Pic: Zdenek Machacek on Unsplash Sometimes a heated argument can be turned into a constructive discussion with the use of the right listening and language skills. Monica and Annette discuss how to celebrate differences in relationships to resolve conflict. 

Pic: Luis Villas-Mil on Unsplash Our lives have changed in unexpected ways, with Covid-19, War in Ukraine, and seismic decisions in courts and governments. In this episode, Monica and Annette offer some coping skills to maintain balance and still enjoy life.     

This week, Annette and Monica chat with Dr. John Dyben to talk through steps 7-12 in tackling addiction.    Dr. John is the Clinical Fellow for Origins Behavioral Healthcare in Florida. He provides both academic and clinical supervisory support to Origins͛ programs. His academic background includes degrees in Psychology (BS), Conflict (MA), Management (MS), and a Doctor of Health Science. Dr. John is an ordained pastor, clinically trained chaplain, and board certified as both a Master Addictions Professional and a Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. This episode first aired in March, 2021

This week, Annette and Monica chat with Dr. John Dyben to talk through steps 1-6 of the 12 steps of tackling addiction.  Part 2 follows next week.  Dr. John is the Clinical Fellow for Origins Behavioral Healthcare in Florida. He provides both academic and clinical supervisory support to Origins͛ programs. His academic background includes degrees in Psychology (BS), Conflict (MA), Management (MS), and a Doctor of Health Science. Dr. John is an ordained pastor, clinically trained chaplain, and board certified as both a Master Addictions Professional and a Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. (This episode first aired in March 2021)   

Pic: Renee Thompson on Unsplash Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation, in which the abuser tries to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim's mind. Typically, gas lighters seek to gain power and control over the other person, by distorting reality and forcing them to question their own judgment and intuition. This week, Monica and Annette chat about different forms of "gaslighting" and, if you're a victim of it, how to support yourself and seek help. 

Dr. Harold rejoins Monica and Annette to discuss how to parent teenagers post-Covid. How to address issues presented by social media, depression, reluctance to express themselves, and how to re-engage with friends face-to-face following our pandemic isolation.  Dr. Harold Shinitzky Psy.D. is a highly sought-after presenter, and the developer of "A Champion's Mindset", and "The Winning Zone". He also co-authored the book, "Your Mind: An Owner's Manual for a Better Life" and works with nationally ranked junior, collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL). He's located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg Florida.     

Photo by Jayana Rashintha on Unsplash "Ghosting" - when someone ends a relationship and goes silent without explanation - can be upsetting and mystifying, and especially hurtful in the pandemic. Monica and Annette offer some advice for how to cope when a friend or loved one goes silent.   (This episode first aired in June, 2021)

Following a series of mass shootings in the United States, Annette and Monica meet Dr. Anna Lisa De Lima, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, to talk about the mental health impact on children, families, and first responders who are either directly involved, or impacted by watching the media coverage.  Dr. De Lima is the Clinical Director at the Hanley Center at Origins, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and well-rounded specialization in trauma and crisis.  Dr. De Lima completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in trauma and crisis. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In her work as a clinician, Dr. De Lima utilizes a variety of evidenced based protocols in the treatment of mental health disorders, SUDs, and trauma. These protocols include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other trauma-informed interventions. Dr. De Lima has worked with first responders from a variety of backgrounds and specialties in her work as a clinician. Having worked closely with first responders in a variety of roles, and through her years of research on this population, Dr. De Lima is well-versed in the unique concerns that this population faces. Dr. De Lima has also presented extensively on this topic around the country.

Pic: Sebastian Leon Prado on Unsplash Ever felt that warm glow of attention at the beginning of a new romance? You may be being "lovebombed". As Monica and Annette discuss this week, it's good to be prepared when real life intervenes :-)    

Movie: "The Social Dilemma" This week, Annette and Monica discuss the influence of social media on daily life, for both adults and children. They offer strategies on dealing with unwanted intrusion, and for coping with the negative feelings social media platforms can generate.