Warning Signs of Suicide

It seems a day doesn’t go by without hearing about another suicide on the news, from a friend or a client who’s either dealing with the pain of loss or worse, having suicidal thoughts. Me Too As a therapist I help clients deal with the devastating effects of death and the loss that accompanies it on a regular basis.  I’m also…

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Parenting Tips: Schools Out!

Spring and summer are my favorite seasons; the days are longer, and the sun shines brighter!  However, I know for many parents this time of year can be chaotic because SCHOOLS OUT!  Where’s my son, and what’s he doing!  School’s Out for Summer So here it is barely Spring time and the kids are getting out of…

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Fantasy Son

  Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child; a fantasy!  You looked at your newborn boy and saw endless possibilities. He’ll be a doctor, star athlete, CEO of a corporation or President of the United States! The problem with this kind of thinking is that there is usually—in fact, always—a difference between this fantasy son you’ve created…

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Core Value Empathy

I’ve witnessed a fair number of parents lately making the decision to “shield” their son from tragedy, death, divorce; basically, anything that may cause sadness.  It’s unhealthy, it prevents him from feeling/having empathy, let me explain why. What Is Empathy? Psychology Today says it like this: Empathy is the experience of understanding another person’s condition from their…

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Counseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD

Honored to have my work recognized by Capella in this recent interview! Counseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD Some people might wonder why Clayton Lessor* bothered to get a PhD. A licensed professional counselor in St. Louis, Missouri, he already had a successful career in private practice, as well as numerous speaking and consulting gigs. “I wanted…

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Rite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part One of Two)

There is a much-needed focus today by both broadcast and print media on males and masculinity; you can virtually find a program or article on the subject at any given moment.  What I don’t see or hear is something I know very well through years of research, data and facilitation. Boys need a rite-of-passage and initiation…

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Parents How’s the “Exit Plan” Going?

Have you started your son’s exit plan? First, clearly this is not about “kicking your son out of the house” into a scary world without preparation.  It is exactly the opposite-it is responsible parenting, preparing him to be a responsible, independent and healthy adult.  Exit Plans Are Necessary  I often hear from parents that their adult son is…

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Raising Sons? The Need For Healthy Masculinity

Masculinity continues to be debated in the media as “bad” and “toxic” I’m motivated to bring some alarming facts to your attention.   Perp’s in Sheep’s Clothing If you’re watching the news you are hearing weekly sometimes daily of arrests of female teachers, female coaches perpetrating adolescent boys.  It’s becoming epidemic, CBS news reports there are more than…

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FL School Shooter-Was Perfect Storm

It was a tragic sight on the T.V. screen.  Another school shooting; this time 17 innocent lives taken.  When will it stop?  Not until change happens! The Tom Roten Morning Show The link below will take you to my recent interview with Tom.  Why this was a “perfect storm.”  Dr. Clay – FL School Shooter…

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Broken Boys-Signs to Watch For

How can a parent not be worried sick to send their kid off to school; a place trusted for years to keep children safe.  We send our prayers and condolences to the families in Florida that lost loved ones.  I’m reminded of this saying: “Bad things happen to good people.” Help with the Grief In…

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