For a list in our Archives and Articles – Click Here
If you would like to be on our “Newsletter” mailing list, please Email: Devona@kettlemorainecounseling.com
Clinic News: Counselors and Social Workers have to attend ethics training every 2 years to keep their licenses active, so last week I attended ethics training focused around the Internet and how it has changed the counseling field- in many ways for the good, but there are some privacy concerns with the Internet. After the training, I know I will be more careful on what personal information I put out there on the internet, because it’s really hard to retract information. For those of us with children at home, some tips the trainer gave us was to:
- Monitor Internet use (but also know that the kids are smarter than us electronically and will come up with ways around our monitoring)
- Educate kids on the dangers of the internet and putting your information out there.
- Also explain cyber bullying and what it is, how to avoid it and how not to participate in it.
And a note for us adults: some employers are looking us up via Facebook and other Social Media sites, so be cautious about what you post!
In this newsletter, Deb Graf LPC, shares some information on grief with us. Thank you Deb! A book I am reading that I recommend to clients/professionals is Spontaneous Happiness by Andrew Weil. He give us some great ideas on staying balanced, centered and peaceful. I have implemented some of the things he recommends and am feeling better for it! One tip from his book, which is very poignant for this month is a giving gratitude on a daily basis; there is so much to be thankful for, and by recognizing the good we do have, we feel better about our life. So today I am thankful for the extra hour of sleep I got this morning, a fun weekend at the cabin with my sisters, and that I really love the work that I do and the connections I make with people.
Have a good Thanksgiving
Devona L Marshall MS LPC
Tips for Healthy Grieving
By Deb Graf, LPC
Is Grief the Same as Mourning?
Grief is the conflict in feelings caused by a change or an end in a familiar pattern of behavior. It is a normal and natural reaction to the many losses we experience in life. Of itself, grief is not pathological. Mourning, on the other hand, is the outward expression of grief.
Taboo Statements:
- Don’t Feel Bad. (Healing comes from feeling the pain.)
- Replace the Loss. (First grieve the loss.)
- Grieve alone. (People grieve alone because they are afraid of being judged or criticized.)
- Be strong. (Real strength is a natural demonstration of emotions.)
- Keep busy. (Face the pain – don’t bury it.)
- Time heals all wounds. (Actions, not time, heals.)
Actions Necessary for Complete Recovery:
- Apologize for any wrong doing
- Forgiveness: giving up hope of a different or better yesterday, to cease to feel resentment against [an offender]. It is an action, not a feeling.
- Significant emotional statements: “I love you; I liked your laughter….”
- Reminisce fond memories.
How to Grieve:
- Set aside time that is quiet
- Select modalities to help you process: writing, singing, walking, or talking to supportive people
- Use music, photo albums, and lyrics to set the mood
- Value your needs and trust your process
- Arrange for support
- Consider what an “unacceptable” emotion is. Why? (No emotion is unacceptable.)
Your life is like a chapter book:
It has some sad chapters. Some of the best stories have sad chapters, but the later chapters can be happy and exciting.
Experienced-Ethical-Client Centered
Clinic Director/Staff Therapist: Devona L Marshall MS LPC NCC
Devona is friendly, empathetic and experienced. She has provided services in the community for over 10 years and loves her work! Helping people live healthier, happier lives is her passion, and she has special skills to help with people with anger issues and couples who are struggling (or just want to get better!). She sees adolescents, adults and couples. Give her a call to see if she is the right therapist for you!
Staff Therapist: Julianne Morrison MS TLPC
Julianne is a warm and genuine counselor who is passionate about helping clients. Julianne has a particular interest in relationships, as she considers connecting with people a central task in life. Julianne sees adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, processing decisions, or relationship issues. She has her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Staff Therapist: Deb Graf MS LPC
Deb is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to help people feel better about themselves, relationships and life. Unfortunately, we are often burdened with trauma, loss, challenges and pain that make life difficult and emotionally draining. With proper support, insight, encouragement, and healthy boundaries, we can grow and learn from these challenges to find more satisfaction with our relationships and living experiences.
Staff Therapist: JoEllyn Schultz LCSW (Cedarburg)
JoEllyn is an honest and directive clinician. She believes her patients are seeking change and she is skilled in providing guidance and respect as she works to identify their strengths. She assists her patients in using these strengths to create the changes that will provide relief and change in their lives.
Staff Therapist: Angela Waldoch MSAT
Angela is an experienced art therapist and holds a Masters in Art Therapy with an emphasis in Counseling from Mount Mary College. She has worked with diverse individuals across the lifespan.
Staff Therapist: Tammy Ricke MSW APSW
Tammy obtained her Masters in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is licensed as a Certified Advance Practice Social Worker (CAPSW) through the State of Wisconsin and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Staff Therapist: Lester Menke MS TLPC
Lester has a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University in Wisconsin.
He has ten years experience working with people with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health issues.
Staff Therapist: Christina Lachner MS TLPC
Christina has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Concordia University in Wisconsin. She has experience working with people that have developmental disabilities, as well as in the mental health field.
Staff Therapist: Jennifer Skinner MS TLPC
Jennifer has her Master’s Degree in clinical and school counseling from Concordia University. Jennifer’s has much experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who present a wide range of clinical needs. She creates a safe, healing environment that is focused on enhancing a client’s resources and strengths.
