Retired couples often acknowledge the big change retirement brings is that they have more time to spend with each other. Adjusting to retirement, however, can often be different from what they expected and can even have an unexpected impact on their relationship. It can be difficult to adjust to a new situation. The changes can build up frustration, dissatisfaction, and even disappointment.

Children kept in detention centers often develop mental illness and behavioral issues. Studies have shown that they display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

So much of our identity comes from our relationships. If you describe yourself to others you are likely to list your roles in relationships like husband, wife, mother, father, sister, partner, etc. I keep this in mind for myself and my clients:

Consider these words from Dr. Harville Hendrix's book, Getting The Love You Want: "We cannot experience life in its fullness unless we have an intimate relationship with another human being..." If you work on maintaining an intimate relationship with your partner, you will feel more fully alive and whole.

Thanks to Dr. Barbara Fontana for this reminder.

I know that l am experiencing PHSD, post traumatic Harvey disorder. I think most people in the broader Houston area are having stress reactions. I want to share a message that my friend wrote. It replaces images of destruction with images of humanity.

I often remind couples to speak to each other as adults. This avoids defense reactions. Even if we approach our partners as in a nurturing way we can sound like we are coming from a parenting role. Whether we speak as a Nurturing Parent or a Critical Parent our partner is likely to respond from a Child prospective...

I will be participating in a Senior Expo on September 28, 2016. The event is hosted by The Leader newspaper. It is from 9 AM - 1:PM at SPJST Lodge 88 (15th St. & Beall). The Expo is FREE! And, there will be food & drink...