Unplugged Challenge: Put down your mobile device

Lemon Cheesecake
with Raspberries

Recently I stumbled upon an article in the New York Times on the idea that culturally we're disengaged from being in the moment. I originally thought it was going to be an article on how cool it is to document your life. Although it didn't take that spin on things it was inspiring enough to bring attention to how to create space in your life to stay connected to those around you in real time, in the real moment, face-to-face...like our grandparents and parents did.

On New Year's Eve, my husband (Dr. Bitar) and I (remember, we're married) went to dinner and spent a lovely 2 full hours talking, eating, and only picked up our phones to take a photo to, well, document the evening. Just look at that dessert. Could you blame us?

Reflecting on that evening, we concluded that being in the moment together was a lost art and a lost joy. Conversation was engrossing, especially when there was no "ding" sounding from our phones to distract or interrupt us. I loved it! Being unplugged was awesome.

We are growing!

Meet the team

It has been a dream of ours to own a private practice. Since opening nearly 4 years ago, we've had the priviledge of working with individuals, couples, and families in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Recently we've invited talented clinicians to join us: Dr. Patrick Meadors, Brittney Clark, and Ellen Wilson. 

Left to Right: Dr. Patrick Meadors, Breta Collins (joining Spring 2014), Brittney Clark, me, Dr. Bitar, Ellen Wilson

We have had the honor of working with Dr. Meadors, Brittney, and Ellen due to our connections with the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Pfeiffer University. Through our work over the years, it was a natural next step for us to invite our colleagues to join in this adventure. 

We are very excited to offer even more options! 

• Increasing appointment availability. Now open on Saturdays.
• Adding a sliding fee scale: $55-$85 per 50-minute session.

In the next couple of days we'll add blog entries highlighting
each one of our newest members as a way for you to get to know them better.

Thanks Queen City for all the support and love throughout the years. We look forward to continuing to serve you!

First therapy session: What to expect.

You did it. You scheduled your first therapy appointment. Now what? For many new clients, therapy may be daunting because it is an entirely new experience. Perhaps the only exposure you've had with therapy is from a tv screen. Although you've seen clips of other people, actors, in therapy, but what really happens in real life therapy?

In our practice, we believe it is important to make therapy a respectful and comfortable process. When you walk into our waiting room, you are greeted by soft lighting, background music, and a beverage station. We want our clients to make themselves comfortable. While not every therapy office may have a similar set up, there are general themes that you may experience in a therapy room near you. We've made a list of things you could expect in your first therapy session.

Develop good listening skills

Do you have what it takes to be a good listener? It isn't as easy as you think and it doesn't always come naturally. However, with a little concentration and intention, you can improve your listening skills in as little as five steps.

5 Tips to good listening skills

Cultivating Gratitude: Take the 1 month challenge

It's not uncommon to list the things you are grateful for around Thanksgiving time...but that's still a few months away. Why wait until then?

Recently we've been thinking about adding on to our home. We went so far as to hire an architect, a structural engineer, and interview local contractors. We got down to the wire and sat across from a mortgage broker before it hit us...why the rush? We haven't even been in our home a year and we're making plans to add space?! What happened to being completely in love and over-joyed about our new place?

Gratitude Journal iTunes app

I use that example to illustrate the human desire that stirs within all of us at some point in time to not be satisfied, to want more, and to overlook the current day-to-day joys. That part of us begins to compare ourselves to what others have or the misguided belief that, "...if I just had...I would be so much more happy..." There's no judgment here, it is what it is and as humans, we all experience it one time or another. Furthermore, this post is not to minimize the real struggles that each one of us may face on a daily basis. However, I write this to highlight part of our human nature that causes dissatisfaction. Additionally, it's a part of our lives that paired with deliberate focus, we can combat just by changing our perspective.

Little things make a big difference

Growing up my mom placed an emphasis on Fridays. In my school lunch I'd find a Little Debbie snack with a handwritten note on it, "Happy Fun Friday! I love you! -Mom." Talk about brightening up my day! Even now my mom will ask, "What are you doing for Fun Friday?"

As an adult, I realize the importance of making at least one day or moment extra special. The weeks are filled with so much responsibility and decision-making that it is essential to bring a little joy into the day...otherwise we may all burnout.

Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cupcake Delirium

Last night I was working late at the office. Before I left, spontaneity hit me and I quickly developed a little scavenger hunt to greet my office assistant when she arrived this morning (thankfully earlier in the day I got a pack of cupcakes from a nearby cupcake truck so I made one of them the "treasure"). It took me just a few minutes to think of some clever clues and where to hide them...I was definitely having a good time. When my assistant arrived today she was completely surprised! It was a great change to the typical workday and it lifted her spirits.

A New Year, A New You

I know many people who were eagerly awaiting 2012. Were you one of them?

Growing up I remember driving in the back seat of the car with my parents. I was gazing out the side window and saw images in a neighbor's yard of a Grim Reaper character on one end and a new born baby with a sash wrapped around its body with the year on it on the other side of the yard. It wasn't until recently that I connected this (which I hesitate to admit), the grim reaper was actually Father Time. I didn't really understand what those two figures meant back then. However, now I share in the feelings those images represent today.