2021: A New Word for a New Year

For those that have been reading my blog posts for a while, you will recall that I start every year off, not with a set of resolutions, but with a word of the year. I do not make resolutions because as soon as you miss the mark once, you have failed. I will go to the gym 3 times each week becomes the source of self-shaming, frustration, and guilt as soon as you do not make the mark (and I venture, that moment usually comes before the end of February.) Instead, I choose a word that becomes a perspective to set context for the different journeys I will take for the year…

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 9, 2021Mindfulness, Growth, intention

The Word of the Year

Every year, I try to find my “word of the year”. It is a ritual that helps me to maintain focus, build resiliency, and find my path forward. In years past, my words have included: intention, curiosity, boundaries, and balance. Each of these words have become so incorporated into my being, my practice, and my perspective that every decision I make is rooted in these concepts.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTFebruary 4, 2020Growth, Motivation, intention, progress, Self-EfficacyComment

Wedding Bells and Tears

I always say “Come to couples’ therapy when there is something to work on. It is an easier road than when you wait until you are injured and broken and looking for salvation and healing.” One of the gratifying aspects of being a couples and sex therapist is when a couple decides to come see me when they are building their future rather than when they come to me in distress. Premarital therapy is one of those opportunities where both partners are looking to learn more, grow together and find some open curiosity. However, this can also be a time of great stress and challenging relationships.

Relationships, ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTDecember 10, 2018Marriage, Couples, Boundaries, Intimacy

Growing Pains

I play many roles in my life. Partner, father, therapist, teacher, business owner to name a few. These roles keep me very busy and I often feel the crushing weight of responsibility on me. Normally I manage it well and focus on meaningful self-care and attachment to positive people (just as I tell my patients to do!). I am intentional and mindful of what I need to do to ensure that I am meeting the many requirements that are put on me.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 27, 2018Coping, Growth, MindfulnessComment

Braveheart

The other day I was asked what would allow someone to achieve their goals when they seem to be so far away. My immediate gut-level reaction was “bravery”. It was not the answer the other person was expecting. I began exploring how others experienced bravery and their ability to recognize it in themselves.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 26, 2018Empowerment, Self-Efficacy, GrowthComment

Coloring Outside the Lines

The crush of September is upon us. Kids are going back to school. The perceived freedoms of summer are gone. We start to become more focused on work and responsibility. I hear about this every day. As I sit with people, I hear more stories of being overwhelmed and under rested.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 25, 2018Mindfulness, Growth, Self-EfficacyComment

Let's Get Messy

So many people start a therapy process because they want real change. They want to change their relationship, their place in the world, their ability to cope with the things that stress them. People don’t want a band-aid, they want to experience a different way of being. When therapy is great, that is what people can experience.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 24, 2018Empowerment, Couples, MindfulnessComment

Sometimes I Forget...

There are times when I forget. I forget that I can do something. I forget that I have the power to influence and create change. I forget that I have coping skills. And, when I forget any of these things, I also forget how to find meaning and perspective. I lose myself in the chaos and noise and see my skills begin to erode away.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 23, 2018Mindfulness, Self-Efficacy, GrowthComment

Making Connections

You know those times when you are getting frustrated in your relationship because you just aren't getting your needs met? You keep telling your partner that you want things (sex, communication, warmth, etc.) and feel like your requests are falling on deaf ears? Frustration creeps in and you start losing stake in the relationship feeling that your connection is more distant and fractured.

ChangeElliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTJanuary 15, 2018Connection, Communication, EmpowermentComment

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