self-care routine

Self-Care: It’s More than Face Masks and Bubble Baths

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Self-care. It’s everywhere. Self-care is a popular blog topic and Pinterest pin. It has hashtags and YouTube videos dedicated to it. Many push it in the direction of pampering. A sheet mask here. A bath bomb here. For some of us, it’s a girls night. We stay in and eat ice cream and do a DIY face mask. For others of us, it’s reading our favorite book while swinging in a hammock. Perhaps with a glass of wine. And as much as I’m here for all of these things, self-care goes way beyond face masks and bubble baths. There is another side to self-care, one that’s not often discussed in this self-care conversation. It’s working on yourself.

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coping with reproductive issues

Coping with Reproductive Issues

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Maybe you have always known you wanted to be a parent. Perhaps the maternal/paternal feelings didn’t come until later in your life. There are those who have actively sought out parenthood. Or maybe the transition came without warning. However the journey unfolds, parenthood is an exciting time. Many claim that the day of their child’s birth is the best day of their lives. But unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan. There are chances of miscarriages, infertility, and loss of child. With those tragic experiences come feelings of sadness, anger, grief, guilt, and shame. How do people get through these horrible tragedies? In today’s post, we want to talk about coping with reproductive issues. And share our own stories of our therapists helping patients through this distressing time.

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Relationship Counseling

Family and Relationship Counseling with Kristen Biancaniello

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Hello!

…and pleasure to meet you! My name is Kristen Biancaniello, MSEd, NCC, CMHP. I want to congratulate you for your openness towards relationship counseling. And for taking this first step in making a change in your life. I received my Masters from Duquense University in 2010 in relationship counseling, with a focus on marriage and family therapy. That same year I became a Nationally Certified Counselor. I am currently waiting on pins and needles to hear from the great state of Pennsylvania as to when I can add Licensed Professional Counselor to the end of my name.

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couples therapy

Couples therapy with Amber Chapman

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Hello, my name is Amber Chapman, MA, LPC, CAADC, and I have been a practicing therapist for over 17 years.  Couples therapy in the form of Couples and marriage counseling is a high priority for me as I believe we all deserve to have healthy, trustworthy, loving relationships that increase our individual strengths.  All relationships have challenges that arise, however we sometimes are without the coping skills necessary to meet those challenges in a healthy manner.  It can be an even more daunting task to develop these coping skills within the community with diverse needs such as the LBGT community.  Though it is typical for LBGT couples to seek therapy for the exact same reasons as a heterosexual couple, it is important to find a therapist who is LBGT specialized to create an appropriately trustworthy therapeutic relationship.

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relationship checklist

The Relationship Checklist

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Relationship checklist – are you the type of person that likes to look at lists? Do you ever wish life came with a manual, a How-To-Tutorial on navigating through the obstacles of life? You aren’t the only one. While there isn’t a tried and true book on successful romantic relationships, there are behaviors that can cause concern. Read through the following list and make a note of things that resonate with you regarding your current relationship.

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relationship

10 Relationship Exercises to Try at Home

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Relationships exercises can help prevent you ever calling us for an appointment. As a couple’s therapist, I know that on the outside, a couples’ need for counseling may seem like the relationship is already doomed. Can a relationship survive when things are “bad” enough that outside help is needed? Yes, actually, it can. And it won’t just survive. When the individuals in the relationship are open and coming from a place of love, the relationship only grows stronger and can even begin to thrive.

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surviving an affair

Six Key Steps to Surviving an Affair

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For most of us, infidelity isn’t just a rough patch in a relationship – it’s usually the end of it entirely. In a recent study done in the UK, 33% of people surveyed actually think a relationship can survive and thrive after an affair. Yet when the same question was asked to UK relationship counselors, 94% thought redemption was possible. While each relationship is unique and different to the next, it’s rather relieving to hear that so many professionals are optimistic about post-affair relationships. Unfortunately and realistically, affairs do happen. So what are the next steps to take in surviving an affair?

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holiday after divorce

Is this your first Holiday after divorce?

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The holidays are typically a time of joy and merriment. We are told to cherish loved ones and bask in the “togetherness” of this magical time of year. Advertisements and movies often show families sledding in a snowy scene or gathered around a fire drinking hot cocoa. But not all families will feel such warmth and cheer this year. With the divorce rate at about 40-50%, the concept of “togetherness” can seem near impossible. Divorce, in general, is scary and for those approaching their first holiday season after a separation, those fears are only enhanced. Even though anxieties may run high, it is still possible for families in this circumstance to still have a happy holiday. Here are five tips to help you survive your first holiday after divorce.

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holiday anxiety

Christmas Family Vacation – Holiday Anxiety?

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How to Avoid Holiday Anxiety with Your Family

Canonsburg native Perry Como was the first to say, “there’s no place like home for the holidays”. For some folks, Christmas vacation includes going someplace warm, but most people in Pittsburgh are trading the sun for relatives this year – because nothing beats Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie! All families have their quirks and issues, all of which seem amplified during the extravagance of the holidays. Whether your family’s anxiety triggers come from them being dramatic, toxic or loud and a bit crazy, here are a few tips to help you cope, stay sane, and actually enjoy your holiday this year because for the holidays, you can’t beat home sweet home!

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emotional abuse

Emotional Abuse in relationships

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Emotional Abuse

“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious. In fact, even among women who have experienced violence from a partner, half or more report that the man’s emotional abuse is what is causing them the greatest harm.” ― Lundy Bancroft

Abuse in the dating world is defined as “a pattern of coercive behavior in which one person attempts to control another through threats or actual use of physical violence, sexual assault, and verbal or psychological abuse. These acts may include physical, sexual, verbal, mental or emotional abuse.” (Source: Safe Voices)

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