All Episodes

Unless you find yourself in emergency circumstances, sorting out all of your options for beginning therapy is a good idea. To that end, I encourage using my 6-week rule. Check it out.

Every once in a while, something new comes along that is exciting, provides a critically different perspective, and just fills the bill. Such is the case with a new treatment strategy, Mentalligent Psychotherapy (MPT). Among the ABC's of therapy, MPT is the new kid on the block. Following is a brief introduction. Get more by looking into my new book, The Healing Journey: Overcoming Adversity on the Path to the Good Life, available at amazonbooks.com.  Blessings, Dr. Jon

When we face adversity, our "stuff" brings us down and we can get stuck. Some people actually say their life feels "like I'm spiralng out of control. Getting through our adversity and stress involves changing direction, from downward spiraling to upward spiraling. Mentalligent psychotherapy is a means for changing your life direction and soaring, that is, finding ways to manage your stress and maintain resilience when life gets you down. Check out this podcast for more. Blessings, Jon

Much of counseling and psychotherapy feels like same ol' same ol'. In my new book, The Healing Journey: Overcoming Adversity on the Path to the Good Life, I offer a paradigm shift on how we can engage in effective therapy. Whether you are looking to start therapy yourself, you are learning how to do therapy, or you want to add to your toolbox as a seasoned therapist, check out this podcast. It might be just for you.

If you seem to be stuck in unhelpful same ol' same ol', they it might be time to consider starting psychotherapy. Therapy is a great way to embrace new beginnings and find healing. Mentalligent psychotherapy is a treatment strategy used to help you find your healing journey. I have a new book out that helps you get started. Check out this article.

We all define our success in different ways. How we define it impacts how we raise our children. Success comes in moments of time, not only is reaching your goals or accomplishments. Use your relationship with your children to help ground them in the foundation for successful living, and then be their with them in their struggles to model how a successful lifestyle empowers them.

When the worst thing happens with your child, do you doubt if you are passing or failing in your parenting? The key choices you make in the moment define your success or failure at the most important job we all have in life, the legacy we give our kids.

Long car trips can be a bore for everybody, but especially for kids. Are we there yet? is a common refrain that can lead to turmoil if not addressed. When IPads and cell phones are not available, consider filling the time with family car games.

We are more than related individuals living together. We are a family. But what contributes to our identity as a family? One element are the family rituals we keep. Check out this podcast and consider how your family rituals bind you together.

All kids love to blow and play with bubbles. Popping them in flight is such fun. Lifestyle bubbles, however, not so much. Here I share my thoughts about how we can help our children expand their experiences by avoiding lifestyle bubbles.

Did you know? Your child's sibling place in your family matters. First-borns, middle children, and youngest child all have certain personality traits in part because of their position in the family. In this piece, I underscore those traits according to birth order and encourage parenting patterns for each child that takes their birth order into consideration. Hope this is helpful. Blessings, Jon

Teens often seem to be in their own world. But, do they really want to be? Their universal goal is to form their own, individual identity, which will carry over for their lifetime. Sadly, that goal can be at great expense to others in their world. Coming to terms with your teen means accepting where they are at any given moment, being there for them, and helping them navigate those troubled waters.

What kind of parent are you? Are you the good guy? the bad guy? the strict disciplinarian? the lax one? All kinds of parenting. Hopefully you are a bit of each of these. If so, add to your list, the cuddler. Cuddling is essential to relationship-building and to character-building for your child. Make time to cuddle each of your kids regularly.

Parenting often seems limited to stern lectures, supervising chores, helping with homework. While these things may represent the hard work of parenting, it's important to meaningfully plan playful time with them. The concept of playful parenting provides the foundation for your children listening to you, accepting your direction and leadership, and being a part of the family. Here are my thoughts on playful parenting.

Legacies come in many forms. They could be the family business, a piece of property, some passed-down item from family antiquity. If we are looking at qualities, rather than stuff, helping your kids learn and use being resilient in life is a great legacy. Resilience is making the best out of a bad situation. It's dealing with stuff in a positive, redeeming way. It's learning to draw the blessing out of even the toughest situation. Resilience, pass it on to your kids.