What do you think of when you think of some one being angry? As a society we seem to confuse certain sets of behaviors with emotions. I believe this problem stems from the reality that we can never experience another persons emotions. We can only interpret the other persons feelings through our interpretations of the behaviors they are demonstrating. An emotion is something you feel; not something you do. If some one is "acting angry", the key word is "acting", not "angry." They are demonstrating behaviors that they are choosing.
-Neil R. Jones MA, LMHC

Asking for help is not weakness. It is brave, and bravery is strength. There is always some anxiety (or fear) associated with the vulnerability implicit in asking for help. There is no shame in that. Bravery, or courage, is not "not being afraid." Bravery is doing it despite the fear.
-Neil R. Jones MA, LMHC

I find it interesting that a word with such a positive root word has developed such a negative connotation. The root word of "discipline" is "disciple." A disciple is a follower of a teaching. A discipline in another context is an area of study. Yet when we use the word discipline in regards to ourselves, or our children, it has become a synonymous with punishment. The idea that you need to emotionally beat yourself into compliance is counterproductive, in fact it usually has the opposite effect. In the common phrase, "I should have more self-discipline" I'm not sure which word is more self-destructive, "discipline" or "should." Although "should" is a thought for another day.
-Neil R. Jones MA, LMHC

Remember that it takes four to six weeks of consistent behavior to change a behavioral pattern. If you have been advised by your counselor to practice deep breathing and you are not doing the recommended ten minutes daily, then not only are you going against medical advise, you are delaying (if not sabotaging) your progress. Being non-compliant only hurts yourself.
-Neil R. Jones MA, LMHC