The effects of exposure to video screens on phones, tablets, monitors and televisions has been a topic of study for over two decades now (and even longer when it comes to the effects of TV). The conclusion is not good. And, at the same time, you have nothing to really worry about. Both are true. Here’s…
In the words of the great spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” As I stop and reflect on the recent devastation that the outbreak of COVID 19 has…
Confinement and Alcohol Have we been drinking more? Canadians have increasingly turned to alcohol during their hours of self-isolation and distancing. That’s the conclusion of a Nanos Research survey commissioned by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. The survey conducted between March 30 and April 2, shows that fully 25% of Canadians aged…
The coronavirus outbreak is leading to big changes in the way we live our everyday lives. Our relationships are hugely important to us just at a time when they are being placed under the most intense pressure. Relationships are not built on the expectation that you’ll be spending all day, every day with that person.…
Stress Reduction As a person perpetuates stress and continues to endure excessive tension, he or she may experience an escalating frenzy or become a candidate for stress-related illness. While certain types of stress can be good for you, stress that begins to debilitate or produce depression is completely undesirable. When this happens, it is a…
One of the most common reasons people visit a hypnotherapist is to overcome fears or phobias. Fears are a natural part of life. Everyone fears something such as being robbed or being hurt in an accident. This type of fear is not necessarily bad; as it may prompt someone to take precautions such as locking…
Dr. Claire Vines, Psy.D., DAPA, Psychologist / Licensed /Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic/
February 12, 2019
Practice observing your thoughts, rather than reacting automatically to them. Think of your thoughts as clouds floating by. Look at which draw you in and which make you want to run away. Is there a way you can untangle yourself and just observe your thoughts, rather than reacting?
MANAGING TIME-A LIFE SKILL WORTH LEARNING As parents prepare their youth for adulthood they focus on over 25 life skills that their child needs to learn and practice at a mastery level prior to entering into their adult years. Why a mastery level? Because if we allow mediocre work at home and in school and…
Engulfed by a Storm Those who have never been in a domestic violence situation are often perplexed as to how intelligent people become trapped and why they remain with someone who is abusive. In an effort to help provide clarity let us consider the dynamics of the following story: Imagine as if you are…
I recently read an article by Cody Fenwick regarding children and gun violence. His article was so alarming that it inspired me to write this article. Many of us feel because we live in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek or Lafayette that our children and teenagers do not have to worry about gangs or gun violence.…