Families

Why Family Traditions Matter
December 3, 2015

Let’s face it: the Christmas season can be both joyful and stressful. While it’s beautiful to see kids get excited about Christmas, to watch them excitedly open presents from Santa, and to have time together as a family, it...

Giving Thanks Beyond Thanksgiving
November 17, 2015

Did you know gratitude is often associated with being a happier person? According to research published by psychologists Dr. Robert Emmons at the University of California and Dr. Michael McCullogh at the University of Miami, people who wrote things...

Reaching Out to Estranged Family Members
December 17, 2014

Relationships of all kinds are messy. In a friendship or a dating relationship, we simply “break up”. It’s painful but since we have rarely have to see the person, it’s easier to move on. In families, this looks completely...

Holidays: Dealing with Those Challenging In-Laws
December 11, 2014

It’s the most wonderful time of year. So many parties, so much fun, so much…stress! For a lot of people, dealing with family raises the blood pressure! Difficult in-laws just add a whole new layer of problems, issues and...

Coping Strategies For Caregivers
November 3, 2014

There is no way to prepare in advance for being a caregiver for a family member with a serious illness. It’s simply not a role that we anticipate taking on. Unfortunately, severe illnesses and disabilities do happen. And the...

Discernment Counseling for Couples on the Brink of Divorce
December 23, 2013

A common scenario in marriage therapy is what has been termed the “mixed agenda couple:” one partner desperately wants to work on and save the marriage, while the other partner is ready to call it quits and file for...

The Essence of Good Relations Is Fair Fighting
September 26, 2011

A Reflection From The GRAPES Regarding The Essence of Good Relations with Family Your companions are like buttons on an elevator. They will either take you up or take you down. “He that walketh with wise men shall be...

The blended family: Be careful before you “step” when involved in kids transitioning between households
December 28, 2010

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 One of the most confusing and humbling jobs to have in life must be...