Vantage Point Counseling Services Blog
This page is dedicated to discussing current events and topics of interest relating to psychotherapy, counseling, and other advice and help for issues relating to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationships, and sexual issues. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. This page will be updated often, so please check back frequently. Click on the title to be directed to the article you are interested in reading about below.
If Only…
While striving for contentment, people often will say that "if only things were different" they…
Dealing With Passive-Aggressive Behavior
All of us have people in our lives who we wish we did not have…
The Power of the Group
One of the biggest mistakes people make early on in their recovery is underestimating the…
Inspiration From Within
When working with clients who have had a traumatic or undesirable past where they were…
Not Everything in Moderation
A more modern and controversial viewpoint on substance abuse and addiction is moderation management. As…
Understanding Behavior: Why Do We Do What We Do?
When people come into therapy, many times they are confused about why they do what…
The Success of Failure
We value success. Nobody, who sets out to reach a goal, wants to fail, but…
Learning How to Feel
A common, yet underestimated problem that many of my clients face is learning to accept…
When To Say “It’s Over”
Whether or not to let go of a long-term relationship can be an extremely difficult…
When It’s Time to Say “I’m Sorry”
Pride can be one of the most difficult things to overcome. When we were growing…
Improving Communication for an Improved Sex Life
Some couples do not have sex, and they have no relational problems because of this.…
Bullying, Suicide, and Violence Amongst Young Gay Males
Young gay males have a disproportionately higher suicide rate than do young straight males. They…
Rising Above Addiction as a Label
Knowing whether or not you are addicted to a particular behavior is not always easy…
The New “R” and “R”: Relaxation and Recovery
When recovering from any type of substance abuse or emotional problem, relaxation is one of…
Coming Out Advice for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People
Coming Out Advice for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People updated 3/20/22 A couple of years…
The Language of “You” vs. The Language of “I”
The Language of "You" vs. The Language of "I" I would say that the most…
Problems in Open Relationships
The Problems of Open Relationships One of the common questions that struggling couples have is…
Anxiety and Control
Anxiety and feeling a lack of control in your life are highly correlated. I have…
Mid-Life Struggles of Coming Out
Coming out to friends and family can be a struggle no matter how old you…
Ambivalence Regarding 12 Step Support
Ambivalence Regarding 12 Step Support Updated April 11, 2022 Whether you're dealing with a substance…
Gay, Single… and “Old”?
Approaching 30 can be intimidating for a gay man, and 40 has been described to…
8 Helpful Relationship Tips to 8 Common Problems
If you find that you are unhappy with your relationship, this list of helpful tips…
New Years Resolutions: The Psychology of Calendar Landmarks
With New Years upon us, it is inevitable that many of you will be making…
Criticism, Defensiveness, and Changing the Dialogue
Criticism, Defensiveness, and Changing the Dialogue Updated 3/24/22 Criticism and defensiveness can send your relationship…
Toxic Relationships
Toxic Relationships Updated 3/22/22 All relationships have their struggles and all long-term relationships are hard…
Tips for Surviving the Holidays
With Thanksgiving approaching, the Christmas Season is upon us. This can sound exciting or ominous,…
Overcoming Addictions, Don’t Wait
Overcoming Addictions, Don't Wait Whether it's a sex addiction, porn addiction or substance abuse issue,…
Choosing a Gay-Friendly Counselor
Choosing a Gay-Friendly Counselor Updated 2/28/22 When I originally wrote this article in 2011, the…
Grief and Addiction
Grief and Addiction When we think of grief, we tend to think of it as…
Benefits and Limitations of Medications for Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions
Benefits and Limitations of Medications for Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions Updated 11/25/23 When you're dealing…
Being a Partner of Someone Who has a Compulsive Sexuality Problem
updated 11/22/23Being a Partner of Someone Who has a Compulsive Sexuality ProblemHow to deal with…
Reframing Workaholism: Understanding How Overworking Contributes to Addictions and Trauma
Updated 11/6/23 Reframing Workaholism: Understanding How Overworking Contributes to Addictions and Trauma Many people who…