Author Archives: joankeleher2020

How to Have Productive—Even Enjoyable—Money Conversations

Adult relationships take many forms—spouses, parents, partners, or friends. And all of them can become uncomfortable when the topic is money. And, sometimes, the closer you are with someone, the harder it is to start the conversation. The key is to create an ongoing, open and honest communication about it. But that can be challengingContinue reading “How to Have Productive—Even Enjoyable—Money Conversations”

Heal Your Emotional Trauma, Heal Your Relationships

Many think of physical injury, often from a sudden impact, when hearing the word “trauma.” But we can suffer short- or long-term emotional injuries as well. When we lose a key relationship or something that means a lot to us, or when we experience betrayal, abuse or neglect, it hurts our hearts. And like aContinue reading “Heal Your Emotional Trauma, Heal Your Relationships”

Are You Staying Upright on the Tightrope of Life?

Most of us have so many demands on our time and energy, life can feel like a three-ring circus, with you walking the tightrope. You’re not alone. Take this quiz to see how well you are meeting responsibilities, while also recognizing and fulfilling personal needs and wants. True FalseIf you answer false more often thanContinue reading “Are You Staying Upright on the Tightrope of Life?”

The Grief Work that Helps Us Get through Losses Big and Small

The past few years have produced more loss for more people—and, therefore, more grief—than in decades. The loss hasn’t been only through death, which the Covid pandemic certainly accelerated, but also through the big and small life changes: the ending of relationships, the loss of a job, relocating to an unfamiliar city, loss of homeContinue reading “The Grief Work that Helps Us Get through Losses Big and Small”

10 Ways to Support Your Mental Health

In addition to therapy, any or all of the following practices can add to your emotional quality of life and support your mental health: 1. Groups. Meeting others with similar life experiences can provide support and clarify issues. 2. Meditation. Sitting with your thoughts can increase your capacity for insight and self-awareness. 3. Bodywork. TreatmentsContinue reading “10 Ways to Support Your Mental Health”

Chronic Debting & the Distorted Perceptions Beneath It

You could have a well-paying job or you could fail to make enough to cover your basic expenses. You could spend compulsively on unneeded things or barely spend at all, neglecting even basic self-care such as dental check-ups. But whether you add to your debt because of freewheeling spending or chronic underearning, repeated debt resultsContinue reading “Chronic Debting & the Distorted Perceptions Beneath It”

Finding Your Way Through PTSD to Well-Being

When Sara was seven years old, her stepfather sexually abused her. Now in her thirties, she wants to put the past behind her but can’t. She’s unable to establish intimate relationships and has frequent nightmares about her abuse. Jorge returned from Afghanistan where he witnessed an improvised explosive device (IED) destroy a Humvee in hisContinue reading “Finding Your Way Through PTSD to Well-Being”

Is the Sexual Spark Alive inYour Relationship?

It can be challenging to keep the sexual spark alive in a marriage or a long-term relationship. But the couples that do so will reap the reward of being more connected—not to mention feeling more playful and more physically healthy! Take the quiz below to find out if you have a thriving sex life. TrueContinue reading “Is the Sexual Spark Alive inYour Relationship?”

Surviving the Sandwich Era

The term “sandwich generation” has been used for years to describe middle-aged adults squeezed between the simultaneous demands of caring for their aging parents—who may be ill, unable to perform certain tasks or in need of financial support—and sup- porting their dependent children. In recent years, however, the term has evolved to encompass caring forContinue reading “Surviving the Sandwich Era”