March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)!

     March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) encourages everyone to have the conversation about gambling! There are numerous ways to participate in gambling in our society. There's buying a Lotto ticket, a scratcher, betting on animal races (or really any other popular sporting event you can think of), casinos, and popular card games just to name a few. That being said, it's safe to say that most adults either gamble themselves or know someone who gambles. With the widespread acceptance of gambling, it can be easy to cross the line from occasional indulgences to developing an addiction. As with other mental health illnesses, some people may be suffering in silence due to not knowing the signs of gambling addiction, not knowing how they developed an addiction, or simply not knowing where to get help.
     Ask yourself these three questions:
        1) During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to
            stop/cut down on gambling?
        2) During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family and friends from knowing how
            how much you gamble?
        3) During the past 12 months, did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling
            that you had to receive help with living expenses from friends, family, or welfare?

     If you answered yes to any of these questions and you feel that you may have an issue with problem gambling, then set up an appointment for counseling in order to begin addressing the issue before it starts to take control of every aspect of your life! In therapy, I work with my clients as a team to address the multiple aspects of their addiction including: understanding the role of chemicals in the brain and how the addiction develops, recognizing and becoming aware of triggers, developing coping skills for urges and cravings, and how to implement healthy lifestyle changes in place of negative habits. Call (858) 522-0206 or email me at HeatherEricksonTherapy@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. For more information on problem gambling, including a list of resources for help, visit ncpgambling.org!

Valentine's Day Special!

Valentines Day is approaching quickly, and what better gift is there than the opportunity to strengthen your relationship! For the entire month of February, sign up for five 80-minute couples sessions and get the first session 50% off the regular price (that's a discount of $40)! Email me at HeatherEricksonTherapy@gmail.com or call (858) 522-0206 to set up your first session. You can also visit HeatherEricksonTherapy.com to check out more information about me and my services. I look forward to connecting with you and your special someone! 

Empathy-We all have it, we all need it

Empathy. It's necessary for our existence, yet does not always come easy. As humans, we are all born with the ability to empathize, so why do we all seem to differ in our levels of empathy? For some, it's not a question of why they are lacking in empathy, but rather what is blocking their ability to empathize. This belief that people are not "sick" or "defective," but rather stuck in a negative pattern of thoughts, behaviors, or interactions is one of the core concepts of Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and the stance I take with all of my clients!

Click here to check out a quick read on three simple ways to exercise your empathy!