The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Back in the 1990’s, tennis pro Andre Agassi said “Image is everything,” for a TV camera commercial. While Agassi was merely reciting a line, the phrase stuck a cord with audiences and soon it was integrated into American culture. Coaches, marketing experts, media relations, and politicians all adhere religiously to this standard. And there is no clearer demonstration of this impact then the proliferation of social media. The Problem. But just because something is accepted in a culture, does not mean it is right or even useful. The problem is that a projected image allows a person to disassociate their true self from the exterior. The result is a generation who hides their inner thoughts and feelings from others, subsequently concealing their true being. This eventually becomes habitual as a person assumes new roles in society further alienating their true identity even from themselves. Think of the image that most people project on Facebook, Link...

Brian M. Murray, MS, IMH If you are feeling depressed there may be something you can do to relieve it. Feeling depressed can be due to an imbalance in the brain neurotransmitter called Serotonin of which medication from a medical doctor can help to stabilize. While antidepressants can help lift mood this is often not the sole culprit for depression. Studies show that the most effective way to relieve depression is through both mood stabilizers and talk therapy such as mental health counseling. Talk therapy helps bring a person to understanding and healing of why the depression is occurring in the first place with a goal of getting off of being dependent on mood stabilizing medications. There are times however when the body has a chronic problem with producing enough Serotonin to hold the lifted mood. In this case long term treatment with medications may be necessary under a medical doctor’s care. When focusing on talk therapy there are three ways (formulas) that can help to...

  By: Brian M Murray, MS, IMH Social phobia is a very common anxiety disorder. One of the most common forms of social phobia which many people can identify with is stage fright. Social phobia is not to be confused with antisocial behavior or antisocial personality disorder which is identified as a pervasive pattern of disregard and violation of the rights of others. Social phobia has to do with fear and worry of people and events that involve other people. People with social phobia worry about being viewed in a negative way or scrutinized by others in social situations in where they are unfamiliar with the other people. While fear of public speaking is the most common form of this condition there are other areas that you may not be aware of such as being afraid to go into public bathrooms, eating and drinking alone or even doing everyday tasks such as going to the grocery store. Often this person will walk into a room and keep their back to the wall or stay close to an...