Healthy Relationships Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale Az

In Phoenix Arizona we require teens to take classes on: government, english, math, and more. We rarely have the opportunity to teach children, teens, and adults what a healthy relationship looks like. Lifeworksaz www.lifeworksaz.com provides guidelines for healthy relationships as well as counseling for children, teens, and adults looking for or creating healthy relationships.

An authentic-healthy relationship is based on mutual respect. Healthy relationships are about: honesty, truth, support, acceptance, support, validation, loyalty and more. A healthy partner believes and values his partner. Healthy communication is vital and eye contact helps make the relationship feel safe. Listening and really hearing what your partner needs and feels is crucial.

Unhealthy relationships are where your partner does not value you 50-50. The unhealthy relationship is out of balance and one feels like he/she is second string or fourt string. Unhealthy relationships are covert and do not have honesty amd loyalty.
Unhealthy relationships have criticism, judgment, falseness, unclear expectations, and poor communication. These relationships are dishonest and will implode or create disenchantment.

Pain Pain Pain How to Cope

One can alter the experience of pain by altering ones perception of a difficult, painful, or challenging situation..

Coginitive Behavioral Therapy has been able to decrease pains intensity according to a recent study. This was surprising that the therapy reduced physical discomfort.

CBT helps eliminate negative thinking and all encompassing thoughts that are unhelpful.

TV and becoming Famous impact Children/ Teens

In a recent interview with a teen who is well known in the graffiti community...He said he feels like a nobody if he is not" tagging". This teens artistic creativity could be used to make a legal successful career. He is extremely talented.

It is important to teach our children and teens that their value and gifts are inside them and not based on external gratification. If a child is searching for meaning in: money, fame, stardom, etc he/she will be dissapointed. These items can not fill a person up. Objects can not bring us joy or happiness. Children and Teens have so many gifts: personality, creativity, curiosity, humor etc which makes each child unique.

Many teens share the desire to be famous. Teens, children, and adults are glued to reality TV shows. Societys high need for recognition and approval is fierce. If a teen is recognized for who he/she by his mom/ Dad; and not performance only; the teen will have a better chance of feeling valuable and whole.

Lifeworksaz works on helping children, teens, families, and adults in counseling and psychotherapy to create and build self esteem for healthy life choices. One can go to www.lifeworksaz.com to obtain more information.

Children and Teens Drinking Alcohol and Drugs in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa Arizona.

In a 2006 Arizona youth survey 24 percent of 8th graders, 39 percent of 10th graders, and 47 percent of 12th graders reported drinking within the past 30 days.

In a study at Columbia University the study states underage drinkers are 22 times more likely to use marijuana and 50 times more likely to use cocaine.

Half of US alcoholics became addicted before turning 21. There are 16 million alcoholics in the US.
www.lifeworksaz.com.

The prefrontal area of the brain, which is responsible for good judgment, planning, decision making and impulse control, undergoes the most changing during adolescence. Researchers found that adolescent drinking can cause severe changes, many of which can be long-term and irreversible.

Psychotherapy-Counseling-Exercise Phoenix Az

In a new study published in the journal PLos Medicine it states that antidepressants may not work as well as in people who are mildly depressed as they do in patients with major depression.

The research team based its findings on 47 clinical trials using such drugs as: Prozac, Paxil, and Effexor.

Professor of Psychology Irving Kirsch from University of Hull, U.K. States" most patients can benefit as much from other treatment, such as physical exercise and psychotherapy, as they can from medication." Doctors advise patients who are on antidepressants not to discontinue their medication without consulting a physician first, as there can be serious side effects.

Lifeworksaz in Phoenix Az provides counseling and psychotherapy for children, teens, and families. Counseling and psychotherapy address: depression, anxiety, relationships, behavior change, self esteem, social skills, trauma, grief and loss and more. Go to www.lifeworksaz.com for more details.

Phoenix Suns Success..a championship in 2008 Heart and Passion not on Statistics

The Phoenix Suns have been chasing the dream of an NBA championship for over forty years.

There have been many exciting moments. Gar Heard hit any amazing shot in Boston in 1977 with a double overtime game against the Celtics. Alvin Adams was solid and undersized for a center yet played strong. The greyhound Walter Davis excited the crowds at the Mad house on Mcdowell. Paul Westphal elevated energy in the arena. The Vanarsdales were hardworking solid players. KJ was fast and elusive and played with heart and passion. Barkley brought media attention to the quiet sleepy valley with his opinions and strong play.

One thing that the sportswriters and TV analysts forget is that stats do not take into account the heart and passion of each player and the collective team.

The Suns in Phoenix Arizona have passion. Steve Nash is all about heart and passion. I remember watching him play USD while on Santa Clara. The crowd chanted CBA believing Nash was a slow over-rated college player. Nash has proven the world and critics wrong.
Nash has the excitement and passion to win it runs through his veins. Nash is everything that is great about NBA hoops. He is self-less, a team player, positive, and humble. Nash also plays with a back that is "jacked up" this is incredible!

Grant Hill is having any amazing year. He plays unselfish basketball and is full of hustle and heart. He pulled down 13 boards against Boston and was a vital party of their victory this past Friday. Grant Hill has proven the critics wrong. He has bounced back from numerous surgeries and plays strong b ball.

Barbosa has shown hustle and persistence and has really developed as an NBA player.

Diaw has been bounced around, however, he is solid and if he can get his touches he will warm up rapidly and score and rebound like he did when Amare was injured.

SHAQ the Desert Diesel, Big Daddy, is all about winning. He is motivated and willing to put his ego aside to get the win. The Big Cactus has been criticized as slow and old. He will prove the world wrong. In two games he has shown tenacity, hustle, strength, and has elevated the Suns morale. His heart and passion is huge. He had 14 rebounds and four points against the celtics. He ran down loose balls and created havoc in the lane. Shaq has set any example for the Phoenix Suns. There is nothing more powerful than the energy and heart that feeds SHAQ's passion.

Any example of Shaq's passion is how Stat is playing. Amare has elevated his game. Amare is full of heart. He has come back from a risky micro-fracture surgery. He has played Center which is not his true position until the Diesel arrived.
Shaq is full of positive affirmations and wants to help his team.

The rest of the Suns are contibutors. Kerr is wise and understands adversity. Sarver is intelligent and business savy. Mike D
Is positive. The whole team brings support to each player.

Lifeworks az helps motivate and create success with children, teens, and adults in Phoenix Az. Go to www.lifeworksaz.com for counseling, coaching, and more.

The Phoenix Suns will deliver this year! The Suns burning desire to win is greater than the Phoenix Suns scorching summers . Go Suns!

Child, Teens, Adolescents Depression and what Parents can do in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe Az

Children have risk factors which could predispose them to depression or could trigger depression.

A family history of mental illness, depression, suicide, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, chronic illness, and loss of parent or loved one, divorce, and neglect, abandonment. Some argue that depression occurs early at it is chemical in nature. Some state it is mental or a combination of mind and body.

Signs your child/teen is depressed or suffering from depression may be: persistant sadness, irritabillity, low self esteem, loss of interest in activities previously that were enjoyable, change in appetite, change in sleep, difficulty concentrating, anger and rage, headaches, stomach aches, or other physical pains that seem to have no cause or roots, reccuring thoughts of death or suicide. Change in child's behavior, low mood from some type of loss. Mood swings, tantrums, hyperactivity, exaggerated ideas re: self.

Lifeworksaz www.lifeworksaz.com works with children and teens in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale to help with: depression, phobia, anxiety, beehavior, mood, grief, anger, stress, self esteem, social skills, trauma, and more.

The parents of any child or teen who is in immediate danger of harming himself or harming others should consider hospitalization. Children do commit suicide so it is important to be aware of this reality. If a child is any imminent danger to self or imminent danger to others police should be notified asap.

Psychotherapy and medication are options. Medications would be assessed by a pediatric psychiatrist.

Cognitive Therapy-Counseling for Depression Teens-Adolescents.

Cognitive therapy is an evidence based treatment that allows client's to correct false-self beliefs that can lead to negative moods and behavior.

The assumption is that a thought precedes a mood, therefore learning to substitute a healthy thought for a negative thought will improve an individuals mood, self-esteem, behavior and physical state.

There is a great deal of research that supports CBT therapy and states it is helpful to manage depression. Some individuals use a combination of therapy with medication.

Good evidence has been shown that cognitive therapy reduces relapse rates with in patients with depression. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective for adolsecents-teens with depression.

Depression in child and adolescents needs to be a priority in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Scottsdale.

Children and adolescents need to feel heard and need to be told they are valuable gifts for their intrinsic qualities.

Depression in teens and children are common however go unrecognized. Studys show 5-8 percent of teens and adolescents suffering from depression.

Prompt collaboration with a mental health professional is important due to risk of suicide and school failure.

Forty years ago physicians doubted the existence of significant depressive disorders. A growing body of evidence suggests children and teens experience the whole spectrum of mood disorders and suffer with morbidity and mortality associated with their mood.

The following are a list of childhood depressive disorders: bereavement/grief/loss, sadness problems, adjustment disorder w depressed mood, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, Bipolar 1 disorder, Bipolar 11 disorders.

Lifeworks As Pllc has experience working with children and teens: depressed mood, anxiety, behavior, anger, school issues, mood regulation. Phobias, grief and loss, self esteem, social skills and more..to find out more go to www.lifeworksaz.com.

The above have been treated with counseling- psychotherapy- as well as medications.

Narcissistic men and women in Phoenix Az

The narcissists mantra is "me...me..me...". It is all about them.
It is hard to recognize the narcissist because he is able to put on a mask to reach his goals: wealth, sucess, and more. He will tell you what you want to hear for his gain and will throw you away once you are no longer needed.

The narcissist usually grew up with a disconnected mom or dad who was treated like an object...disposable..

The narcissist lacks empathy and is heartless....so if you are looking for someone with a heart run the other way when you meet a narcissist.

The narcissists # 1 priority is his/her routine, habits, goals, and agenda. He or she does not care that you are sick or in pain. The narcissist lacks a heart...heartless...

The narcissist is not a team player and does not display mutual respect for people. The narcissist will eat you up and spit you out!

The narcissist is SELFISH, cold, indifferent, and aloof but will act pleasant for his covert gain.

If you would like to read more on Narcissism you can see articles at www.lifeworksaz.com. Lifeworks az pllc provides counseling an psychotherapy for adults, teens, children and families.

Depressed Child-Teen-in Phoenix Arizona.

Depression and a depressed mood should not be taken lightly. It must be addressed asap. Stuffing your emotions or acting as if things are ok when you feel sad or down is not healthy.

There are many signs that a child or teen has a depressed mood. If your child is isolating him/herself in his/ her room. Not eating much or eating much more than normal. If your child or teenager is becoming less engaged with family and friends. If your child or teen feels hopeless or helpless. If your child or teen has trouble sleeping. If your child or teeen has changes in patterns, behavior, sudden changes in behavior this can be a sign the child or teen is having signs of depression. Changes in sleeping or eating behaviors. Grades may drop homework is not completed in full or attended to.

Teens and children may show a loss of interest in normal daily activities.
A teen or child may lose interest in school, friends, homework, sports, video games, and other activities.
THERE are more signs than above, however, these are some red flags to be aware of for your child-teen.

Teens may appear like they are risk takers or that they are "acting out" at school or with parents. Teens may still have a depressed mood and engage in self-destructive behaviors.

Lifeworks az pllc looks at the roots of ones depressed mood via various forms of therapy to help elevate ones mood and feel better. If you go to www.lifeworksaz.com you can look into one on one counseling for depression or family counseling as well. Lifeworks Az has over 500 articles as well related to children-teens.

It is healthy to talk about your feelings, sadness, loss, etc with someone you can trust. Lifeworks az does not provide crisis counseling.

In a crisis or for crisis counseling in Phoenix Arizona one can call 911. The crisis counseling line at(24hrs/day) 602 222-9444. There is a teen crisis line for support at 602 248-8336.

University Shooter went off Medication Antidepressants

The girlfriend of Northern Illinois University shooter stated that her boy friend stopped taking his antidepressant medication about three weeks before the shooting because it made him feel like a zombie.

She states his behavior was normal and not erratic or delusional.

The above was mentioned in the associated press.

Parenting in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Az

Parenting has a huge correlation with children and teens behaviors.

For example corporal punishment is very controversial. It may teach children and teens that violence is the way to cope or deal with life's ups and downs. Corporal punsihment is linlked to: child and spouse abuse, future chemical dependency of drugs and or alcohol, violent crimes, depression, and poor self esteem.

Lifeworks Az provides family, child, teen, and adult counseling in Phoenix as well as parenting, behavior modification, mood regulation skills, social skills, grief and loss counseling and much more. Information can be found at www.lifeworksaz.com.

Your children are such a wonderful gift. It is important to take time to be the best parent you can be. The payoff can not be measured because joy and happiness are not measured on a financial scale.

Children's Behavior and Parenting Az

Researchers from Arizona State evaluated 186 adolescents in a study that was published in the journal of child development 9-05.(Vol 76 Issue 5 Eisenberg, Zhou Q, Spinrad TL, Valiente C. Fabes RA, Liew J)

Research found that parents who interacted warmly and positively with their children at the youngest age had children who were relatively self regulated two years later and exhibited fewer problem behaviors at the final assessment.

The above is a small portion learned from this study for more go to above reference in Child Development Journal)

Teens in Phoenix Az

Teenage years can be challenging. Teens may be overwhelmed by physical and emotional changes. Adolescents are looking to transition from childhood to adulthood, however, the struggle is for independence while truly being dependent on parents for financial and emotional support.

Listening to your child and displaying unconditional love and support is the foundation a child needs. Teens and children decide about how they feel about who they are based on how parents respond to them.

Teaching: accountability, logical consequences, trust, honesty, hard work, respect for self, respect for elders, healthy communication, are also important skills for a healthy teen.

More tips on counseling teens in phoenix az can be found at www.lifeworksaz.com. Information on counseling: depression, anger, anxiety, relationships, mood, self-esteem, bipolar, parenting, oppositional defiance, behavior modification, and more can be found on the site.

Stress Relief

Here are some simple things you can do for stress relief. They are extremely powerful tools if you take time to do a few daily.

Deep breathing for ten minutes alerts your brain that you are in a safe place. It relaxes your heart, decreases blood pressure, and removes wastes from the bloodstream.

Taking a vacation recharges your batteries and clears ones mind.

Regular exercise protects the heart from stress. Exercise also helps the brain to switch from one situation to the next quickly.

Eat fruits and veggies...they fight the inflammatory agents produced in our system from stress.

Get at least 8 hrs sleep each night.

Find meaning in your job or in your life or in your hobbies.

David works with stress management and mood regulation at www.lifeworksaz.com. David helps with: anxiety, depression, stress, anger, behavior, grief, and more in his counseling practice in Phoenix Az, Tempe Az, and Scottsdale Az counseling children, teensn and adults.

Violence and Teens

A Kansas teen was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 16yr old classmate who collapsed after a fight.

Teens need to be shown affection and love by parents. Setting limits and boundaries is essential as well.
Teens learn about agression from: family, TV, Video Games, Movies etc.

Teens should be focusing on learning, social skills, sports, hobbies, creativity, growth, accountability, responsibility, honesty, integrity and more.

Teens should watch tv and play video games with out violence. Limits to violence is vital.

David provides: parenting, counseling Phoenix, child counseling, teen counseling, and family counselingn adult counseling. His web site is www.lifeworksaz.com. Thank you for reading his blogs.

Girls Alcohol and Drugs

The number of girls entering the juvenile justice system has risen steadily over the past few years.

Girls are deciding to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Girls are deciding to get into physical fights.

Listening to girls is essential. Spending time and setting limits is important. Developing a healthy relationship built on trust, honesty, and love is vital. Parents can learn these skills with practice.

CBT therapy on brain for Depression.

Below is a piece from How the brain Rewires itself by Sharon Begley. Time Magazine Jan 29 07.

Scientists at the University of Toronto had 14 depressed adults undergo CBT, which teaches patients to view their own thoughts differently-to see a failed date, for instance not as proof " I will never be loved" but as a minor thing that did not work out. Thirteen other patients received paroxetine( the generic form of paxil a antidepressant). All experienced comparable improvements after treatment. Then the scientists scanned the patients' brains. "Our hypotheses was, if you do well with treatment your brain will have changed in the same way no matter which treatment you received" said Toronto's Zinda Segal.

But no. Depressed brains responded differently to the two kinds of treatment-and in a very interesting way. CBT muted overactivity in the frontal cortex, the seat of reasoning, logic and higher thought as well as of endless rumination about that disastrous date. Paroxetine, by contrast raised activity their. On the other hand, CBT raised activity in the hippocampus of the limbic system, the brains emotion center. Paroxetine lowered activity there.
As Toronto,s Helen Mayberg explains, "Cognitive therapy targets the cortex, the thinking brain, reshaping how you process information and changing your thinking patternn. It decreases ruminatuion, and trains the brain to adopt different thinking circuitsm."

This article supports CBT cognitive behavioral therapy and it's benefits.

Change your Imagery and change your performance: school, sports, work, success

"Imagery and visualization is powerful.
Neuroscientist Alvaro Pascual-Leone used a TMS ( transcranial-magnetic stimulation test to infer the function of neurons just beneath the brains coil.

Leone tested piano players playing the piano for a week. His findings were in line with a growing number of discoveries. The greater the use of particular muscles causes the brain to devote more cortical real estate to it.

Leone did not stop there. He had the piano players think about practicing the piano exercise. They played the music in their head, holding their hands still while imagining how they would move their fingers and also sat beneath the TMS coil.

They compared both and found that both were able to alter the physical structure of the brain and its gray matter.

MENTAL PRACTICE resulted in a similar reorganization of the brain.
Mental practice showed the ability to change the physical structure of the brain."

Parts of this article are taken from Time magazine article Jan 29, 2007 by Sharon Begley. The article was called How the Brain Rewires Itself.

Listening Healthy Relationships

Listen twice as often as you have the urge to speak. If you are speaking 90 percent of the time you are teetering on being full of ego and potentially a narcissist.

It is ok to agree to disagree and healthy relationships are not built on winning discussions.

Avoid criticism and judgment and negative put downs or sarcasm. These items destroy relationships.

Forgiveness is essential.

Healthy relationships come from thoughts of love and abundance not fear and scarcity.

Healthy Teen Dating

Healthy dating needs to have: mutual respect, communication, trust, honesty, affection.

A teenager should never feel pressured to do anything the teen is not comfortable with. Your partner/ date must respect your thoughts and feelings.

It is important you are clear to each partner your values, ethics, and limits.

It is important to speak to your parents and let them know what is going on( in relation to dating) because going behind their back will break trust and can divide your family.

Get to know a person by talking at school or on the phone. Introduce your "date" and allow them to get to know your parents. Go out in public with a group of friends you trust.

Teens should not rush into dating just to fit in with peers. It is ok to learn more about yourself before rushing into a relationship.

Teens help for Healthy relationships/Dating

There are many elements to a healthy relationship for Teenagers and adults.

IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS people do not lie..this is essential. No excuses it is not ok to be dishonest or lie!!!

One of the most important elements are two people being able to talk and to listen to each other.

Communication is based on trust and honesty. By listening and sharing you show your "loved one" that they are an important part of your life.

Displaying respect for your "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" by talking calmly is important. You can agree to disagree with kindness not criticism, judgment, or anger.

Healthy relationships make you feel good about yourself when you spend time with your beloved one.

Healthy relationships involve 50/50 give and take. If one of you is giving 90 percent then the relationship is not healthy.

If you are being yelled out, criticized, put down, disrespected in any way physically, verbally, or emotionally you are in an UNHEALTHY relationship.

There are more articles on healthy relationships for teens, families, and adults at www.lifeworksaz.com.

Children and Teens Fighting Brother(s) and Sisters

Respect your brother and sister's personal space.

Communicate and tell your parent's what is really bothering you.

Become aware of your feelings: anger, sadness. When you feel it in your body allow yourself to make a healthy choice.

Decide what is important before immediately beginning an argument.

Take 10 deep breaths and move to a neutral space where you can calm down. Take a walk or go in the backyard.( Let Mom, Dad, Grandma or any adult what you are doing get their approval)

Be a team player: share your playstation, gameboy, xbox, wii, etc with your brother and sister.www.lifeworksaz.com.

Set boundaries: for example if your brother is calling you a name you do not like. Let him know this is not ok and ask him to stop. If he says yes wonderfull. If not let him know if he continues you may not play xbox or want to spend a lot of time around him.

Family counseling, counseling children or teens one on one can be a great way to gain insight into healthy behaviors. Parents can always benifit from objective advise in counseling.

Teens and Prescription Drugs

Children and teenagers are abusing prescription drugs they find laying around their home.

A majority of children and teens obtain the prescription drug from relatives or friends.

Prescription drugs are abused more than any illicit street drug except marijuana.

Parents can safe guard and lock up these drugs. Parents can listen to their childre. Parents can make their children a priority. Parents can spend quality time with their children and teen providing support and love.

Hunger and Addiction

Research in the past has linked prenatal exposure to famine to other disorders, such as obesity, heart disease, blood pressure.

A recent research study links addiction to women who have famine during their first tri-mester of pregnancy.

There have been several studies that link famine during pregnancy to depression and bipolar disorders. Anti-social behavior has been linked to addictions.

Children: Shampoo Powder Health Risks

Baby powder and shampoo are linked to chemical risks.

Doctors are concerned about phthalates because they are linked
to: reproduction abnormalities, allergies, eczema, and these may disrupt the child's hormonal balances.

You can read David's blog for children, teens, and adults at www.lifeworksaz.com. David Abrams is a psychotherapist who has a background in marriage, child, family as well as trauma. David's blog is informational and has over 600 blogs that address: health, safety, healthy choices, relationships, adhd, grief, depression, anger, anxiety, bipolar and more.

Brain Parkinsons and Green Tea

Israeli investigators state a chemical in green tea may bring dying brain cells back to life.

Green Tea's main antioxidant revived animal neurons resembling those killed by Parkinsons.

Researchers belief that EGCG ( the antioxidant in green tea) is safe, however, do not advise drinking more than 5 cups per day.

Army needs counseling and support!

Last year 121 soldiers took their lives, this is nearly twenty percent more than in 2006.

The number of attempted suicides or self-inflicted injuries in the Army has jumped (six-fold) since the IRAQ war began.

The Army was not prepared for the high number of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorders) as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have gone on for longer than projected.

The Army reached an all time high of 17.5 suicides per 100,000 active soldiers in 2006.

A team is looking into providing more support for soldiers.

Depression and Suicide on rise in US Army

Last year 121 soldiers took their lives, this is nearly twent percent more than in 2006.

The number of attempted suicides or self-inflicted injuries in the Army has jumped (six-fold) since the IRAQ war began.

The Army was not prepared for the high number of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorders) as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have gone on for longer than projected.

The Army reached an all time high of 17.5 suicides per 100,000 active soldiers in 2006.

A team is looking into providing more support for soldiers.

Seghea.com

Seghea.com Definition of a Troll
www.seghea.com

Suicide Symptoms Increase with Seizure Medication per FDA

An article in the NY Times 2-08 states drugs for epilepsy, bipolar illness and mood problems double the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, and patients taking them should be watched for sudden behavioral changes, drug regulators have said.

The article states a warning label may be added for mood and seizure drugs.

There are arguments that the benefit of the drug outweighs the risks.