Do you Struggle with Anxiety Every Freakin Day of Your Life??

Are you feeling uncomfortable physically?
Would you like to feel less stressed out?
Are you afraid of something in particular?
Does going out to a party make you feel anxious?
Wouldn't it be nice not to have anxiety zap all of your energy?
Wouldn't it be better to focus that energy on creating positive new experiences?

In counseling, I strive to create a safe and calming environment where we can address these kinds of feelings. Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) is very useful in treating anxiety disorders. The cognitive element helps people change their thinking patterns that support their fears, while the behavioral component helps people change the way they react to anxiety provoking situations.

If you would like to learn more information about treating anxiety or any other mood issues, visit the National Institute for Mental Health.

Here are some tips to help you cope with your anxiety today.
1. Use relaxation techniques like imagery or meditation
2. Get at least some moderate exercise
3. Good nutrition is very important. You'd be surprised how what you eat can make you feel anxious. Watch your sugar intake.

If you would like to work with me on coping with your anxiety, please feel free to contact me at 626-335-0903.

Hope you have a less anxious day! Ilissa Banhazl, Marriage & Family Therapy in Glendora.

How to Talk About Money with Your Family

Many families are struggling in this economy. How do you tell your children that they can no longer buy or doings like they used to? Read on to find out from expert Suze Orman.

Ilissa

In her new book, Suze teaches readers how to transform their thinking and reimagine the American dream. Here, she shares lesson number one: A bright financial future begins with those you love most.

Our families are the heart of our lives. We want our children to have endless opportunity, to be able to achieve and create and flourish. We want our parents to reap the benefits of a lifetime of hard work and live out their golden years free of worry. But too often these hopes lead us astray. We fall prey to our good intentions. We sacrifice the wrong things for the right reasons, putting our financial security at risk to make someone we love happy. Read More>>>

How Men Really Feel About Their Bodies

We read and talk so much about how women feel about their bodies. What about men??
Ilissa

We know they obsess over our bodies. But have you heard them obsess about theirs? Ted Spiker breaks the code of silence and takes you where no woman has gone before.

Dressed only in my underwear, I'm eight years old and sitting on the pediatrician's exam table, waiting for my checkup. My mother points to the two mounds of fatty flesh between my chest and belly. She asks the doctor, "Could they be tumors?"

"No," he says, "it's just fat."

Since that day, my fat has absorbed more darts than the back wall of a bar. Read More>>>

Eating Disorders Speaking Engagement

Ilissa Banhazl, Marriage and Family Therapist is speaking on Eating Disorders at UWest (University of the West) (Wellness center) in Rosemead on Thursday March 10, 2011 from 1-2pm. Please contact Ilissa for more information (626)335-0903

5 Things Happy People Do

Do you sometimes wonder if you're really happy or just kind of rolling along in your life? Would you like to feel happier? If so read this article on different ways to find happiness.

Ilissa

Sages going back to Socrates have offered advice on how to be happy, but only now are scientists beginning to address this question with systematic, controlled research. Although many of the new studies reaffirm time-honored wisdom ("Do what you love," "To thine own self be true"), they also add a number of fresh twists and insights. We canvassed the leading experts on what happy people have in common—and why it's worth trying to become one of them.

1. They find their most golden self. Read More>>>

The Top 10 Steps to De-Stress

Are you tired of coming home from work totally stressed out? That's no way to live! Read on for some tips on how to take control of your situation...

Ilissa

Do you feel tense and anxious at work? Do your co-workers and/or boss make you crazy? Is your personal life less than blissful? If so, you've got stress. If you're like most people you've sought refuge from this situation by trying a quick fix or two like calling a friend, walking the dog, or going away for the weekend in an attempt to escape it all. While these strategies may serve as temporary diversions, nothing in your life changes when you return to your routine. Read More>>>

The 3rd Wheel Syndrome

Are you tired of being the third wheel? All your friends either married or with someone? It's not easy to be a third wheel.

Ilissa

Aside from the thought you must have when you think of a 3rd wheel, in every sense of the word, I hate it! Being single (one of the only single people I know) I am having an issue being amongst my coupled friends. There has been many years I have sat through, been grown up, and dealt with the couple company and sitting there being my single self. Watching my coupled friends make out, neck each other, and bat their eyes at each other, has been not a cup of tea for me. Read More>>>

Dating in Your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's

Dating, I know not everyone's favorite thing. Dating changes as you change. Learn the best date tips for your age.

What is it that we are searching for? It is the butterflies we first encounter in the presence of your date, the sound of their voice, their smell, touch or is it the blissful moment that comes with exchange of the first "I love you"? As you progress through the decades dating dynamics change with age, your goals change, priorities change the longer you are single the tougher it gets to find "the one". We have outlined a few tips below so get on moving and find your true love.

Dating in your 20's Read More Tips>>>

Attend National Eating Disorder Week Events

This year's theme for Eating Disorder Awareness Week is "Let's Talk about It". See if you can do one thing this week to help spread the word about eating disorder recovery.

Ilissa

If you weren't aware of it, this is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 21st-27th) sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Organization. There are a number of events taking place all across the country in honor of this week.

Why is this week important? Eating disorders are serious mental health issues. Even if you have not been directly impacted by an eating disorder, it's likely that you have a sister, aunt, friend or boyfriend who has been touch by them in some way.Read More>>>

The Art of Dating When You Have Kids | Love & Sex | GalTime

Are you divorced with children? Thinking about dating but unsure how to do it with kids? Read on to learn how...The Art of Dating When You Have Kids | Love & Sex | GalTime

How Does Birth Order Affect A Child’s Personality

My oldest is so responsible. My middle is a handful. The baby is adorable. Sound familiar? Birth order does effect a child’s personality.

Ilissa

Birth order has been shown to affect a child’s personality. The forerunner of this idea was Alfred Adler, who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Adler suggested that birth order was a major determinant of the main influences on personality. Since the family unit is the primary social unit for children for so many years, it only makes sense that birth order would affect how a child’s personality develops. Read More>>>

Valentines Day, IC Style - Random Acts of Candy Kisses & More

Humans have an amazing ability to adapt. See if you can use Jill's ideas to make your Valentine's Day a special one even though you have IC. Feel free to call my office for more infrmation on counseling for IC. 626-335-0903

Ilissa

I refuse to feel sad on Valentines Day!!! Yes, I'm single and, gasp, alone. (Note to self: Get real Jill, you have an awesome family who loves you. You are definitely not alone). Yes, I can't eat chocolate without paying a heavy price. (Note to self: Carob or, for that matter, sugar cookies taste just fine!) Yes, I get that little ache when I think about the boyfriend I broke up with on Valentines Day years ago (Note to Self: His loss, not mine! ).

I am living proof that Valentines Day can certainly stir up our emotions in many unpredictable ways and when you have IC, it's easy to think about what you can't do, rather than what you can do. So, I'm going to remind you of what you can do today to enjoy the day!

Tip #1 - Give Hugs Frequently Read More Tips>>>

7 Things to do Alone on Valentine's Day

Don't have a date for Valentine's Day? Don't feel bad! There's lots of fun things you can do!

Ilissa

If you are alone this Valentine's Day don't be discouraged. There are millions of us out there who will are single and will be spending our day alone too. While it would be pretty easy to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, there are some things out there that we can do alone to make this holiday happy even if we are alone. Read More>>>

Valentine’s Day For Men: We know what women want, but what do men want for Valentine's Day?

Alright ladies, we're always complaining that our men aren't romantic but do you really know what your man wants for Valentine's Day? I thought so. You better read on…

Ilissa

Isn't it about time that women started to offer guys a little Valentine's love?

The doorbell rings, and just as Justin crosses the threshold of his apartment he catches a whiff of—what’s that?—fresh roses. Sure enough, as he swings the door open, there stands his wife, Becky, a fresh bouquet of long-stem roses in one hand, a gold-foiled box of Godiva chocolates in the other. Breathless, Justin stares adoringly at Becky, tears in his eyes as he murmurs, barely audibly, "You shouldn’t have." Read More>>>

More States Aim to Reform Teacher Tenure | StudentsFirst.org

More States Aim to Reform Teacher Tenure | StudentsFirst.org

6 Mistakes Men Make on Valentine's Day

Here's a reminder guys. Valentine's day is just around the corner!

Memo to men: Valentine’s Day is on February 14. In years past, Yahoo.com has noticed a spike in men searching for an answer to the question: “When is Valentine's Day?” as the day fast approaches. Of all the holidays on the yearly calendar, the one designated for romance never fails to trip guys up. Blame mixed messages: While retailers consider the holiday worthy of diamonds, many women take the stance that it's no big deal.

Don’t fall for any of it. Valentines Day is when a guy’s affection, compatibility, and commitment are put to the test. Forgetting the day is just the first mistake to avoid. There are six other common mistakes men make on February 14. Here's a cheat sheet.
Read More...

The Family First Challenge

Do you ever feel like your family is running in all directions? Was the last decent talk you had with your son or daughter while they were walking out the door? If so, read on to learn how to bring back “quality time” for your family.

Ilissa


What if you were finally given something you've always wanted? Something you've been dreaming about since childhood. Would you treasure it and use it every day—or would you leave it on a shelf to collect dust, an afterthought in your otherwise busy life?

Unfortunately, many families are choosing to ignore the greatest gift ever given—one another. For many, life has become a frantic schedule of activities and carpools. Read more...

Talk Therapy W/ Ilissa

Talk Therapy with Ilissa is taking a short break. It will return with the whole season intact. Keep a look out for posted days and times. Listen to the tables turn as Jeff and Virginia interview Ilissa Banhazl, Marriage & Family Psychotherapist

Women and the Negativity Receptor

Are you your own worst critic? This article will explain why and what to do about it!

Ilissa

Why is it that women pick up on the slightest slur and never hear the good stuff? Criticisms are stored forever; compliments evaporate instantly.

My goddaughter, visiting from college, is sprawled on my bed while we enact one of our regular rituals: I peruse my closet, offering her the clothes I no longer wear. "Take this, I don't have the legs for short skirts," I say, or "These pants make me look hippy." She regards me with quizzical amusement, suggesting that I have body dysmorphic disorder—that I'm one of those people preoccupied with minor, and often imaginary, flaws in physical features. At the very least, she insists, I need new glasses.

And we're not talking mere physical insecurity. Read More...

Women's Personal Growth & Support Group

Women’s Personal Growth and Support Group

“Women supporting each other in a safe environment.”

Facilitated by Ilissa Banhazl, Marriage & Family Psychotherapist’

Where: 2220 E. Rte 66 Suite #226, Glendora CA 91740

When: Every Wednesday from 7pm – 8:30pm

Ages: 21 and up

Fee: $45 per session, PPO Reimbursement

For more information: (626) 335-0903
www.ilissabanhazlmft.com

Only 8 slots Available!

Talk about anything…

10 Morning Mood Boosters

Is it hard to get your motor running in the morning, especially after a long weekend?
Here are some tips on how to get your day off to a great start! Ilissa

10 Easy Ways to Streamline Your Day

7 Foods That Boost Every Type of Bad MoodHave you ever noticed that what happens during the morning hours often sets the tone for the rest of the day? When things go smoothly, you tend to feel more relaxed and ready to face whatever the day may bring. However, when things get bumpy before you’ve even managed to get dressed, you’re more likely to remain grumpy until bedtime. While some hassles can’t be avoided, you can make mood-enhancing decisions during the a.m. hours that will set the stage for the next 16 or so. We spoke with the experts and combed the latest research for 10 pick-me-ups that will have your mood rising like the morning sun. Try one (or all!) of them for a happier and healthier you.

1. Pick one “spoil-me” task to do Read More...

Talk Therapy with Ilissa

Apologies to those who tuned in to hear Talk Therapy with Ilissa last night. Due to technical difficulties the program started late. Please tune in next Thursday at 7pm (www.ksgvradio.com) when all should be back to normal. Thanks for your patience. Ilissa

Tonight 7pm Listen Live to Talk Therapy w/ Ilissa

Tonight! Listen to Talk Therapy with Ilissa...Two Couples Talk About Relationships, Family, Parenting and More! Ilissa answers your questions! Lots of laughs!
Thursday, January 13th at 7pm at www.ksgvradio.com

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Here is the second article in a series on sleep; How to get a good night's sleep. Try it and let me know if it helps. Ilissa

Plan for a Good Night's Sleep

Getting quality, consistent sleep can be quite a feat. Try these tricks and solutions to make happy, healthy sleep your reality.

Plan for It

Decide when you want to wake up and count backward about seven hours. Now take about a 15-minute period before that to start your slowdown process. That means taking five minutes to finish up must-do chores, followed by five minutes of hygiene stuff (flossing, washing face and so on) and five minutes of relaxing into your sleep state, through things like meditation and Read More...

Why You Should Go to Bed Early

For the next few weeks I will be posting articles that address sleep issues. Look for my blogs if this topic is of interest to you. Ilissa

Would it kill you to go to bed at a reasonable hour? Actually, the opposite may be true. Now researchers are linking late nights to weight gain, addiction—even cancer.

Tamika Handy could star in her own workout video. The 37-year-old mother of five is a nutrition consultant and a fitness coach—with the chiseled biceps to prove it. But for most of her adult life, she had one serious health risk factor: She didn't go to sleep early enough.Read More>>>