What Is Forgiveness?: Meaning & Misconceptions
“Doesn’t forgiving him mean that I have forgotten about what he did and I am not letting the pain get to me anymore?” As, the Group Facilitator, I listened to the question of the young woman in front of me, knowing that her story involved a significant amount of abuse of every kind. Every group […]
Strategies to Reduce Depression During the Holiday
For your physical health: Be deliberate about what activities you choose to attend. Decide ahead of time what would benefit you the most and what is in line with your needs. Ask for help from others. We tend to think we have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun. Make time […]
Dr. Harris Summer 2018 Reads Suggestions
Dr. Harris Summer 2018 Reads Suggestions About the Author: Rev. Dr. Peonita Harris, Psy.D., LMFT, CSAT
Men and Substance Abuse
Addiction has no boundaries. Addiction impacts all groups of people from different socioeconomic status, races, ethnicities, and genders. However, while addiction is not a gender specific disease, it does impact men differently. Statistically men are more likely to be diagnosed with an addiction (Drugabuse.gov, 2016). Men face different health struggles associated with addiction. Along with […]
When to be worried: A growing child and drugs and alcohol
Finally spring is here and before we know it summer will arrive, something many Chicagoans look forward too. We get to enjoy the city at last, the beaches, festivals, block parties, and music fests. With these events and activities comes the prevalent drink of choice: alcohol. As any Chicagoan is aware of, there is always […]
Self-Care Tips to Get You Through the Holidays
While the holiday season can be a time of connection and cheer for many, for others it can bring about additional stress and isolation. During the season of giving we often devote so much time to others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Reclaiming and incorporating time for yourself is an essential part […]
Live on the Rest
In 2 Kings 4, there was a woman whose husband died and creditors came to take her sons as slaves to pay her debts. Prophet Elisha told her to gather vessels and pour the little oil she had into them and sell them to pay off her debts. In verse 7, Elisha said, “You and […]
All my single ladies…Caring for the heart of a woman
In the face of ongoing singleness, it seems women get consumed by the “man hunt”, cope unhealthily a bag of potato chips or Oreos, or harden their hearts from discouragement and self-doubt when they are unable to find what they desire. I have worked with many women who have thought, “What is wrong with me? […]
Summertime Stress Got You Down?
That time of year is almost here again: summertime! Yippee! Time for fun in the sun, lemonade stands, waterparks, and barbecues. What a great few months, right? Or, it should be, anyway. Summertime can be when we relax and enjoy the beautiful weather, but it sometimes ends up causing us more stress than we bargain […]
Reading between the Lines: Why You Should Pay Attention to 13 Reasons Why
For some, entertainment is an escape from our daily lives, but for many others entertainment is a sensationalized account of real issues we may face. “13 Reasons Why” originally published as a young adult novel, was subsequently adapted into a series by Netflix. The series chronicles the life and subsequent suicide of teenager Hannah Baker. […]