Making A Plan For A Happy Holiday
Think About It What is one thing that you’ve experienced on a past holiday that you do not want to repeat this year? Drinking too much / using drugs Spending the holiday alone at home and feeling lonely Conflict with family or friends Feeling guilty or sad that I had nothing to give Feeling depressed Wanting to […]
On the Epidemic of Fatherlessness in the Black Community
In 1965, the Assistant Secretary of Labor, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, commissioned a report on the state of the African-American family. The report was titled, The Negro Family: The Case for National Action. This famed report, which was later commonly referred to as “The Moynihan Report,” resulted in a great deal of controversy, but it unequivocally illustrated […]
Dr. Harris Summer 2019 Reads Suggestions
Dr. Harris Summer 2019 Reads Suggestions About the Author: Rev. Dr. Peonita Harris, Psy.D., LMFT, CSAT
How Do I Know When I Have Actually Forgiven?
Navigating the Forgiveness Process with Grace In my work with clients, it is not unusual for me to bear witness to confusion about forgiveness. One specific area of confusion arises in a client’s uncertainty about whether or not forgiveness has actually taken place. Examples of some of the comments I hear include, “I thought I […]
Forgiveness: The Great Anger Validator
The feeling of anger is one that is common to everyone. Perhaps we clench our fists, grit our teeth and imagine the worst for an offender. Maybe we stuff our anger inside into densely compacted packages that are eventually set off like explosives when we just cannot take it anymore. In many instances, anger functions […]
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 […]