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Articles by Garrett Coan

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38 articles by Garrett Coan · showing 38

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By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Effective Ways to Give Performance Feedback

Consequences of Not Giving Effective Feedback Let's take a look at some typical examples of what goes on in work environments when managers don't give good feedback. Example #1: John has been working at his new job for one month. On his first day at work, Wilma, his boss, showed him what to do and got him started on a project. Since then, Wilma has communicated with him mostly through voice mail and e-mail. She walks past his cubicle and says hello a few times each day, but there hasn't been much other communication.

Primary topic: Anxiety

2,067 views3.1/5 (22)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Assertive Communication: 20 Tips

Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further in life than being passive or aggressive. But few of us were actually taught how to be assertive. Here are some helpful tips. 1. Choose the right time. Imagine you’re dashing down the hall on your way to a meeting. Lisa passes by.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,608 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***29 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Tuned Up

Why do some relationships last forever and others fall apart? Here are some ways you can make your partner feel appreciated again and prevent your relationship from becoming a casualty. - Treat your partner as you would your boss, best friend, or best customer. - Think about what your partner wants and give it to him or her. - Think of ways you can do the unexpected and be thoughtful. Remember how you acted when you wanted to win your partner over. - Pay attention to your appearance.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,571 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Addiction: How to Recognize It and What to Do about It

Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a chronic disease. It is progressive, continuous, and long-term. Alcohol or drug abuse means that a person has control over whether he or she drinks or uses. Alcohol or drug dependence means that a person has lost all control over his or her drinking or using behavior. Addictive Behavior People who suffer from addictive diseases engage in compulsive behavior and gradually lose control of their lives. They continue to drink or use drugs, even when they know it will lead to negative consequences.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,572 views3.3/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How Do You Change Yourself?

What Is Happiness? If you are thinking about changing your life for the better, one way to start is by identifying your goals. You are probably hoping to find some version of happiness or emotional well-being.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,211 views3.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Use a journal For Self-Discovery and Self-Expression

As a therapist, I often suggest to clients that they explore their feelings and thoughts by keeping a journal. Sometimes clients ask for a bit of direction with this process. Here are some jou aling ideas if you're not sure where to start: 1. Write down what happened today and how you felt about it. 2. Write a letter to a person you are angry with. Say everything you are feeling and wish you had the nerve to say. 3. Draw a picture of the person you wrote the letter to in #2. 4. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,986 views4/5 (6)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Recover from a Career Crisis

If you have ever experienced any of the following, you have had a career crisis: - Loosing your job - Being fired - Burning out - Not wanting to do your job for one more day A career crisis can be caused either by someone else (being laid off) or by your own feelings (burning out). Common Causes of Career Crises There are many reasons why people experience career crises.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,774 views3/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***The Impact of Divorce on Families

As a licensed mental health professional, I work with many individuals, couples, and families who are affected by divorce. I see the devastating effects that breakups can have and am dedicated to helping people develop the skills to cope with experiences like divorce. Major Disruptions The decision to divorce causes major changes in the lives of all family members. Some upheaval is inevitable. The main trouble areas are: 1. Financial: Money becomes a huge problem for most people. The cost of a divorce is extremely high, and two households cost more than one. 2.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,478 views4.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Be Less of a Perfectionist and Enjoy Life More

You will have the greatest success if you read the first newsletter and take some time to observe your own perfectionist patterns. Once you have accomplished that, choose a few of the strategies outlined here. Keep working at it until you understand what you need to do to accept your imperfections and humanness. Create a Support Network for Yourself Seek out people who are not perfectionists. Encourage your support network to not be rigid or moralistic in their attempts to keep you on an honest course.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,293 views4/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Unlock Your Potential Through Self-Awareness

Signs of Discontent You don't need a degree in psychology to know when you're off-track, but sometimes it creeps up on you. It can seem like you wake up one day and realize that things are not right.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,075 views3.7/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Help! I Need to Make a Decision!

Many people who come to my office say they have a difficult time making decisions. I have developed a process to help my clients master this skill. I recommend that people follow these four steps: 1. Identify the real issue. For example, you are trying to decide which movie to see, but you are having a hard time agreeing. As you talk about it, you realize that the real issue is that you simply want some time to be together in a quiet place where you can talk. Going to a movie does not address this issue. 2. Identify the available options.

Primary topic: Anxiety

2,111 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Managing Your Stepfamily

If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know how difficult it can be to integrate all of the new members and adjust to the new boundaries and rules. The following ideas may help you make a successful transition during this challenging process. Have patience. Establishing new families takes time. Just because you love your new partner, it is unrealistic to think that you will automatically love his or her children. It is equally unrealistic to expect that your new partner's children will instantly love you.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,650 views3/5 (4)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Stress Busting Strategies

Learn to have healthy relationships: This subject could fill an entire book. In the limited space of this newsletter, let's look at the key components of this stress-reducing strategy. 1. Identify the sources of stress in your relationships. Write about them in a journal. Make a list of people who cause you stress and explore what the issues are. 2. Resolve the underlying issues. For each of the situations identified in step 1, assess what needs to happen to resolve it. Make a list and design a plan to improve the situation. 3. Learn skills to improve relationships.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,424 views3.3/5 (6)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Solution Focused Therapy

Most types of psychotherapy involve exploring feelings, being validated, finding explanations, exploring wishes and dreams, setting goals, and gaining clarity. Every therapist has unique ways of working with clients, based on his or her personality, training, and views of how people change. A ...

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,493 views

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Recognizing Depression's Warning Signs

Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of life. It is a complex disorder with a variety of causes. It is never caused by just one thing. It may be the result of a mix of factors, including genetic, chemical, physical, and sociological. It is also influenced by behavior patterns learned in the family and by cognitive distortions. Depression affects millions of people in this country. It is always troubling, and for some people it can be disabling. Depression is more than just sadness or "the blues." It can have an impact on nearly every aspect of a person's life.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,084 views3.5/5 (6)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays. Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining houseguests. It is not uncommon to react to these stresses with excessive drinking and eating, difficulty sleeping, and physical complaints. The holiday blues are a common result. If you experience reactions like these during the holidays, you are not alone.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,035 views3/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Negotiating Skills Will Get You Ahead

Negotiating skills can help you manage lots of different kinds of life situations, both at work and in your personal relationships. Here are a few examples of where these skills can help you build an even better life for yourself: 1. Many family situations require negotiating with others. Deciding which movie to see, planning how to spend money, choosing a vacation spot, and many other decisions work best when you have these skills. 2. Being a good negotiator enables you to get what you want more often without resorting to becoming aggressive or pushy.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,584 views3.4/5 (5)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Recovering From a Career Crisis

If you have ever experienced any of the following, you have had a career crisis: - Losing your job - Being fired - Burning out - Not wanting to do your job for one more day A career crisis can be caused either by someone else (being laid off) or by your own feelings (burning out). Common Causes of Career Crises There are many reasons why people experience career crises.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,383 views3/5 (4)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Coping As a Caregiver

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in caring for loved ones who are ill, elderly, or disabled. The success of the relationship between you and your loved one depends on several factors. One of the most important is how well you take care of yourself, empowering yourself to be there for the person you are caring for. Let's look first at what causes the stress in such a relationship, and then we will explore some ways to care for yourself as you care for another. Sources of Stress Caring for someone who is sick or disabled causes tremendous stress.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,387 views3.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Achieving Success Through Effective Goal Setting

It is important to have goals because they are good for your physical and mental health. You can have goals for all areas of your life. Here are a few ideas: Career, Learning, Clubs, Money,Community, Politics, Contribution, Professional, Emotional, Reading, Family, Relationships, Health, Service, Home, Spiritual Interests, Travel. What Makes an Effective Goal? Not all goals are motivating. If a goal is too vague, hard to measure, or impossible to achieve, it will lack effectiveness and ultimately be a wasted exercise.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,183 views3.3/5 (4)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Depression: What It Is and What to Do about It

There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help, and medication.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,231 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Should I Consult a Therapist?

Most of us experience times when we need help to deal with problems and issues that cause us emotional distress. When you are having a problem or dilemma that is making you feel overwhelmed, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors and therapists offer the caring, expert assistance that people need during stressful times. There are many types of mental health providers to choose from.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,060 views2.7/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Deal Effectively With Anxiety

Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part of life. All of us know what it is like to feel worry, nervousness, fear, and concern. We feel nervous when we have to give a speech, go for a job interview, or walk into our boss's office for the annual performance appraisal. We know it's ...

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,807 views4/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Company in Need of Family Therapy?

How Companies Are Like Families Like a family, a company is a group of people who have an ongoing relationship with one another. Companies have several things in common with families: 1. Families have distinct ways of communicating and degrees of togethe ess. For example: - Communication may be overt or covert. - Relationships tend to be enmeshed (too close; overly involved) or disengaged (not at all close; uninvolved). - Boundaries may be described as diffuse (extreme togethe ess), rigid (extreme separateness), or clear (ideal and appropriate). 2.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,205 views3/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Forgive Another Person for Past Hurts

No one gets through life without being hurt by another person. We all have experienced the pain of a thoughtless remark, gossip, or lie. If you have experienced an unhappy marriage, the devastation of infidelity, or suffered physical or emotional abuse, you know what it feels like to be hurt.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,877 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Deal Effectively With Anxiety

Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part of life. All of us know what it is like to feel worry, nervousness, fear, and concern. We feel nervous when we have to give a speech, go for a job interview, or walk into our boss's office for the annual performance appraisal. We know it's normal to feel a surge of fear when we unexpectedly see a photo of a snake or look down from the top of a tall building. Most of us manage these kinds of anxious feelings fairly well and are able to carry on with our lives without much difficulty.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,013 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Should I Leave my Job?

Most of us have to work for a living. Since we spend so many hours each week at our jobs, it's very important that there is a good fit. If you have been feeling less enthusiastic about your work situation recently, maybe you have even begun to wonder if it is time to move on. Here are seven signs that your job is no longer the right one for you: - You no longer look forward to going to work in the morning. This may seem obvious, but many people overlook it because it happens gradually. Think about how you felt when you first started working at your company.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,801 views2.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Parent Your Teen Effectively

Maintain Communication Even though teens need to separate from their parents during adolescence, they also need to know that the safety net of home and family is always there for them. If the lines of communication are shut down, they are not yet capable of surviving emotionally; they need support and input. Let's take a look at a few guidelines for keeping the lines of communication open between parents and teenagers. 1. Pay attention to the small things along with the significant things. If you are generally a good listener, your teen will be more likely to talk to you. 2.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,311 views3.3/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Enhance and Enrich Your Marriage

Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the most common problems observed when couples come for help is poor communication skills.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,148 views3/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Should I Leave This Relationship?

How do you know when it's time to say goodbye to a relationship? In any intimate relationship-especially in a marriage-it's not a good idea to let a doomed partnership drag on, simply to avoid the pain of a breakup. Signs of Trouble There are some warning signs that your relationship is in trouble. If you recognize any of these signals in your own partnership, you may have some work to do to get things back on track. - Your life priorities have changed significantly.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,437 views2/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***How to Create a Positive Work Atmosphere

Positive versus Negative Workplaces We have all worked in places where we grew to dread getting up in the morning, and a few of us have had the pleasure of working for a boss who makes us feel like we can do anything.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,872 views3/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Become More Self-Confident

Signs of Self-Confidence Let's explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking a quiz. Read the list of statements below and check which ones, in your opinion, are signs of self-confidence. 1. Admitting when you are wrong. 2. Being flexible when change is needed. 3. Talking about your accomplishments. 4. Describing negative events in positive terms. For example, "We didn't make our target, but we sure learned a lot." 5. Dressing to please yourself without worrying what others will think. 6. Using a strong handshake. 7.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,472 views3.7/5 (6)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Resolving Conflicts Effectively

Every relationship has conflicts. In some relationships, conflict is a serious problem; in others, differences seem to be resolved without creating a major incident. Think about the kinds of conflicts that happen in your daily life. These are typical: 1. Disagreements over who should do what 2. Disagreements over how things should be done 3.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,184 views3/5 (1)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

*** Solution Focused Therapy

Most types of psychotherapy involve exploring feelings, being validated, finding explanations, exploring wishes and dreams, setting goals, and gaining clarity. Every therapist has unique ways of working with clients, based on his or her personality, training, and views of how people change. A solution-focused therapist is likely to do the following: 1. Instead of going over past events and focusing on problems, the therapist helps you envision your future without today's problems. 2.

Primary topic: Anxiety

4,374 views2.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Keeping Your Anger Under Control

In my work with individuals and couples, I see many people who have a difficult time expressing and managing angry feelings. Let's take a look at what causes people to become angry and how they can respond to stressful situations more productively. What Is Anger? Many people think that anger is caused by hormonal changes or brain activity. This is only partly true. Researchers have found that while hormones play a role in an angry response, there is always a cognitive (thinking) component. Some people think that humans are innately aggressive or warlike.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,676 views3.7/5 (3)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

*** Become More Self-Confident

Signs of Self-Confidence Let's explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking a quiz. Read the list of statements below and check which ones, in your opinion, are signs of self-confidence. 1. Admitting when you are wrong. 2. Being flexible when change is needed. 3. Talking about your accomplishments. 4. Describing negative events in positive terms. For example, "We didn't make our target, but we sure learned a lot." 5. Dressing to please yourself without worrying what others will think. 6. Using a strong handshake. 7.

Primary topic: Anxiety

2,236 views3.3/5 (4)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Managing Perfectionism

This is the first of two newsletters that address perfectionism. In this issue, we will explore what perfectionism is and why it is destructive. In the next one, we will take a look at some strategies for both controlling the need to be perfect and living a more relaxed, satisfying life. What is Perfectionism? Perfectionists aspire to be top achievers and do not allow themselves to make even a single mistake. They are always on the alert for imperfections and weaknesses in themselves and others.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,627 views3.5/5 (2)

By Garrett CoanRecently published1 topic

***Effective Strategies For Stopping Procrastination

You will have the greatest success if you read the first newsletter and take some time to observe your own procrastination patterns. Once you have accomplished that, choose a few of the strategies outlined here. Keep working at it until you understand what you need to do to stop putting things off. Set Specific Goals The most effective goals are specific, measurable, and achievable.

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,916 views3.5/5 (2)

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