I’m engaged in some self-care and taking a mental health break. Robin and I flew to Aruba this week for some R&R. We’re staying at the luxurious Occidental Grand Aruba. The warm weather is a welcome respite to the cold rain we left behind. The balmy breeze continuously whispers in my ears while the Caribbean waters beckon […]
Self Injury – Cutting – Self Mutilation
I wrote my thesis on SIB (Self Injurious Behavior) – it’s a topic close to my heart. No, I’ve never been a “cutter.” But I love someone who engages in this behavior. Cutters are on the increase. I am a Family Therapist and 90% of my adolescent clients currently cut, or have experimented with it. […]
When Anger is Disproportionate to the Trigger – Emotional Overreaction
How many times have you angrily erupted and the recipient looks at you like you’ve just grown two heads? What’s up with that? This displaced anger or “over reaction” is nearly always a sign that your emotional tank is too full. Sometimes if your erupt at someone, it doesn’t have anything to do with them […]
Verbal Abuse – Verbal Attacks – Emotional Abuse
Kim from TX sends an email to TheDivaCast.com first, and we (The Divas) agreed that it was better responded to by me, Zanny. Kim has been married for 5 years to “a wonderful father, a good provider, and a life partner…” but his fatal flaw is the verbal abuse he spews, sometimes daily, at Kim. […]
Easter-Holidays & Forced Family Functions
It is Easter morning – a day Christians observe Christ’s resurrection. Many families around the world will be together. Some people are eager and willing while others join their family of origin with tense trepidation. If you experience increasing anxiety over family get-togethers, you are normal. Most families have some level of dysfunctional behaviors and long standing patterns which nobody […]
Pursuer-Distancer Dynamic
Pursuer-distancer relationship dynamics occur in all types of relationships – lovers, siblings, and friendships – but why? What does the pursuer need that the distancer senses and makes them RUN?! The pursuer (one who’s chasing) needs to take a deep breath and stop for a moment and ask themselves, “What is it I am asking […]