Bruce Law Firm - October 2019

Finding a Mental Health Provider Who’s There For You

You’re Not Alone

Going through a big change in your life, like a divorce, can leave you feeling like you’re on unsteady ground. Having an impartial person to listen can be life changing. A mental health professional, like a counselor or therapist, will help you digest and assess your feelings and experiences to get to the root of what you’re going through so you can ultimately move on and heal. Having someone who is trained in this process is key. You need a professional who can help you see aspects of your situation that a friend, family member, or even you may not have been able to see before. Know that this is a personal process, and you deserve to find a professional who you feel is truly listening and helping you. You may meet with a few mental health providers before you find the right fit, but taking the time to do this is worth it. While they may ask tough questions that make you reflect on difficult moments, your therapist or counselor should also help you feel heard and supported. Put in the time to find someone who is willing to put in the time for you. Mental health providers range a variety of categories and specialties. You can choose among psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, who typically specialize in a particular area like adolescent services or postdivorce counseling. A little research to find the right fit will help you locate a trusted professional who can address your specific concerns. In the Palm Beach area and beyond, many resources and mental health providers are available, meaning it can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. That’s why Chris’ dedicated website, StayMarriedFlorida.com, has an extensive, vetted directory of mental health professionals in Florida, conveniently listed by city and region. Chris has connected with each of these professionals to ensure they are the right fit for our clients.

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES TO THINK TWICE ABOUT HOW TO STEER CLEAR OF LOOKS THAT MIGHT OFFEND If you’ve ever taken your kids trick-or-treating for Halloween, then there’s a good chance you’ve seen a costume that made you feel a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps it was something too sexual or gory for your 4-year-old’s eyes or a satirization of a political figure you admire. Odds are you didn’t say anything, but such encounters can be unsettling, even for the most laid-back among us. This Halloween, help others avoid that discomfort by thinking twice about the costumes you and your family choose. When dressing for Halloween, remember that it’s important to consider your audience. A skimpy Jessica Rabbit or Poison Ivy costume might be fun for an adults- only party, but it’s inappropriate for a family gathering. Similarly, you might not want to go the political route for an office party, where putting your opinions front and center could cause friction with your coworkers or boss. Instead, opt for a fictional character or a classic Halloween monster. No one is going to argue with you about your support or disdain for werewolves. While some costumes have their time and place, others are off-putting in any setting, and it’s never too early to explain that to your kids. Consider the case of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who came under fire earlier this year for a 1981 yearbook photo that appeared under his name and showed two costumed figures, one wearing a KKK uniform and the other in blackface. Northam’s role in the photo was never clarified, but it caused permanent damage to his reputation and friendships. Make sure your family avoids similar strife this Halloween by steering clear of costumes associated with racist, sexist, or politically divisive groups. Teach your kids that it’s best to rule out costumes imitating another race or culture, particularly if they promote stereotypes, to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings — famous sports teams facing criticism for their Native American mascots are canaries in the coal mine on that point. Finally, encourage your kids to avoid hamming up symptoms of mental illness or addiction in their costumes. Dressing like a “mental patient” can hit too close to home for real-life sufferers, some of whom you likely know and love.

Is your friend or client in need of a guide as they prepare for divorce? our divorce strategy book can help! The book can be downloaded for FREE at ControlYourDifficultDivorce.com If your friend or client lives in the South Florida area, we will mail them a hard copy of the book upon request.

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