Life Happens. We’re here to help.
Home / Stay Connected / Blog
The Hallmark movies portraying a picturesque scene of serene family get-togethers can leave you pining for a joyful reunion over the holidays. But real families are much messier than perfectly scripted movies depict. By heading into the event with strategies to manage difficult moments, you can better enjoy and appreciate the time spent together.
It’s a common assumption that happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes without our control. But recent research shows this belief is outdated, and it’s possible to counter a state of emptiness and dissatisfaction by cultivating one particular emotion.
In the past, bullies had limited access to your time and emotional energy. Harassment was confined to school halls, the street, or the office, and home was a safe haven for many. Today, a type of bullying exists that isn’t as obvious as being excluded from a lunch table or being criticized in the hallways. With the advent of technology and the Internet came the rise of cyberbullying.
“Are you thinking about suicide?” this may be the hardest question you ask a loved one. Conversations about suicide can feel awkward and difficult; it’s a heavy topic to broach. No one wants to imagine their friend or loved one is struggling, unable to see a way out, and considering ending their life. Talking about suicide may never be an easy conversation, but it can be a life-saving one.
It’s no secret- American culture prides itself on productivity. But a trend of putting in more hours and taking less time off has workers less productive and more burned out than ever.
Physical disabilities like paralysis, muscular dystrophy, and blindness often require living aids you probably recognize- a wheelchair, crutches, seeing-eye dog, or prosthetic limb. People living with these conditions often wear this aspect of their identity on their sleeves. At a glance, most people automatically interpret assistive devices as an indicator of disability. However, a large majority of people with impairments slip under the radar of public scrutiny.
505 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600 Des Moines, IA 50309
6th floor of the Insurance Exchange Building in downtown Des Moines
800-327-4692
Counseling Services
1001 Office Park Rd, Suite 205
West Des Moines, IA 50265
2nd floor of the building
515-471-2357
The Healing Space
1001 Office Park Rd, Suite 209
West Des Moines, IA 50265
2nd floor of the building
515-471-2357
Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
© 2023 Employee & Family Resources. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Available Here | Website Designed by Softvoya
Student Assistance Program (SAP) & Outpatient Counseling
Maddox*, an elementary-aged student, struggled with anger outbursts, physical aggression, and difficulties with problem-solving. After spending years off-and-on in therapy seeking treatment with various providers only to remark that “none seemed to want to listen,” Maddox’s parents sought SAP services through their district.
Today, Maddox is completing his SAP sessions and moving towards outpatient counseling. He has reduced his anger outbursts and has learned skills to help him successfully navigate challenging days.