by MCF Chief Operating Officer Gail Doerr One of the most encouraging findings to have emerged from the science of happiness is that people take delight in giving to others. In fact, several studies have found that spending money on others brings more happiness than spending on yourself. The research suggests that certain factors need to be in place in order to maximiz ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC For many of us the time before, during, and after the holiday season is focused on family and celebrations. This can also be a time when we find ourselves doing too much of the wrong things and too little of what keeps us well. You can probably remember at least one time you found yourself in bed with the flu or some  ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC From time to time when I encounter a challenging moment or when someone I hold dear is struggling, I think of a particular song from The Sound of Music, a movie musical I enjoyed as a child. The song is “My Favorite Things” and goes like this: “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and war ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC The vibrant season. Chroma of amber and rust. Nature’s masterpiece. – Robyn Noble When we read this 3-line haiku poem on autumn, images of this season emerge in a different but very vivid way. Perhaps your memories of poetry involve school day English classes with required memorization that ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC The other day I took a few minutes to myself during a busy day to sit outside. I closed my eyes, and turned inward. Following my own breath and engaging my senses, I noticed the amazing waves of sound as the cicadas called to one another. Very soon I felt calmed and grounded by this experience. The sound came and went, ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC We are deep into the summer now. Phew! What do you do with those kids when the temperatures soar and school is out? How do you keep your sanity and enjoy your family time as much as possible? We often get so preoccupied getting kids scheduled and constructively occupied that we forget that the down time of the summer  ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Are you thinking about work 24/7? Do you find yourself checking email after the end of the workday or during the weekend? Is there no end to your workday? If you answered, “yes,” you are not alone. Overwork has become a common American phenomenon. Here are some interesting statistics: In a recent national survey, 5 ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds – trauma, tragedy, personal crises -- and bounce back. It is not a personality trait, but rather a skill we build over time. It helps us to find joy again even after life’s greatest hardships knock us down. Recent books and publications have brought r ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Last month, we presented options and opportunities to survive the winter doldrums (/blog/getting-on-the-other-side-of-the-winter-doldrums). This month, we take a look at a more serious and lingering emotional and behavioral response to seasonal changes, Seasonal Affective Disorder. As described on the National Institu ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Winter has come! Last week brought the full fury of winter down on many parts of the country, particularly the East Coast. You might think the world is coming to an end with dire weather reports announcing the arrival of “bomb cyclones” and another polar vortex. Parents scramble to occupy their children at ho ..