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Growing Pains

Love, loss, and special needs

Mindfulness
Stronger Than the Storm

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on March 26, 2022

A Personal Perspective: We cannot control the storms in our lives, but we can control how we respond. Our power exists in the words we use and the choices we make.

A Personal Perspective: We cannot control the storms in our lives, but we can control how we respond. Our power exists in the words we use and the choices we make.

Grief
Moving Forward After Loss

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on March 13, 2022

Personal Perspective: The journey through grief takes time and is painful. But it also brings an opportunity to mindfully step into the life that remains.

Personal Perspective: The journey through grief takes time and is painful. But it also brings an opportunity to mindfully step into the life that remains.

Grief
An Anchor in the Storm

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on September 25, 2021

Facilitating grief groups is my soul work. It is a privilege to serve as an anchor for those who are navigating the most terrifying storm of their lives.

Facilitating grief groups is my soul work. It is a privilege to serve as an anchor for those who are navigating the most terrifying storm of their lives.

Grief
Love, Loss, and Letting Go

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on June 30, 2021

The journey through grief is unpredictable and exhausting. It is the journey no one wants to take.

The journey through grief is unpredictable and exhausting. It is the journey no one wants to take.

Anxiety
People Are More Than a Diagnosis

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on June 26, 2021

Words are powerful. They paint a picture. But people are so much more than any diagnosis, label, or words written on a little blank line.

Words are powerful. They paint a picture. But people are so much more than any diagnosis, label, or words written on a little blank line.

Anxiety
The Agony of Anxiety

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on June 21, 2021

Anxiety is an invisible enemy. It is stealthy, it does not discriminate, and the effects can be crippling for those who are forced to battle this foe.

Anxiety is an invisible enemy. It is stealthy, it does not discriminate, and the effects can be crippling for those who are forced to battle this foe.

Mindfulness
Simple Things

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on December 31, 2020

During difficult times, the simplest things can bring the greatest comfort. Be mindful of the ordinary. It is often the most meaningful.

During difficult times, the simplest things can bring the greatest comfort. Be mindful of the ordinary. It is often the most meaningful.

Fear
The Gift of Grace

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on December 29, 2020

In this season of giving, the best gift we can give to ourselves and to others is the gift of grace. We all need grace.

In this season of giving, the best gift we can give to ourselves and to others is the gift of grace. We all need grace.

Therapy
Through the Eyes of a Child

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on September 30, 2020

Whether children are typically developing or have special needs, these pint-sized messengers can teach us some of the most important lessons.

Whether children are typically developing or have special needs, these pint-sized messengers can teach us some of the most important lessons.

Friends
Perception and the Pandemic

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on September 27, 2020

Children and vulnerable adults often ask straightforward questions about the pandemic. Responses should be thoughtful and developmentally appropriate.

Children and vulnerable adults often ask straightforward questions about the pandemic. Responses should be thoughtful and developmentally appropriate.

Grief
Finding Beauty

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on July 1, 2020

Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the beauty in one's surroundings can contribute to healing in a significant way. There is life beyond grief.

Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the beauty in one's surroundings can contribute to healing in a significant way. There is life beyond grief.

Grief
Self-Care During Grief

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on June 29, 2020

The journey through grief is exhausting. Self-care is critical. Take the time, listen to your inner voice, and find what works for you.

The journey through grief is exhausting. Self-care is critical. Take the time, listen to your inner voice, and find what works for you.

Grief
Before and After

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on June 28, 2020

Our lives are shaped by pivotal moments. Loss and grief are among those experiences that have two specific points of reference: before and after.

Our lives are shaped by pivotal moments. Loss and grief are among those experiences that have two specific points of reference: before and after.

Grief
Grief and the Involuntary Reset

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on March 31, 2020

COVID-19 has shaken us to the core and brought the world to its knees. We are battling an invisible enemy in a literal fight for our lives.

COVID-19 has shaken us to the core and brought the world to its knees. We are battling an invisible enemy in a literal fight for our lives.

Relationships
The Last Time

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on March 24, 2020

We never know when we've experienced something for the last time. Be mindful. Live fully. Embrace each moment as if it were the last.

We never know when we've experienced something for the last time. Be mindful. Live fully. Embrace each moment as if it were the last.

Grief
Grief, Google, and the Passage of Time

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on February 21, 2020

Night can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. Sleep is often elusive and leaves individuals to wrestle with powerful emotions alone.

Night can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. Sleep is often elusive and leaves individuals to wrestle with powerful emotions alone.

Gratitude
Grief, Gratitude, and Growth

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on December 31, 2019

Traditionally, New Year's Eve is a time for celebrating. For those who have lost a loved one and are grieving, celebrating may not be possible.

Traditionally, New Year's Eve is a time for celebrating. For those who have lost a loved one and are grieving, celebrating may not be possible.

Grief
A Different Thanksgiving

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on November 27, 2019

Navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one can be very difficult. Grieving is messy, healing takes time, and patience is required.

Navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one can be very difficult. Grieving is messy, healing takes time, and patience is required.

Grief
Four Little Words

Linda Seiford Ph.D. on November 16, 2019

When a loved one dies, it's difficult to reconcile words expressed with reality. Grief is painful. It's unpredictable. It's the most difficult work you'll ever do.

When a loved one dies, it's difficult to reconcile words expressed with reality. Grief is painful. It's unpredictable. It's the most difficult work you'll ever do.