May 28, 2013:It just may be that our quirks and passions are what make us interesting, lovable, unique and human. Why do we work so hard to "fix" all of our perceived weaknesses? It's time to embrace our inner neurotic and let our "freak flags" fly!
May 21, 2013:Creativity and mental health are closely linked. Unfortunately, many of us abandon our creative lives as we enter adulthood. How can we awaken our inner-artist? Listen in to A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Tuesday from 2-3 pm, as Elizabeth Barrett and her guests, Teri Kurczewski and Jennifer Blomfield discuss the power of art in transforming lives. Caring talk for the Central Coast on public radio KCBX.
May 14, 2013:Although breakfast in bed, or a fancy brunch and bouquet of flowers are nice ways to show our love for Mom once-a-year, it is what we do the other 364 days through our policies, attitudes, and behaviors that can make life for mothers so challenging and often quite depressing. How was your Mother’s Day? Join Elizabeth Barrett for a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist Tuesday, from 2-3 pm, as we discuss the ever-changing and complex role of motherhood in our culture. Your calls are welcomed and encouraged about this, or any other topic related to your relationships, life and well-being. Be a part of the community! Caring talk for the Central Coast on Public Radio KCBX.
May 7, 2013:Approximately 14% of elderly Americans live with their children, compared to 39% in Italy and 65% of the elderly in Japan. How we care for our elders says much about who we are and what we value as a culture. Where will you live out your final years? Join Elizabeth Barrett for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist as we explore the current trends in our family dynamics–and making room from Grandma. Your calls are encouraged regarding this or any other topic related to your life, relationships, and mental health, Tuesday from 2-3 pm. Caring talk for the Central Coast on Public Radio KCBX.
April 30, 2013:What can you do if you know how to make things better, but you lack access to the resources that would help? Join Elizabeth Barrett for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist Tuesday, from 2-3 pm, as we discuss ways to bridge the gap between need and knowledge. Your calls, questions, and comments are welcomed and encouraged about this topic or anything else related to relationships and the quality of your life. Caring talk for the Central Coast - public radio KCBX.
April 23, 2013:For a generation we have been DARE'ing our kids to just say no to drugs while at the same time we've been medicating our children with prescription drugs at an alarming rate. Current studies report that almost 11% of our school age children are being treated for ADHD symptoms–an increase of 41% in the past decade! Join Elizabeth Barrett for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist–as we discuss the unintended consequences of our cultural passion for medications. Your calls are encouraged regarding this and any other topic related to the quality of your life and relationships. Caring talk for the Central Coast on public radio-KCBX.
April 16, 2013: In light of the recent bombing in Boston and other senseless acts of violence around the country - the Reluctant Therapist discusses how we might begin to heal and cope with national tragedies - as individuals and as a collective community.
April 9, 2013:Even when we've given it our all - some relationships eventually come to an end. The experience of grieving the loss of love and connection can cause us great emotional and physical pain but understanding the process and trusting our innate ability to heal, may help to ease the journey to wholeness. Join us for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, Tuesday from 2-3 pm - as we discuss the often treacherous road to recovery after a break-up. Your calls are encouraged regarding this and any other topic related to the quality of your life and relationships. Caring talk for the Central Coast on public radio - KCBX.
April 2, 2013:There's been a lot of arguing about how we organize ourselves as families and who is allowed to get married. But - we've spent little time talking about how to keep our unions together. Join Elizabeth Barrett for a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist regarding the secrets to marital success. You are encouraged to call in with your questions, concerns and comments. Caring talk for the central coast on your public radio station - KCBX.
March 26, 2013: We all have one - they come in different shapes and sizes, and some are easier and more colorful than others. They drive us crazy, we can't live without them, and they often define who we are. Family. Join host Elizabeth Barrett for a lively discussion about the ways we can improve our most important connections and still maintain our sanity.
March 19, 2013:Radio enriches our daily lives in many ways - from providing news, entertainment, and music - to keeping us informed about community events and local organizations. But for all of radio's valuable contributions, the most valuable may be the mental health benefits we receive from feeling connected to each other, through our shared experience of listening, relating to and interacting with the familiar voices that come to us each day over the air.
March 12, 2013: One of the most important tenets of good mental health is giving back to the community. Doing something that makes a difference increases our self-esteem, improves our mood, connects us to others and adds meaning to our life. Giving of ourselves is one big positive! The Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, wants to know where you put your helping energy.
March 5, 2013:When we think about our identity - quite often our reality is all in the name. How do you introduce yourself? You are invited to call-in to share your story or ask a question regarding the quality of your life or relationships during a conversation with the Reluctant Therapist - Elizabeth Barrett.
February 26, 2013: The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which each individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community. How is the state of your mental health? The Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, is here to listen and offer simple tips for improving the quality of our lives Tuesdays from 2-3pm.
February 19, 2013: The Reluctant Therapist discusses the tragedy of teen suicide in a very personal and intimate show. Here are some resources for anyone dealing with this diffucult subject: The National Suicide Lifeline: 800-273-TALK, San Luis Obispo Hotline: 800-549-4499, Santa Barbara Warmline: 805-319-9606, North Santa Barbara County Friendship Line: 805-345-1877, Monterey County Hotline: 877-663-5433.
February 12, 2013: It's easy to dismiss Valentine's Day as just another commercial holiday - but this yearly reminder to focus on love and our relationships is actually great for our mental health and well-being. Elizabeth Barrett, The Reluctant Therapist, explores all the different ways Love is essential in our lives and how a few simple changes can improve the quality of the love we give and receive.
February 5, 2013: Human connection drives our lives - and yet for many, poor social and communication skills keep us from getting what we most desire. How are your skills? The Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett will share some secrets to relationship success and answer questions about some of life's great interpersonal mysteries.
January 29, 2013:Why am I here? It's a question we'll ask ourselves many times over the course of our lifetime. Maybe the journey doesn't have to be so hard - Elizabeth Barrett, the Reluctant Therapist, explores this and other questions about the meaning of an individual life. What's your purpose?
January 22, 2013:Change - If the only constant is change - you'd think we'd be better at dealing with it. This week the Reluctant Therapist explores the many layers of change - and how we can all become more comfortable with life's many transitions. Join the conversation and share your experiences with change - or any other question you've always had for a therapist but were afraid to ask.
January 15, 2013: Advice - we love to dish it out but we rarely want to take it. What's the best advice you've ever received? And did you follow it? Share your thoughts and join the community.
January 8, 2013:We exercise, drink water, eat well and try to get eight hours of sleep - all in an effort to maintain our physical health. But what do you do on a regular basis to care for your mental health? In light of recent tragedies, increasing stresses, escalating demands and diminishing services - the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, begins her new weekly conversation exploring the importance of talking about and tending to our individual and collective mental health.
