Thank You for a Great Event! "The Mask You Live In" Screening May 15, 2015

On May 15th, we finally got the chance to share the film, "The Mask You Live In" with the community! It took months of planning and many sleepless nights, but it was worth it! To be able to bring such a revolutionary topic to the public was priceless.

The discussion centered around our pre-conceived notions on what it means to "Be a man" - and how to balance a healthy sense of masculinity, while giving our boys the skills to be emotionally expressive. Families and teens shared their own experiences on thoughts on ways in which our society can encourage anger and violence as ways for a man to express himself, while discouraging healthy expression of sadness, depression, and other emotions that are often looked at as "weak."

The participation was GREAT and we loved hearing the perspectives of the crowd. Thank you!!

What I loved most about doing this event with someone who is not only my colleague, but my FRIEND, was the FUN we had!

Read on to see more photos from the event

3 Major Issues Teens Deal with in Today's World: From a Therapist

 

 

I own a private practice in South Florida and one of my specialties is working with teens and their relationships with their parents. Because of my work, I have encountered teens who are dealing with issues such as depression/bipolar disorder, self-harm/cutting, substance abuse, and symptoms from an experienced trauma. No matter what mental health issues a teen is dealing with, there are always common issues across the board. The top three issues I've seen arise the most are:

Create a Healthy Support System to Reduce Depression Symptoms and More

Sometimes the best thing for our mental health is our support system. What does yours look like? 

Having an adequate support system can help maintain good mental health in many ways, to name a few:

- having a healthy social life gives you options for things to do, rather than sitting home ruminating on negativity and reinforcing depressive thoughts 

- being responsible to a group of people who will be contacting you, looking for you, or in physical contact with you keeps you motivated to take care of yourself (something that depression can take away)

- your support system is a resource network: you never know what helpful resources your friends and family may connect you to, unless you ask. Whether it be financial, emotional, etc 

- and, we all need someone to talk to! 

Holding in emotions and thoughts leads to a destructive cycle, escalating the level of depression or anxiety. 

- written by Nakya Reeves, LMFT. I am a therapist and owner of a private practice where my main focus is working with families on communication issues, especially the parent-teen relationship. I also utilize PhotoTherapy techniques in my practice, which integrates bringing in photos that the client has taken or collected as a part of the therapy process. I can be contacted any time at csolutionstherapy@gmail.com

Is My Relationship Healthy? Recognizing a Toxic Relationship and What to Do About It

Oftentimes clients come to therapy because they have choices to make. Something does not feel right in their life, and they needs the time and space to figure out what to do about it - and sometimes IF there is even something that needs to be done.

A common question I have seen clients deal with is: "Is my relationship healthy?" There is a line that separates normal relationship ups and downs from behaviors that are damaging and unhealthy. How can you assess where your relationship falls?

In determining this, here are a few things to think about (and remember, these points are valid in any relationship. Romantic relationships are not the only types of relationships that can be toxic):

• Take a look at your everyday life, and weigh out if the relationship is draining you of energy or resources. You should be receiving more energy from your relationship than you are exerting.
• When it comes to your private life, take an honest assessment of the things you are doing "in the name of love." Are you doing things you are uncomfortable with admitting to? Can you readily admit to your actions to the people who know you best and care for you? This can be a red flag because love should not humiliate us.
• Look at your future goals and aspirations. If you are not pursuing something you want in life (a job, a move, another friendship/relationship) because it threatens the relationship in question, then this is a sign that something is very wrong. Healthy relationships allow for growth

If you notice that you are in a relationship that you need to disconnect from, it can be hard to break out of old habits. Here a few suggestions for creating positive change:

Featured on the TV Show Fatal Attraction on TV One!

A few pictures from this weekend shooting for the show, Fatal Attraction - TV One 

I flew to the Midwest to give commentary on a very interesting murder case, from a therapist's perspective. It was a great experience! It was a quick trip, but I enjoyed speaking on the relationship dynamics of the people involved in the case - very explosive things come into play when there are unhealthy behaviors, betrayal, dishonesty, and jealousy. 

I can't say much more than that for now. The episode will likely air this Fall, I will keep you posted!! 

- written by Nakya Reeves, LMFT. I am a therapist and owner of a private practice where my main focus is working with families on communication issues, especially the parent-teen relationship. I also utilize PhotoTherapy techniques in my practice, which integrates bringing in photos that the client has taken or collected as a part of the therapy process. I can be contacted any time at csolutionstherapy@gmail.com

CST Book Recommendation: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

I always suggest books, movies, and activities to clients as a supplement to therapy. They are a great way for clients to solidify and continue the changes we are discussing in session. This book has been a GREAT tool for clients. It is by one of my favorite self-help/therapy topic authors, Lundy Bancroft - along with JAC Patrissi. When I looked it up on Amazon to make the suggestion, I found the perfect synopsis -  the authors "offer a way for women to practically take stock of their relationships and move forward-with or without their partners.

Women involved in chronically frustrating or unfulfilling relationships will learn to:

-Tell the difference between a healthy-yet-difficult relationship and one that is really not working

- Recognize the signs that their partner has a serious problem

- Stop waiting to see what happens-and make their own growth the top priority

- Prepare for life without their partner-even as they keep trying to make the relationship work" 

I suggest keeping a journal while reading books, especially one this thought-provoking and engaging. If anyone has read this book, or plans to, I would love to hear about it!

- written by Nakya Reeves, LMFT. I am a therapist and owner of a private practice where my main focus is working with families on communication issues, especially the parent-teen relationship. I also utilize PhotoTherapy techniques in my practice, which integrates bringing in photos that the client has taken or collected as a part of the therapy process. I can be contacted any time at csolutionstherapy@gmail.com

Our City Plantation Ad for Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy

Have you seen our ad in the March 2015 edition of the Our City Plantation magazine? If you didn't receive a copy at your home, you can check it out online at www.ourcityplantation.com - after March 31st, look in the Past Issues for "March 2015."

Contact me at csolutionstherapy@gmail.com or www.csolutionstherapy.com for Communication Issues in your relationships, Parent-Teen relationship issues, and individual therapy!

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