3 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Health

Just as EMTs have their check list for addressing key physical needs during an emergency, care teams at the hospital manage the physical aspects of illnesses before considering the emotional challenges you or your child may be facing.  Although this has been changing...

Have You Spotted Your Strengths Lately?

I have worked with children and families in the hospital as a Certified Child Life Specialist for over 20 years. In recent years, I have enjoyed bringing the knowledge of positive psychology  and related activities to children, families and staff in the hospital...

How Do You Love Someone With Chronic Illness?

We think of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romantic love. But let’s expand the definition of love a little bit to explore the kind of love that heals the giver and the receiver; the kind of love that is an expression of acceptance and kindness. Let’s take a look...

Eight Ways to Show People They Matter

I have realized how important it is for every one of us to feel like we matter—that we’re valued for what we do or say. Especially when life is complicated by health crisis, we may forget to acknowledge those people most important to us, as well as those we...

Caring for the Caregiver

Without gas in your own tank, you can’t help anyone else.  That’s the difficult reality of being an ongoing support person for someone facing illness. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a close family member, the stress involved in caregiving can be...