The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Brian Murray LMHC, NCC   An abusive person is someone who has issues with power and control in a relationship. The abuse can come in many forms such as emotional, physical, sexual, and financial just to name a few. Knowing what to look for with abusive behaviors can help you build better relationships. The early warning signs can serve as red flags that the person you are involved with is not healthy. This goes beyond the occasional conflict that most couples encounter and reasonably resolve. This is about behavioral clues that indicate someone is abusive, manipulating, and possibly dangerous. We all get angry at times, however if you are married or involved with someone who frequently manipulates to the point where you’re belittled, criticized, called names, physically harmed, and begin to feel concern for your safety and well-being that should be enough to signal it’s time to end the relationship and get out. Listed below are 15 points to help you build awareness and self

By: Elizabeth McKeehan, IMH  I’m dedicating this article to my dear swimmer friend Dana.   2014 hit us both with some tragic and unwelcome news and life change.   I lost my pastor husband of 17 1/2 years to suicide and she received a daunting cancer diagnosis.   Neither of these situations made any sort of sense to us.   I was 42 and she was 33 years old.   Both of us had 2 young children to rear amidst the chaos. We both found ourselves confused and lost.   Yes, we have faith in God, but it has been severely tested.   We know He is with us and loves us even when we have, at times, screamed at Him.  Much like Disney’s Dory from the 2003 Finding Nemo. I am a firm believer in Dory’s practical philosophy.   What do you do when life gets you down (submerges you even), all is unclear or confusing, and you feel lost?   Dory says, “you know what you gotta do…just keep swimming…swimming…swimming…” Breathing deeply: “Just keep breathing…breathing…breathing…” is pretty vital here too! Pa