Simple Payment Option

Hello to all Prospective Patients,

I have now added a PayPal icon for easier payment! This can be used in lieu of cash or check payment and also to secure your initial diagnostic appointment.

I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Karen Israel, LPC

Asking For Help

Sometimes we get so used to the status quo; the uncomfortable comfortability of our old habits, that we are afraid to make any changes or don't even realize that we have choices. We offer up so many excuses, to others or simply in our own heads, that we can't do anything about our problems. Excuses like:

1) It's out of my hands

2) I don't know how

3) I've tried and my efforts didn't work

4) It'll/He'll/She'll/They'll never change

5) It's just too hard

Well, I'm here to tell you, respectfully, that you are wrong :) And the solution to your error lies in three words...all you must do is take the chance and ASK FOR HELP.

::enter the next slew of excuses::

1) I don't think anyone can help

2) I can't afford it

3) I give up

If you find someone who seems trustworthy; someone who could understand and offer empathy; someone you feel comfortable with, then give yourself a chance. Give them a chance, they may surprise you. Therapists and counselors are here to help... help you see your choices, help you take charge of what happens to you.

If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.

Excuse or Reason?

What's the differnece between...an Excuse and a Reason? The answer to this question can teach you how to overcome your barriers to change and free you to take the necessary responsibility for your life.

Let's begin with the Excuse. First of all, the Excuse naturally serves to excuse us from our bad behavior. Unfortunately, there is seldom an honest excuse for that. The Excuse is our way of shrugging repsonsibility for what we said or did that hurt or offended someone-- whether intentional or not. We use the Excuse as a defense mechanism to keep from feeling appropriate guilt or shame for our wrongdoings. Based on the particular offense, this guilt or shame occurs on a continuum: from very mild to very severe. However we have offended others, or even ourselves, the healthiest thing to do is to hold ourselves accountable. This is part of being an adult.

Now, let's explore the Reason. The reason serves to explain the events that lead up to our transgression. It offers and opportunity for us, as well as others, to understand and perhaps better accept what has transpired. The Reason does not Excuse our bad behavior. Exploring the reasons behind an offense is the first step to accountability for our words and actions.

The next step is to learn from the reasons, identify patterns, pay attention to behaviors, and make the choice to change.

So, next time you make a mistake, mild or grave... will you offer an excuse? Or find the reason and become accountable?

Assertiveness Training Classes for Men and Women

1. Do you notice that saying no is very difficult for you?

2. Do you feel taken advantage of by those close to you?

3. Do you feel obligated to please everyone else but yourself?

4. Has anyone ever told you that you are too nice?

5. Do you sometimes resent the people you do so much for even though you love them?

Both men and women struggle with poor boundaries-- the ability to say NO as well as YES and feel good about it.

If any of these statements describe your life and behaviors, then you could benefit from my Assertiveness Training Classes. The classes will be done in individual as well as group sessions- whichever makes you feel most comfortable.

Please email or call to inquire about scheduling and fees.

Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards

Due to popular demand and my deisre to make mental health more financially manageable, I am now accepting all major credit cards as payment!

Please, if you read this blog and identify with

any of the issues mentioned...

Call Me. I Can Help You.

Enhanced Fall Discount!

To all Prospective clients:

I am offering a fall discount valid today through December 31, 2009.

Sessions paid 2 weeks in advance will be discounted to $90 each and sessions paid 1 month in advance will be discounted to $85 per session!

Compared to the usual $110.00 fee, you will receive up to $100.00 in savings- a virtual free session!

Please let me know that you read this blog to receive the discount.

Looking forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Karen Israel, LPC

Is Sex Therapy Right For You?

Concerns about sex and intimacy are common. At some point, nearly a third of all men and a half of all women have a significant concern related to sexual function, sexual feelings or intimacy. Sex therapy can help. A type of talk therapy (counseling), sex therapy is done by a psychologist or a licensed counselor with special training in issues related to sex and relationships. Sex therapy is an effective tool for people of different ages, genders and sexual orientation. Sex therapy can be helpful whether you are single or in a relationship.

How is sex therapy done?
Your sex therapist will start off by talking to you about your concerns. Sexual issues can be complicated, and your therapist will want to get a clear idea of all the factors involved. Once you and your sex therapist talk about the issues you've raised, your therapist will discuss ways to resolve your concerns and help you learn skills and techniques to improve your communication and intimacy.

If you're in a relationship, it's usually most helpful to involve your partner in meetings with your sex therapist. Typically a sex therapist will have you and your partner do a series of homework exercises. These may include reading about sexual techniques, slowing down and focusing on what you're sensing during sexual encounters and changing the way you interact with your partner during sex. As sex therapy progresses, you will use your home experiences to further identify and refine what you'd like to work on.

Concerns about sex and intimacy are often linked to other underlying issues. These can include psychological issues such as stress, anxiety or depression. In some cases, sexual function is affected by chronic illness, side effects of medication or surgery. Depending on your concerns, seeing only a sex therapist may be enough. Or, your sex therapist may be part of a team that includes your doctor, psychologist or physical therapist.

What kind of concerns do sex therapists address?
Sex therapy can help resolve a wide range of concerns about sexual function, feelings that affect your sex life, or the way you relate to your partner.

Examples include:
Concerns with sexual arousal or sexual interest
Compulsive sexual behavior
Concerns about sexual interests and sexual orientation
Erectile dysfunction
Ejaculating too quickly (premature ejaculation)
Trouble reaching orgasm
Painful intercourse
Problems with penetration

Isn't it embarrassing to talk about sex?
Talking about sex and intimacy can feel awkward. But don't worry — sex therapists are trained to make you feel comfortable and will understand your reservations. It can also be tough to communicate clearly with your partner about sex. A sex therapist can help you learn to express yourself clearly and better understand your partner's needs.

How long does sex therapy take?
Some concerns can be addressed quickly, in just a few visits. But to be effective, a number of counseling sessions are often required, usually weekly or once every two weeks for several months. During the first meeting, your counselor will talk with you about what to expect, how many sessions you'll need and how often you'll meet.

How much does sex therapy cost?
Counseling can cost as much as $150 or more a session, but sex therapy is covered by many health insurance policies. Check with your insurance provider ahead of time to make sure counseling is covered by your policy, or have your counselor's office check for you.

Is sex therapy right for you?
You may decide to see a sex therapist for a sexual problem that you've had for a long time, or it may be something new. You may know exactly why you're having a sexual issue; or you may have no idea. Whatever the case, sex therapy could help you cope with or resolve problems linked to sex or intimacy, whether you go to sessions by yourself or with a partner. While some people have unrealistically high expectations about what to expect, sex and romance should be something enjoyable. If sex is stressful or difficult, seeing a sex therapist can help.

Excerpts taken from MSN Health and Fitness

Say NO and Feel Good About It!

So much of my work is about teaching people healthy personal boundaries. A simple definition of boundaries is the ability to say NO and feel good about it so that you can say YES and feel good about it.

I found a great article that offers 10 examples on how to start setting boundaries by telling you what to say, how it works, and why you shouldn't feel guilty!

Read The Article!

Wishing You Healthy Boundaries,
Karen Israel, M.Ed., LPC

Compromise.. it's easier than you think!

Another fabulous and simply phrased article from MSN Lifestyle. It is written with one spouse in mind; however, these pointers can be applied to any working (read functioning) relationship between two or more people.

ENJOY THE ARTICLE

What is Your Love Type?

Here is a great article I read on MSN Lifestyle about Dr. Helen Fisher and her wonderful research on relationships and compatibility.

Read these short yet informative pages about her "4 Love Types" and find out which one you are!

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE

Wisdom a la Fortune Cookie

A man who trims himself to suit everybody will soon whittle himself away.

Wise Fortune Cookie

Life is not about chance...

but about Change.

A Lil' Bit'O Love

The people who really care about you don't mind if you make mistakes.

It's what you do next that matters.

Why Choose Premarital Counseling?

Why choose premarital counseling?

Marriage can be a wonderful and challenging life experience. It makes sense that before embarking on any major life experience, we get some proper training; i.e. becoming a doctor, lawyer, plumber, IT specialist, accountant, teacher.. you get the idea. So, why does it not make sense to receive proper training on how to be a mother, father, husband and wife?

We do receive some training very early on in our lives- we learn by watching OUR parents and caretakers and amazingly, we learn the ins and outs of these roles by the time we enter kindergarden! And as we grow, any major life experiences or traumas may change the way we act, think about, or see the world and our role in it. But what we learn as children is consistently reinforced by the life we live and people and environments we live around. As adolescents, young adults, and finally adults we experiment with these teachings when we embark on our own relationships. Sometimes, painfully, we find that the skills we learned as children are NOT the best at helping us maintain healthy, long-lasting connections.

Wouldn't it be great to learn how to change our unhealthy ways

BEFORE we suffer through breakup and divorce?

Let me also mention the current US divorce statistics:

The current US trends show that approximately 50% of all marriages end in divorce. The probability of a first marriage ending in separation or divorce within 5 years is 20 percent, but the probability of a premarital cohabitation breaking up within 5 years is 49 percent. After 10 years, the probability of a first marriage ending is 33 percent, compared with 62 percent for cohabitations. And the percentage goes up with 2nd and 3rd marriages, and so forth.

For a society that regards marriage and monogamy as highly desirable,

these statistics are pretty disappointing.

My personal wish is for each individual to be as autonomous as possible before entering a long term relationship. Since that doesn't happen often enough due to the wonder of falling in love and the sometimes damaging legacy we live as children of parents of parents who have learned bad habits; interventions like individual counseling, premarital counseling, and marital counseling can be life-savers.

Unconditional Love

You are wonder-ful just as you are.

You are fully capable of creating happiness.

May all of the people and things that surround you

add to your happiness.

All you need in your life to have all you want in your life,

is You.

Be A Happiness Expert!

Are you an Unhappiness Expert?

• Do you continue to do things that you know don't work for you?
• Do you procrastinate at tasks that would make your life easier?
• Are you in denial about some issues that you know have solutions?
• Do you feel guilty after you do something that you said you would never do again?
• Do you lack good personal boundaries? (being able to say yes and no when you want to)
• Do you think your current state of unhappiness is all you can ever acheive?
• Do you feel inferior to those around you who seem to be Happiness Experts?

If you said yes to any of these, and many variations thus, you may be an Unhappiness Expert.

If you want to:

• Do things that consistently better your life!
• Take charge of your life and simplify it!
• Face your problems with courage and determination!
• Feel great about your newfound willpower and committment to your total wellbeing!
• Say yes to things and feel great and say no to others and increase self-respect!
• Know that whatever you want is well within your reach!
• Stand shoulder to shoulder with the other Happiness Experts of the world!

All of this can be yours! I Can Help.

Kids Self-Esteem Groups Starting Soon!

Self Esteem for Children

With the pressures that we, as adults, experience in this day and age to feel accepted...imagine what it must be like for our children!

In a society where outward appearance dictates inner worth more than ever before, the most vulnerable will surely pay the biggest price...Sacrificing their self esteem.

Luckily, we are witnessing a shift. A very healthy, albeit tiny, wave of evolution has come to help people of all ages feel confident about themselves, their capabilities, and their lives.

I plan to lend a helping hand.

New Website Address

To all of my current and prospective patients:

Within the next 24 hours, you will able to go to WWW.KARENISRAEL.COM and be linked straight to this blog! All of the content will remain the same and will be accessible from this simpler web address.

Thank you for your conitnued belief in me and my passion!
Sincerely,
Karen Ray Israel, M.Ed., LPC, BCPC

How to get from Problem to SOLUTION!

It is my belief that every problem has a solution.

Hate your job?? QUIT!

Don't like your hair?? GET IT CUT!

Not happy with your weight?? EAT LESS AND EXERCISE!

Mad at your spouse?? TELL THEM!

Need more help cleaning house?? ASK FOR IT!

Sounds simple, eh?

Believe me when I say... I know it's not.

And the reason why it's not this simple is becasue of our struggle to change. And as I've written in a previous article: it's not the actual change we fear, but what we are leaving behind. Our resistance to this loss is what can sometimes slow down our process- or even cripple it.

I can help you recognize, understand, and move past your resistance

so that any problem you face will have a solution!