Caring for our workers

9-8-8 will soon become the national Suicide Prevention Hotline for mental health emergencies. Just like 9-1-1 connects people in need of first-responders for other emergencies, U.S. residents will be able to call 9-8-8 for mental health emergencies.

Last month (Dec. 2019), the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) voted to support the establishment of a three-digit suicide prevention hotline number for people seeking emergency mental health help, much like calling 911.

Currently, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses a 10-digit number, 800-273-TALK (8255). That number routes callers to one of 163 crisis centers where counselors answer...

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to...

The “Messiah” and its “Hallelujah” chorus are forever linked to the Christmas season. Written by George Frideric Handel in 1741, and first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, this oratorio in English became Handel’s masterpiece in choral music.

Handel, a Lutheran, was born in Halle, Germany in the southern region of Saxony. He studied music in Germany, Italy, and England. He moved permanently to London in 1712 where he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concertos. But he is most famous today for his “Messiah” oratorio.

This Christmas season as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, many of us will sing the Hallelujah chorus, or li...

Therapists have known for years that gentle and soothing music has a positive effect on their clients That is why counselors often recommend instrumental and vocal music to enhance good moods and thoughts. Over the years I have compiled CD’s of various types of music which my clients have found useful in their quest for progress and healing. So I want to share with you some of this music for your well-being. This brief compilation is divided in two parts. 

1. Secular, popular or new age music, both instrumental and vocal.  

2. Sacred, classical and church music, with instrumental and vocal.

Soothing the Tiger: The Gentle Sound of Herbert Rehbein...