GLOW Couseling
Moshe Rozdzial, LPC
Denver, Colorado

Growth, Liberation, Opportunity & Well-being
Psychotherapy for emotional, sexual, spiritual, and mental health
Articles by Moshe Rozdzial, LPC
Finding and Choosing a Colorado Psychotherapist and Counselor--Some
guidelines.
Is your therapist or counselor licensed?
    Each therapist is licensed by the state where he or she practices. A License is not a guarantee
    of a good therapist.  It does indicate that the therapist has undergone training and supervision
    according to state standards. Inquire as to the potential therapist's education, training, licensure
    status, and membership in a professional organization. Check online with the Colorado
    Department of Regulatory Agencies to see if the therapist is licensed and if there has been any
    disciplinary action taken against him or her.

Do you have good chemistry with the therapist or counselor?
    Look for someone that you respect, get along with and someone who shares your values in
    important areas. Tell the therapist what you want from therapy. Did the therapist hear you and
    respond appropriately? Regardless of a therapist's training or philosophy, the therapist-client
    relationship is largely what determines whether you will think the therapy will be effective or not.

Does the therapist or counselor have experience, knowledge and interest?
    Find a therapist who relates to your situation and who specializes in the area of your interest or
    issues. Find out what type of therapy is utilized by the therapist. Are you looking for couples or
    marriage counseling? Sex therapy? Is the therapist sensitive to your cultural background? Your
    sexuality?
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The “12 Ways of Christmas” Holiday Stress Reduction.
by Moshe Rozdzial, LPC

    The holiday season is a time of great expectations. Often this leads to feeling pressure to
    spend more money, overeat, use alcoholic beverages, postpone sleep, and to put on a holiday
    “happy face”. There may also be challenges for those living alone or away from family. This may
    lead to stress, overwhelm and depression. Some suggestions on how to handle holiday stress
    in healthy ways are as follows:

    1. Maintain healthy eating habits. Don’t let the holidays become a dietary nightmare.
    Overindulgence may add to stress and guilt, and health risks. Pears make a good healthy
    snack before parties, to curb the seasonal splurge.

    2. Acknowledge emotions. Expecting to feel like a turtle dove or connected may not be possible
    if you are isolated or pressured. Identify and express your feelings. Volunteer if you are home
    alone for the holidays. Giving reduces isolation and helps you feel useful and productive, and
    may give you a perspective on your own problems.

    3. Home security. The holiday season often means lots of time out of the house; travel,
    shopping, and long drives. Take time to roost at home like three French hens. Home and hearth
    grounds us when we get overwhelmed.

    4. Maintain healthy relationships. Holiday stress may put pressure on relationships. Notice the
    calling card of anxiety in yourself and others and respond with understanding and compassion.

    5. Maintain spending limits. Decide what you can afford and then stick to your budget. Avoid
    financial anxiety that may haunt you into the new year. Five gold rings may not necessarily buy
    you happiness if you have to refinance the mortgage.

    6. Take time for yourself. Even a few minutes alone, in a quiet place can be relaxing. Avoid
    walking on holiday egg-shells. Give yourself time to maintain some normal routine. Self-
    soothing activities like a bubble bath or meditation may restore calm during a hectic season.

    7. Maintain an exercise routine. Exercise is the best stress reducer. It releases brain
    endorphins that enhance a sense of well being. It keeps you fit in the sedentary time of winter.
    Try indoor swimming. It’s a good aerobic winter exercise when you are limited by the weather.

    8. Just say NO. Avoid resentment and overwhelm. You don’t have to be the maid for everyone’s
    wishes. Learn to be assertive and ask for what you need.

    9. Get plenty of rest. There’s a time to dance and a time to sleep. Too little rest can increase
    depression and anxiety. Avoid stressors, situations, food, and drink that keep you up at night.
    Get the amount of sleep you really need.

    10. Reality check. The age of technology is an age of leaping changes. Family traditions may
    change as well. Find new family rituals and ways to connect with loved ones. Cell phones,
    Internet, and video can keep you close, even if they’re far away.

    11. Plan ahead. Make a schedule of do-able holiday tasks and complete one essential task per
    day. These “victories” will keep your confidence up. Avoid perfectionism. Don’t neglect
    necessary tasks like paying the bills. Frozen pipes will destroy your holiday if the gas bill hasn’t
    been paid.

    12. Seek support or professional help. You don’t have to do it alone, especially if anxiety or
    depression becomes a constant drummer.

Other Articles:
Anti-Semitism and Heterosexism: Common Constructs of Oppression--see article
Male Impotence: Pharmacology vs. Mental Health--See article
Click here for an article on Gay Parenting.

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