Happy Holidays!

Pfeiffer Institute Reach will close for the holidays beginning Monday, December 21. We will reopen on our regular schedule on Monday, January 4. Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pfeiffer Institute Reach will be closed starting Wednesday, November 25, to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen for regular hours on Monday, November 30. Have a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving!

FREE Stress Management Workshop 12/5/15

Relationship Dynamics and Feedback Loops

     One of my favorite things about using the Prepare/Enrich assessment is the amazing amount of useful information contained in the report. For example, there are sections on personal stress, communication, conflict resolution, and much more. In the space of an hour, the couple provides detailed information that I, as the trained facilitator, can then use to help target and guide our sessions together. Very efficient and effective!
     One of the first sections I review is Relationship Dynamics, which consists of four elements: assertiveness, self-confidence, avoidance, and partner dominance. As implied by the word “dynamics” (according to Dictionary.com, “pertaining to or characterized by energy or effective action”), the elements interact with each other in particular ways. For example, assertiveness, or the ability to “say what you mean and mean what you say” without being mean, is related to self-confidence (how positive you feel about yourself and your abilities). It makes sense that someone who has high self-confidence is able to be assertive, and vice versa. Likewise, someone low in assertiveness will probably express low self-confidence. We call that type of mutual influence a “feedback loop.” Because these two elements relate in this way, changes made to one will affect the other; if a trained facilitator helps a partner be more assertive in his/her communication, that partner’s his/her self-confidence will likely increase.

     Similarly, avoidance – the tendency to “beat around the bush” rather than explicitly state wants or needs – is related to partner dominance, or how much one feels dominated by their partner. Again, the connection makes sense: when a partner feels controlled, s/he is unlikely to feel s/he can speak up plainly. In this case, though, the feedback loop has negative consequences: as avoidance increases, partner dominance is likely to increase as well, which is detrimental for the relationship. A trained facilitator can still use this loop to advantage by decreasing avoidance (i.e., helping a partner clearly express wants and needs), which allows the “dominating” partner to step back.
     As you can see, just the information contained in this one section of the report tells me a lot about the couple – about each partner, about the relationship, and about where I can make suggestions for change. Like the entire Prepare/Enrich assessment, this section is not about who is to blame or how one person is wrong. Both partners are involved in problem creation and maintenance, as well as resolution and improvement. The information about Relationship Dynamics helps me know how to help the couple make changes to strengthen and improve their relationship – that’s what it’s all about!
     Remember, there are several Therapist Interns at Pfeiffer Institute Reach who are trained Prepare/Enrich facilitators, and the services are affordable. Schedule your appointment today! 919-941-2900 or pfeiffer.reach@pfeiffer.edu

Laura Bryan, PhD, LMFT
This post can also be found on the Prepare/Enrich blog: https://blog.prepare-enrich.com/2015/11/relationship-dynamics-feedback-loops/

Free Stress Management Workshop 11/14/15

Free Stress Management Workshop - Saturday, October 24, 10:30am-12:30pm

Season of Change - New Web Address!

Autumn is a time of change - leaves change their colors, people change their wardrobes, the weather changes to colder, and the time changes to early dark.

Now it's time for Pfeiffer Institute Reach to change! We're still in the same accessible location (600 Airport Boulevard, Suite 600, Morrisville, NC), the same wide range of available hours (M-Th 10-9, F 10-6, and Sat 10-2), and still offer individual, couple, and family therapy sessions for only $30 (sliding scale available for those in financial need.

So what's the change? We have a new web address! You can now find us at
www.pfeiffer.edu/reach

That address will still get you to information about Reach (as well as our sister clinic Pfeiffer Institute for Marriage and Family Therapy in Charlotte, NC), as well as the intake paperwork and a map to our location. It's just a change - fitting for the season!

First Session Free! Oct. 5-10, 2015

Stress Management Workshop

STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? 
Ready to change with the season?

Join us at Pfeiffer Institute Reach for a FREE workshop!

Relax while you learn tools, tips, and techniques to balance stress through mindfulness practice, guided meditation, & breathing exercises!

Saturday, September 26 from 10:30 AM—12:30 PM

RSVP today! Seating is limited!

This workshop is open to everyone; those who attend will also receive a voucher for one FREE therapy session at Pfeiffer Institute Reach.

Call 919-941-2900 or email pfeiffer.reach@pfeiffer.edu

A Team Approach to Therapy

Therapist Interns at Pfeiffer Institute Reach help their clients by using a team approach. These "teams" take several different formats.

First and foremost, the Therapist Intern has a supervisor who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy. The Therapist Intern and supervisor meet together at least once a week to discuss the Intern's clients - what has happened in the most recent session, the Intern's plans to help the client to change, and the Intern's relationship (aka alliance) with the client. The supervisor listens to the Intern's description, asks questions about the Intern and the client, and sometimes observes recordings of the session. All of this happens in the effort to (1) improve the Intern's skills and (2) benefit the client's therapy.

Second, the Therapist Intern has a group of peers who also hear about clients and sometimes watch sessions. With the supervisor as facilitator, this group also works to help the Therapist Intern think "outside the box" about how to be helpful to the client, and improve the Intern's therapy skills. Together, these teams (supervisor and peers) are why we tell prospective clients that they're getting multiple therapists for the price of one - and a low price at that!

The third "team" includes helpers outside of Reach who are involved with the client. These team members might be doctors, lawyers, teachers, or religious leaders who make up the client's support network. Therapist Interns collaborate with these outside team members (with the client's written permission) in order to coordinate the effort to help the client make changes. While this team isn't as directly involved in the actual therapy - indeed, they don't learn the particulars of what happens in session - they are integral parts of helping the client make and maintain progress in their lives.

This systems perspective (i.e., client is seen as part of a network rather than a lone entity) is part of what makes Marriage and Family Therapy different from other mental health fields. Its part of the benefit clients receive when they come to Pfeiffer Institute Reach. If you'd like to become part of our team - or if you'd like to learn more about us - please contact us today: 919-941-2900 or pfeiffer.reach@pfeiffer.edu.

Children's Social Skills Group - NEW DATE: September 19

Due to scheduling issues, the Children's Social Skills Group will now start Saturday, September 19, from 10:30-11:30am. The group will meet every other Saturday (9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21). 

RSVP today! 919-941-2900 or Pfeiffer.Reach@Pfeiffer.edu

    The social skills group offered at Pfeiffer Institute Reach provides children ages 5-8 with the opportunity to increase social skills and peer interactions.  The group will sharpen social skills common for this age group, including meeting peers, maintaining friendships, and sharing.  In addition, the group will focus on helping children to respond appropriately to challenging social situations such as losing, apologizing, and identifying and managing emotions.  Children will learn how to identify emotions, and connect emotional experiences to physical feelings through interactive and visual activities.  The group will focus on helping children to manage difficult emotions, such as anger and fear, and connect emotional experiences to social interactions through role-plays and group member interaction. 

    The social skills group is a great opportunity for any child who is experiencing Autism, behavioral issues, ADHD, social delays, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.  The purpose of the group is to help children learn appropriate social responses, interact well with peers, and regulate emotion.

    The group facilitators, Toni Nicolsen and Nicole McCarthy, are advanced graduate students and therapist interns at Pfeiffer Institute Reach.  Toni has previous experience leading social skills groups for children with behavioral disorders and social anxiety.  She enjoys the interactive nature of a group setting and helping children engage in social and emotional experiences through hands-on activities and building peer relationships.  Nicole has been working with young children for several years, and has experience helping children to improve their social/emotional skills.  She enjoys helping children to better understand their emotions, while giving them tools to cope and express themselves in positive ways.

RSVP today! 919-941-2900 or Pfeiffer.Reach@Pfeiffer.edu

Children's Social Skills Group (5-8 years old) - starts Saturday, August 22

Does your child have a difficult time making friends?  Sharing?     Identifying and expressing feelings?

Let Pfeiffer Institute Reach help put a little pep in your child’s back to school step!

This group will provide your child with skills needed to make and maintain friendships, and get along better with their peers!

Children ages 5 to 8 years old.

 Every other weekend starting on Saturday, August 22 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

RSVP today! Seating is limited! 919-941-2900

A Stressful Week

What a week it's been! Our front AC unit went out on Monday - the entire unit had to be replaced, and the supervisor to approve this was on vacation. We were short-staffed in the office so there were changes in schedules and long days. Both printers went out and needed new parts ordered - TWICE! Sometimes it seems like everything that can go wrong - does! And that's just the job-related stuff! Murphy is alive and well, I guess. It's enough to make you wonder how much you can handle, and how sane you'll be by the end!

Luckily, Reach has great resources: Even as I write this, the AC unit is being fixed (3 trucks of ARS techs - thank you!). We have helpful office staff, and interns who step up to cover the front when needed. We were able to order the printer parts online and they arrived the next day.

I can also choose to find the bright side of stressful situations:

• It was a little cooler yesterday and last night, so the front office was bearable in the mornings. The back AC units helped cool the whole suite, so at least the session rooms were comfortable. 
• We were short-staffed for a very positive reason - a baby was born healthy and mom did great. The employee was able to take time off, and will be back on schedule soon.
• Any printing that had to be done immediately was emailed to the campus and taken care of in no time.

Still, all these changes and frustrations - much less the heat! - can make anyone feel stressed and overwhelmed! If you've got a lot going on, particularly if you're having trouble coping or seeing any bright side, please come to our FREE Stress Management Workshop next Saturday, July 25, from 10:30am-12pm. You will learn about important skills (mindfulness, guided meditation), share with others, and receive a voucher for a FREE therapy session at Reach. Reserve your spot today: call 919-941-2900 or email contact@pfeifferreach.org.

Stress Management Workshop - One Day Left to RSVP!

RSVP Today - 919-941-2900 or contact@pfeifferreach.org

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Beat down by the heat?

Join us at Pfeiffer Institute Reach for a FREE workshop!

Relax while you learn tools, tips, and techniques to balance stress through mindfulness practice, guided meditation, & breathing exercises!

Saturday, July 25 from 10:30 AM—12:00 PM

RSVP today! Seating is limited!

This workshop is open to everyone; those who attend will also receive a voucher for one FREE therapy session at Pfeiffer Institute Reach.

Relaxation Workshop

Oftentimes we become overwhelmed and consumed with multiple tasks in our daily lives.  During these times, we forget the importance of taking a step back to breathe and take time for ourselves.  What better way to learn to relax than to join us at Pfeiffer Institute Reach Wednesday, July 8^th for a FREE Relaxation Workshop! You will leave with tips on the importance of self-care and stress management skills.

Other topics to be covered will include:

·         Mindfulness techniques

·         Guided Breathing exercises

·         Meditation

We welcome you to join us as we help you to regain inner peace.

 Please contact Pfeiffer Institute Reach at 919-941-2900 to reserve your seat today.

A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation... 

is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.

                                                                           -George Matthew Adams

Happy Father's Day!

To all the Fathers - biological, adopted, step, grand...they come in many varieties. Some of them eagerly anticipate the role, some come to it unexpectedly, others gradually, and some with great trepidation. All are important and have an influence on their children and partners. While their job is never-ending, at this time of year we pause to say "Thank you," recognize their achievements and shortcomings, and face the year ahead with determination to do better.

For all you do and will do, Happy Father's Day!

Online Therapy at Reach

Pfeiffer Institute Reach is proud to offer a new service: Online Therapy. Sometimes called distance therapy or video therapy, this means of offering mental health services helps eliminate a couple of potential barriers to attending face-to-face sessions.

Breaking Down Barriers

One advantage to online therapy is that it eliminates the need to travel to a specific location to meet with a therapist. Instead, a client can be in a confidential location of his or her own choosing, be it a bedroom, a home office, or a private room reserved at the library. Many clients also find it more convenient, as it cuts down on driving time and dealing with traffic (no small consideration in the Raleigh/Durham area!).

Another advantage to online therapy is that potential clients in rural areas can have access to services they would otherwise have to travel great distances for, or else do without. Many of our rural communities lack mental health services, or those services are offered at inconvenient times or locations.

Requirements for Online Therapy at Reach

Although there are several advantages of online therapy, there are also some concerns, so we have put some safeguards in place. In order to participate in online therapy at Pfeiffer Institute Reach, a potential client must meet the following criteria:

• The client must physically reside in North Carolina, and be within state lines during all online therapy sessions.
• Individual therapy only. Online therapy is not available for couple or family therapy. 
• The client must attend the first session face-to-face. During that first meeting, the therapist will evaluate the client to make sure he/she is appropriate for online therapy. The therapist will assess for issues such as suicidal or homicidal ideation, domestic violence situations, and comfort using technology.
• The client must identify an emergency contact and sign a release for the therapist to confirm with that person that they are willing to serve as the emergency contact during online therapy.

Want to Try It?

If you're interested in Online Therapy and you fit all the requirements above, contact Reach today to schedule your appointment (remember, the first one is face-to-face): 919-941-2900 or contact@pfeifferreach.org.

June Wedding, Lifetime Relationship

June is here, the most popular month for weddings. Did you ever wonder why? According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, "the goddess Juno was the protector of women in almost all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno's month was considered most auspicious." Plus the weather is generally cooperative, many people take vacations, and there are plenty of flowers to choose from!

If you're getting married - congratulations!! Planning a wedding takes a lot of time, coordination, and MONEY! The average cost of a wedding is $25,200, although most couples spend less than $10,000 (see http://www.costofwedding.com/). Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours spent on making this most important of days as perfect as possible, as "auspicious" a start as could be imagined.

What if more of that time, effort, and yes, even money, went toward preparing for the marriage? Think about it - the wedding is a single, albeit very important, day, but it's the start of a lifetime commitment. What if couples were able to learn more about how to manage the "for worse" that life will bring, before it actually arrives? That's the idea behind Prepare/Enrich, an online relationship assessment. Each member of the couple completes the assessment separately, then meet together with a trained facilitator to review the personalized results. 

Prepare/Enrich is great for premarital and newlywed couples as a "preventive" measure, and it's also helpful for couples who have been together for a while. Prepare/Enrich highlights areas of strength as well as issues that need attention, then builds skills to manage those issues. The assessment is only $35/couple, and sessions with a trained facilitator at Pfeiffer Institute Reach are only $30 (sliding scale available; see more here). Put your time and resources toward strengthening and improving your relationship - Reach for a better tomorrow...today! 919-941-2900 or contact@pfeifferreach.org. 

Happy Memorial Day!

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.   - Joseph Campbell

Our hearts and thoughts are with those who sacrificed their lives so we could live free.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all who mother!

Couples Therapy According to Kristen and Dax

For a change, some great news is making the social media rounds: Couples therapy can be good for relationships! Real-life couple Kristen Bell (Frozen, Veronica Mars) and Dax Shepard (Parenthood) gave an interview to Good Housekeeping where they candidly spoke about attending couples therapy. It's a fun interview, and I particularly wanted to point out a couple of quotes.

Kristen said "I didn't realize that I needed a much bugger toolbox to have confrontations and disagreements with people." Being in a relationship can be wonderful, but it also means that person will be able to make you more upset than you ever thought you could be! Couples therapy is a safe place to discuss difficult topics and emotions, and get "tools" (e.g., communication skills, specific behavioral strategies) for dealing with inevitable conflict. Kristen also compares going to therapy to using a personal trainer or a recipe - note that you're doing hard work, but the results are worth it!

Dax said "In my previous relationship, we went to couples'therapy at the end, and that's often too late. You can't go after nine years and start figuring out what patterns you're in." It's true that most people treat couples therapy as a last resort - what you try before hiring a lawyer. It's much more effective to use couples therapy as a preventive and maintenance strategy - learn what to do before things get bad, and then get regular boosters, since it's easier to get lazy!

Kristen said "There may be something that really hurt your feelings that you're scared to bring up. Go talk about it with a therapist who can mediate. You'll walk out of the room feeling like you're [on the same] team." The ultimate goal of therapy is to have partners working together for a healthy relationship, knowing that they can always come back if needed!

Remember, you can get low-cost couples therapy at Pfeiffer Institute Reach. Call 919-941-2900 or email contact@pfeifferreach.org today for your appointment!
Laura Bryan, PhD, LMFT
Clinic Director, Pfeiffer Institute Reach 

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is designated Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time set aside to focus our awareness on the importance of a happy, healthy childhood. Children thrive when there are loving and supportive adults in their lives, and thriving children result in a healthy and balanced community. When children are neglected or abused, it affects their development for years to come, causing personal and community cost. 

This month, learn what you can do to make your home and community safe and supportive for children. You can find a lot of great information at Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. If you need support, remember you can always reach out to Pfeiffer Institute Reach for low cost individual, couple, or family therapy. We want to help you make the changes you need.

Reach for a better tomorrow!

Happy Easter!

For I remember it is Easter morn,

And life and love and peace are all new born.

~Alice Freeman Palmer

All of us here at Pfeiffer Institute Reach wish you a joyous and peaceful Easter,

 spent with loving family and friends. 

Take today to relax and celebrate. 

If you need us, you can Reach  for a better tomorrow...tomorrow!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!
If you're lucky enough to have a partner, remember that our FREE Prepare/Enrich Workshop is on Saturday, 4/2. Call to RSVP today! 919-941-2900

A wish for you...

FREE Couples Workshop with Bonus Children's Workshop

Pfeiffer Institute Reach is offering a FREE Couples Workshop designed to help couples improve their relationship through learning more about their partner’s love language and what that means, healthy ways to deal with conflict, and how to grow together when changes in life are inevitable.
 The workshop will be held on Thursday, March 19 from 6-7:30 pm.

The topics to be covered include:
• The Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman)
• Conflict Management
• Growing Together

There will also be a workshop offered for the children ages 6-12 while the parents are attending the couple’s workshop. They will get a chance to improve skills such as communication and emotional self-regulation in a creative way.

There is limited seating, so RSVP today by calling Pfeiffer Institute Reach at 919-941-2900

First Session Free in March!

It's been a tough winter - particularly February - here in North Carolina. Pfeiffer Institute Reach had to close several days due to bad weather and hazardous driving conditions. We had to cancel the Free Couples Workshop (which will be rescheduled - stay tuned) and we lost several days for couples to take advantage of the First Couple Session Free special during February.

Now February is finished, and it's time to start thinking about spring - more sunshine, new beginnings, brighter outlook! In celebration - and to make up for the February closings - we're offering FIRST SESSION FREE during March. Any first session - individual, couple, or family - will be free!! Subsequent sessions are $30, and there is a sliding scale for those in financial need.

Celebrate the new season by committing to improve your individual and couple situation - schedule an appointment at Pfeiffer Institute Reach today!!

Valentine's Day Wish

May you take this Valentine's Day to show your love...

• to your romantic partner
• to your best friend
• to your children
• to your faith leader
• to your pets
• to your extended family
• to someone in need
• to yourself

Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and descriptions (like a box of chocolates!). Enjoy yours by giving today!

Remember, Pfeiffer Institute Reach offers your FIRST COUPLE SESSION FREE during February, and we have a FREE Couple Workshop (with bonus Children's Workshop) on 2/19. Call today!

More Prepare/Enrich Facilitators On the Way!

This weekend, six Therapist Interns at Pfeiffer Institute Reach will participate in a training workshop to become facilitators for Prepare/Enrich. That will bring us to a total of ELEVEN Therapist Interns trained as guides through the Prepare/Enrich process. It's is a great time to have this additional training, since during the month of February the FIRST COUPLE SESSION is FREE! 

What is Prepare/Enrich? It's an online assessment that couples complete on their own time, then meet with a trained facilitator to go over the results. The assessment is customized for each couple, and explores both strength and growth areas over the course of 4-8 sessions. The facilitator helps the couple examine their results, learn communication skills, identify stressors, resolve conflict, explore family issues, and establish personal and relationship goals.

Prepare/Enrich is often used with premarital and dating couples, as it is a good way to explore topics that are often avoided in beginning relationships (things like money, sex, kids...). Prepare/Enrich can also benefit established relationships by highlighting strengths that might have been forgotten, and examining growth areas in new and productive ways. The assessment can be used for both enrichment and counseling. Click here to learn more about the assessment, including the strong research support.

The Prepare/Enrich assessment is an additional charge ($35 per couple), but with the low cost of sessions at Reach - and the first couple session FREE during February - it's a great investment in the future of your relationship! Call today (919-941-2900) and ask for a Prepare/Enrich Therapist Intern!

FIRST COUPLE SESSION FREE!

For the entire month of February, 

the first couple session at

Pfeiffer Institute Reach is FREE!!

In couple therapy:

© Recognize and enhance the strengths in your relationship

© Learn how to “fight fair”

© Facilitate difficult conversations with your partner

© Increase insight and  understanding

© Revive your relationship and increase intimacy

© Subsequent sessions are only $30, sliding scale available

© Individual, couple, and family therapy

© Appointments available day, evening, and weekends

© Confidential, professional, affordable

Reach for a better tomorrow!

919-941-2900         contact@pfeifferreach.org