The Holidays are upon us!  For many this can be a time of joyful celebrations with family and friends but others are reminded of times that were more difficult as they navigate dysfunctional family situations. This year our normal traditions may be unexpectedly hijacked due…

Daily our world is moving at a frantic pace.  We are exposed to a deluge of distractions along with all of the world’s traumatic events! After watching the 2020 movie, The Social Dilemma, I realize I am not made to live at the speed of…

Nice people want to “stuff” their anger. But in today’s climate anger is bubbling over as more loss is experienced and fatigue sets in. Anger is a secondary emotion often masking feelings of fear, anxiety or shame. (See attached “Anger Iceberg” handout.) In the moment…

by Peggy Burns, MS, LMFT | Director, San Francisco Center Since the last time I sent you our newsletter, it seems as if in a blink of an eye everything in our world has changed!  Now that we are entering week nine of “shelter-in-place” there seems…

Understanding what someone needs from your apology can make a world of difference Relationships are fragile! In my counseling office over the years I have witnessed many fractures. Some of them are fractured by minor incidents while others were major. The feelings following these fractures…

“’Happily ever after’ is not a fairy tale, it is a choice.” ~ Fawn Weaver After the romantic honeymoon, many couples are surprised to find marriage is not the key that will sustain their happiness.  Without tools and understanding, defining happiness in marriage can seem…