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Just for Fun- Fiction with Therapeutic Themes |
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For yet another fictional book that touches on therapeutic themes, read Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, The Namesake. It touches on two of the main tasks for adolescents, identity development and differentiation from parents, made all the more difficult by the main character’s struggle with his Indian immigrant parents. How does one form an identity when their live experience is fundamentally different than that of their parents? It also deals with the fine balance of what to keep of family tradition and what to leave behind and the struggle to find that balance.
At the risk of sounding like a dated Madonna song, we do live in a material world. As adults this effects our daily life but more importantly, it effects how our children are being raised and it is shaping the values of future generations. Our culture inherently supports the value of material items, especially for children. Go to McDonalds, get a toy, go to a birthday party and there is a treat bag full of goodies for you even though it’s not your birthday. Play on a game system that costs several hundred dollars using games that start at $30 each. Don’t
forget that IPOD to listen to music but pay attention because there will be a newer, cooler model out in just a few months. So why is this a problem? Our children are happy and stimulated and some might say even enriched by these perks. Who wants to deprive their child of the best? Who wants to revisit the childhoods of generations past when there might have been poverty and not enough food? My concern is that the focus on material things creates a sense of entitlement for our children and creates a standard of living that they may not be prepared to perpetuate for themselves. I wonder how this effects the work ethic for children who have been taught that there are immediate rewards for everything that you do. It could send the message that there is little value to old things since there is always something new and little need to recycle. Finally, there is a psychological value to longing, to not getting what you want when you want it. This value includes developing the discipline to set long term goals, using creative thinking and problem solving skills to making the goal happen and finally the gratification of knowing that you accomplished the goal. American culture isn’t going to change any time soon but here are some ideas for things you can do at home to create some balance to combat the materialistic messages in society.Set an Example Be aware of the messages you send in your family about the importance of material goods. Are you trying to keep up with the neighbors? Is buying a big tag item a special occurance or an every day thing? Are you sending the message that how much “stuff” you have is important to you?Set Limits Teach your children the difference between privileges and needs. Have them contribute financially to items that are special so that they know how much they cost and feel like they have earned them. Don’t be afraid to say no, even if “everyone” has something.Model Gratitude Show your children that you appreciate what you have. Teach them about other countries or time periods that were less prosperous. Expect that your children be thankful when given something including requiring thank you notes. We are very fortunate to be living in a time and in a country of prosperity. It is important that we both show and teach our appreciation.
More info... (http://video.google.com/url?docid=1746964808435924885&esrc=rss_searchfeed&ev=v&len=93&q=family+therapy&srcurl=http%3A%2F%2Funcutvideo.aol.com%2Fvideos%2F8dbaa9781ed36b8759b937dd80c11e30&vidurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideoplay%3Fdocid%3D1746964808435924885%26q%3Dfamily%2Btherapy&usg=AL29H20rTx6VMkPu_2hZlPWJ5Ruj-3Jmpg)Given the choice between a therapist and a classic movie...2 min - May 25, 2007Give me Laurel and Hardy any day! Growing up, my family used classic movies as family therapy. That should have been a sign that I would become a ravenous movie fan when I grew up. My friends and colleagues are well acquainted with my mania and I regularly use film in my work as a campus minister. When someone asks, "What's your favorite movie?" I just laugh. As if I could narrow it down to just one. - submitted by AOL Video Uploads user syzygy121b
I help couples, families and individuals understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that keep them from having the relationships and the successes that they desire. I work with them to mobilize their ability and power to make the choices and changes that will make a real difference in their lives.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 9 years experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults, mainly in the area of grief and loss. Through my work at Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, www.brookesplace.org, I have been taught by countless numbers of individuals, ranging in ages 3 - adults, about grieving the death of someone significant. Death is the ultimate loss. However, each loss in life is significant. My practice provides a safe place for you to work through any loss or relationship issue. Other areas I work with include depression, anxiety and self esteem. Grieving is natural and is your unique way of experiencing any loss. Choosing to grieve any loss is a courageous step. I will walk with you in your grief journey, at your speed and duration. How you choose to express your story is up to you. I will offer you acceptance while sharing your story. Are you experiencing loss through death, relationship, experiences from childhood, career choices, children transitioning, or other losses? Do you yearn for greater intimacy in relationships? Where there is death or loss, there is life, love, faith, hope and joy. Doing the work of grief is not easy; it IS REAL! And, you are worth it.
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