By Anonymous May 23, 2011
Great counseling experience with Sandy. ...read more
By Anonymous May 17, 2011
Sandy was wonderful at helping us with the problems we were having in our relationship!! ...read more
Anger management: 10 tips to tame your temperKeeping your temper in check can be challenging. Use simple anger management tips — from taking a timeout to using "I" statements — to stay in control. By Mayo Clinic staffDo you find yourself fuming when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure go through the roof when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion — but it's important to deal with it in a positive way. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and your relationships.Ready to get your anger under control? Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.No. 1: Take a timeoutCounting to 10 isn't just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.No. 2: Once you're calm, express your angerAs soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.No. 3: Get some exercisePhysical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.No. 4: Think before you speakIn the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.No. 5: Identify possible solutionsInstead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything, and might only make it worse.No. 6: Stick with 'I' statementsTo avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes," instead of, "You never do any housework."No. 7: Don't hold a grudgeForgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.No. 8: Use humor to release tensionLightening up can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.No. 9: Practice relaxation skillsWhen your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.No. 10: Know when to seek helpLearning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. You might explore local anger management classes or anger management counseling. With professional help, you can:Learn what anger isIdentify what triggers your angerRecognize signs that you're becoming angryLearn to respond to frustration and anger in a controlled, healthy wayExplore underlying feelings, such as sadness or depressionAnger management classes and counseling can be done individually, with your partner or other family members, or in a group.Call Helping Hand Counseling Center to start your sessions with a Certified Anger Management Specialist at a fee you can afford! ...read more
By Anger Management Therapy at Helping Hand Counseling Center July 06, 2011
The question for this week is: How do you create peace in your life? I love to garden and create beauty in the backyard. This gives me a wonderful feeling of peace. ...read more
By Sandy Piacente, Licensed Mental Health Counselor May 23, 2011
Physical violence has major effects on children; whether it directly involves the children or not. Violence on parents or other children also impacts a child. Often parents feel that the child is unaware of what is going on; however, that is generally not the case. Children hear and see much more than... ...read more
Aside from the physical and emotional abuse they have endured, battered women are also faced with many other challenges. Assessing the social risks of battered women is an important step in determining the resources that they are lacking and what is needed to live independently. ...read more