bullying

Hope

January 24, 2021 By Judy Lipson

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

It seems that everyone I was talking to, or reading on social media, was focused on the completion of 2020 and the hopefulness for better days! In December, I had a conversation with a client about navigating the unknown. She pointed out to me that there can be a myriad of possibilities of outcomes (that can be viewed through the lens of acceptance, curiosity, and even willingness). At the time I don’t think either of us imagined that we would see such a stark difference of possibilities within the span of two weeks in January.

Like you, I was glued to the news (print and TV) on January 6 when the insurrection at the Capitol in DC occurred. I was frightened not only for all those in Congress on that day, but also of the realization of how our democracy had become so fragile.

There was a lot of news in the next days, but let me jump ahead two weeks to January 20, Inauguration Day. Everything related to the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris filled me with hope:

Their demeanor
President Biden’s speech
The presence of three previous presidents and a vice president, representing BOTH parties
The outgoing vice president’s participation in the United States’ democratic process of the peaceful transfer of power
The many entertainers who honored the events
THAT SPEECH by our youngest poet laureate, Amanda Gorman
The many firsts: South Asian descent, female, Jewish, Second Gentleman, etc.
The virtual celebratory inaugural activities that included messages of hope, inclusion, science, caring for each other, and amazing and pertinent lyrics
Those in attendance following the necessary protocols to minimize the spread of COVID-19
And the fact that it all occurred safely!

Now let’s talk about the entirety of this time. [Read more…]

Introverts and Extroverts

June 30, 2015 By Judy Lipson

Which are you? The answer might surprise you.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Society understood introverts and extroverts simply. Those who were outgoing and comfortable in social situations were called extroverts. Those who were shy and reserved were deemed introverted. Interestingly, Carl Jung, who first talked about introverts and extroverts in the early 1900s, did not intend that people would be one or the other. He recognized it as a continuum.

During my childhood and early adulthood years, I identified myself as an introvert. It was not a description that I recognized approvingly because others led me to believe that this was not the best way to be. In my mid-adult years, I noticed that I was far more comfortable with people – 1:1 or in groups. I wasn’t certain why this changed, but I recognized that I was not the same person I had been. I began to consider myself more an extrovert and was pleased with the change since societal belief, along with my own discomfort, had led me to believe that extroverts were the proper way to be. How sad that this judgment of introverts/extroverts seems to have habitually continued to this day.

Is any part of my story like yours?

A new recognition of myself has emerged in recent years. I wonder, do you note this familiarity? I still find myself loving the company of others, but I often feel a great need to be alone. It all made sense a few years ago [Read more…]

Cyber Bullying

July 5, 2012 By Judy Lipson

Cyber bullying can result in anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, absenteeism and lower grades.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

There are too many children who feel inadequate and have low self-esteem as a result of bullying by their peers. As society recognizes the need for effective intervention, bullying has become even more menacing because of technology.

Cyber bullies use emails, text messages or social networking posts to send an inappropriate or vicious statement which then spreads rapidly to numerous people. Sometimes a student sends a private message or picture to another thinking it was safely sent to a friend, but in the wrong hands it can intentionally or accidentally be forwarded and, suddenly, one recipient becomes hundreds. Cyber bullying can even involve sexting – sending a sexually suggestive or explicit message or picture via text message.

Some adults have made light of cyber bullying since it is not face-to-face. [Read more…]

Empower Your Child

February 1, 2011 By Judy Lipson

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Some children encounter bullying. It is right for parents to be sure that schools and other organizations take precautions to educate and protect children from bullying behaviors. It is also important for parents to teach children how to handle bullies and bullying.

I have taught many children and adults empowerment skills. The first step in the process is a discussion of why others bully. Typically bullies are individuals who are fearful or sad. Sadness and fear can become anger, and for some individuals it turns into aggression. Some bullies learn the behavior because other family members have bullied them.Understanding the reasons for bullying can provide understanding and compassion for the bully, but your child still needs to know what to do! These techniques can be taught to children of all ages. The words can be varied as needed. [Read more…]

Hope

Introverts and Extroverts

Cyber Bullying

Empower Your Child

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