Some of the life changes that require adjustment are; loss of a job, loss of a relationship, loss of a love one, divorce, separation, getting married, moving to a new city,  having a new baby, buying a new home, losing your home, children going to college, change of life, retirement, loss of income,  Etc.

It is possible to grow during the time of change. All change involves loss, acknowledging the results of change can help with the healing process, developing a plan of action can provide a sense of control.

There are general stages of change;  Shock , Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance, Testing, and New Beginning. Adjustment to change is a process that is different to everyone.

Being able to question yourself some things like; what is happening, how do I feel about it, what are my options to overcome the change, and how can I prepare for the new outlook.

Give yourself time to grief the loss caused by the change, change doesn’t necessarily means negative, the change can be positive, but still a change.

When change happens is important to identify the aspects you have control over and the ones you can not control.

Take a proactive approach to the aspects of change you have control over and let go of the ones you can’t control.

Develop a healthy self care approach, positive thinking, remember that this is not the first time you face change, you have survive other times, there is no reason to believe that you won’t survive now.

Maintain yourself active with regular exercise, social life and increase support system.

Healthy eating plays a big part in your clear thinking avoid alcoholic drinks and self medicating the problem.

Remember that the process of change requires time to recover, avoid rushing new decisions or making changes as a way of healing the present pain.

Acceptance of the situation you have no control over provides strength and hope for a new beginning, new sense of self   and new opportunities for the future.

Sometimes the process can be overwhelming,  specially  when multiple losses happen at the same time, if you feel you would like to get ongoing support, by a Professional,  please do not hesitate to give me a call, I will make sure to set up your appointment as soon as possible.   (619) 427-7817

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For most people drinking alcohol is a social beverage, alcohol is not a stimulant, it is a depressant that affects the Central Nervous System.  The consequences of it’s abuse can be serious.

Moderate use can be two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

A drink consists of 12 ounce bottle of beer and 5 ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. The amount of alcohol consumed in each type of drink is the same.

Alcohol abuse is not considered  alcoholism, it is rather a drinking pattern developed over period of about one year,  does not necessarily  involves a need to increase the amount to get the desired effect  or strong craving, or physical effects when not using,  however it affects:

• Work performance
• Family conflicts
• Increase risk for accidents
• DUI /Problems with the Law
• Explosive behavior

Misuse of alcohol can be serious, addictive and life-threatening.

Alcoholism is a dependence to alcohol and usually involves:

• Constant desire to drink.
• Difficulty controlling the amount intended to consume.
• Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness when not using.
• Need to consume more alcohol in order to get the desired effect.

Alcoholism, does not have anything to do with the type of  alcoholic drink consumed, the length of time it has been consumed, or how much one consumes, it has to do with the need to consume and the negative effects in the individual’s legal, work, family, health and or social life.

Some Signs of a drinking problem can be:

Financial problems because of drinking, family neglect, relationship problems, work performance problems, problems with the law (DUI), use to cope with every day life difficulties, health problems, use to feel more confident , guilt post consumption, drinking alone, Etc.

The acceptance   to one or more of these problems   in relationship to drinking indicates the possibility that there is a drinking problem. The acceptance to more than one of these problems in relationship to drinking indicates that it is very likely that the problem exist.

It is difficult to admit the need for help, or to recognize the problem on your own. Treatment should be taken seriously; specially when there is a tolerance and dependence involved, medical detoxification may be required. There is help available. A Professional can meet with you to evaluate your particular situation, and together create the best treatment plan for you and your family.

Help is one phone call away.

I will be happy to meet with you and guide you in the process of Alcohol free life.

For an appointment call me at (619) 427-7817

The post Drinking: Facts About Alcohol appeared first on Maricela Larkin LMFT 31228, Christian Therapy San Diego, Chula Vista.

Christian Counseling has been a tool I have obtained and am able to use when I see clients who share the same faith and invite me with their Expressed Permission and Consent to utilize this tool during treatment.

Christian Counseling gives the ability to assist on every day struggles applying God’s Biblical truths.

It takes love for God and dedication to study His word to be able to develop a personal relationship with Him as Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is a process that involves knowledge and surrendering one’s life to Him. This action leads us to have the desire to honor Him by walking in faith and obedience in every circumstance.

Christian Counseling focuses the dependence on God and in the power of the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom. I believe He utilizes the experience and knowledge He has given to assist in the process, He is the one who does the work.

Grace and compassion are two qualities that prevent the counseling process from becoming judgmental. In the practice of Counseling I am careful to recognize that my Clinical calling is to assist, not to judge.

I embrace the opportunity to help anyone regardless of faith or lack of one. I am able to maintain Professional Boundaries when counseling with faith based perspective is not welcome.

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is an approach that I find helpful in the practice of Christian Counseling where the focus is to replace distorted believes system for more adapted ones. In Christian Counseling the focus is to replace or shift distorted truths for God’s Biblical truths.

In Christian Counseling the main goal is to steer the focus toward Jesus Christ as the source for healing and salvation.

Christian Counseling involves Biblical perspective, as well as sound Formal Training and Experience in the field of Human Behavior.

Christian Counseling does not provide a way of coping with every day life struggles, it assist in the process of restoration and heart transformation, with a desire goal of total dependence on God as the source of Joy and Freedom.

Christian Counseling gives all glory and honor to God.

“And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fader, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

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Is it getting harder and harder to make ends meet? In today’s economy where the cost of living is getting more difficult and the pay check stays the same, it can become stressful and concerning for most of us. You don’t have to feel powerless over this situation, the first step to take, is to take control over the circumstances. Recognize what may be causing your particular financial struggle and make changes. Some times we need someone objective who is willing to take the time to listen, understand and recommend sound center recommendations to make realistic adjustments to our specific circumstances. I hope you will give me the opportunity to help you exploring ways to manage your stress as you make adjustments to your financial stresors.

(619) 427-7817

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Holidays don’t have to be stressful, most of us desire to have perfect holiday celebration and put more pressure on us than we can bear.

Most want to have everyone happy, perfect meals and gifts for everyone, spend money we don’t have on people we just want to impress.

Some ideas to enjoy your holidays:

• Create your own traditions
• Set your own rules
• Define your expectations
• Communicate with others about your needs
• Be drug and alcohol free
• Give meaningful/memorable gifts
• Give yourself permission to not be perfect.
• Accept your love ones the way they are

For more specific guidance to stress free holidays feel free to give me a call.

(619) 427-7817

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