Author: Lydia Cerpa LCSW

The Price of Self-Care and Boundaries

The Price of Self-Care and Boundaries The term “self-care” has become commonplace; it is often the subject of comedy and banter.  By now everyone has heard of self-care. However, it is difficult to put it into action without some personal, professional or social price to be paid. Setting boundaries is often the first step to self-care. Paying the Price in Personal Relationships  In one of Tyler Perry’s movies (“Madea Goes To Jail”) there is a dialogue with Madea and her niece Cora about “What is Me Time?”  Cora starts out politely asking Madea for some “me time,” but she is quickly shut…

I Don’t Want Drama!

What is drama? “I don’t want any drama!”   What does it mean when people speak of “drama” in a relationship?  People use that expression when they are intolerant of the emotions or dramatic behaviors that others display.  The term “drama” is used to describe someone who frequently displays a wide range of emotions (usually anger, sadness, jealousy) with high intensity.  No doubt, this is uncomfortable for many people to accept or tolerate.    Drama stirs up conflict within a relationship or a group system.  The person displaying these intense emotions is not looking for a solution to the conflict, but finds satisfaction in the venting of the emotions.  This is a trait that confounds others, who…

Want Less Stress?

Challenges during the Covid19 outbreak have us wondering if we would be able to have less stress. The upcoming school calendar has been an issue in the national news for weeks. Plans have been discussed, proposed, then debated further. Some plans have been revised, retracted, and finally each state is making decisions in coordination with parents, teachers and CDC guidelines to find a way to safely resume the system of educating students, either in classrooms, online or in a combination of those options. Employment situations are also in a state of flux. Many individuals who have been working remotely from…

Anti-Racism: A Statement from Wellness Counseling Services

As a counselor dedicated to the practice of bringing healing to individuals who have suffered from all manner of pain: emotional, mental, physical, sexual, social and legal, I wish to be clear that I support the anti-racism mission represented by “Black Lives Matter.” Recent protests about violence against Black people have gained momentum and more widespread visibility as a result of an unfortunate resurgence of brazen public murderous actions of those in power and control against Black lives.  Even if I am not on the front lines of protests, I can hear the pain generated by these voices that stems…

Feeling Unappreciated?

During this pandemic many people are struggling with maintaining relationships. Does the struggle leave you feeling unappreciated? Does it seem like no matter how much you invest in your relationships, you are not valued and appreciated, or that it is not reciprocated? On the other hand, do others often see you as aloof or not willing to commit to a relationship? Either of these extremes could result in feeling lonely, angry, defensive or believing that a healthy relationship is unattainable. It is tough to feel like you are not appreciated or valued. It may be a single experience, or it…