With the protest occurring I have had a strong desire to blog about the recent life-changing events, changes through welcomed; however, in pre-thought, such changes were often seen as impossible. Ergo, many dreams have become a reality. 

Our founding fathers developed and ratified what is known as the U.S. Constitution. This document, speaks clearly of granting a voice for redress and grievances brought by the American people. The 1st Amendment reads as…. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 
It is not my intention to give a history lesson but to remind us that we do 
have a right to assemble in a peaceful manner so our voices can be heard. The result is to allow our voices and solidarity to assist in generating positive communication so that change can happen. At the end of the day, we are all human beings, a singular race with many skin tones and languages. Therefore, I believe that hu-man means peoples of many colors.

Nature Therapy

Nature Therapy

Walking outdoors inspires feelings of awe which gives us a secondary brain boost. We need Nature Therapy to reduce mental overload caused by our busy lives.

The three levels of Monitoring Your Children

The three levels of Monitoring Your Children

Supervision does not take laser-focused intensity: nor does it take exhausting yourself with keeping them entertained. It calls for three levels of monitoring. Each of these levels is necessary; for them AND for you. In order for you to not drive each other “crazy”. Plus the child receives the full benefit of autonomy and parental interaction!

2019 Do You Need a Change?

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I noticed a lot of clients talked about changes they would like to make for 2019, but they did not have a starting point on how to make them happen. This led me to make a list of top 10 don’ts to begin 2019 on the right foot. This will allow you to unleash your potential, be open to allow positive changes to unfold and overall improve your life.  This is what we all want…right? Do remember that we are all works in progress, do not be disappointed in you if you can’t stay on track. Just keep trying and eventually you can do it. I see my clients making very small changes that lead to a large positive impact. Small changes are easier to do and stick with over time. Also make sure you do only one or two at a time as doing to many at one time can set you up to fail, however, by incorporating some of these changes in your daily routines you will see the change you desire. I hope you have the best year ever.

  1. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. Dream big!

  2. Don't be a people pleaser.

  3. Don't spend time with the wrong people.

  4. Don't gossip about others.

  5. Don't live a life that others expect of you, live a life true to you.

  6. Don't start pointless drama because of your personal insecurities.

  7. Don't do anything that doesn't feel right.

  8. Don't be afraid to spend time alone.

  9. Don't compare yourself to others. You are only in competition with you

  10. Don't hold onto things you can’t control.

If these seem a bit too hard, I can help you develop a plan and help you stick to it. That is what therapy is for to help you with the hard stuff. Remember I believe in you. If you would like to work with me or one of my fantastic colleagues give me call. 2019 is too important to feel stuck.  

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by Regina Kennedy, LMFT

I became a therapist because I want to help people who want to change their lives. I am a compassionate, direct and interactive therapist. I value optimism, truth, and authenticity.

My therapeutic approach is warm, but always direct and honest to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address their treatment goals. I offer a highly personalized approach, tailored to each client's unique needs. My specialties include working with Adults, children and adolescents, families, crisis intervention, and substance abuse. I am Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor.