Ask a Therapist: Transitioning Kids into a Blended Family

Fox 13′s The PLACE with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

This is a period of transition for everyone. Blending families often feels like an overwhelming task. Everyone is trying to figure out their place in the new system and growing pains are common. The following may help to ease the transition for all. Watch to learn more.

Ask a Therapist: How do I politely leave a conversation with a chatterbox?

Fox13′s The PLACE with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

We have all likely been in the situation before where we have that friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor who corners us and mercilessly talks one’s ear off while the recipient feels trapped. There are a few ways we can manage this situation. We will start with more passive ways and work up to the more direct approaches. Watch Video

Ask a Therapist: When is a Child too Young to Stay Home Alone?

Fox13′s The PLACE with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

There is no cut and dry answer to this question! But Anastasia Pollock gives parents tips on how to decide your child is ready to stay at home alone. Watch to learn more!

Ask a Therapist: What Should I Do About Bored Teenagers?

Fox13′s The PLACE with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Summer is here! While most teens are rejoicing in the beginning of the summer to be free of school and homework, joy can quickly turn into boredom as once structured schedules become more lax and teens quickly become bored. This often creates increased stress for parents, who do not always get to join their kids on summer break and don`t know what to do to keep them busy. Luckily, there are answers to better understand how and why teens become bored so easily and what we can do as parents to support them. Watch here!

Ask a Therapist: How Do I Stop My Family Member From Freeloading?

Fox 13′s The PLACE  with Therapist Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Anastasia answers this viewer submitted question: ‘My younger brother is a huge freeloader. Everyone in my family has made his life so easy that he simply doesn’t think he needs to provide for himself. How do I stop the freeloading without causing family drama?’ Learn more here.

Ask a Therapist: Help! My Wife is a hoarder! |  Fox 13′s The PLACE

with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Tips for talking about issues with your spouse:

1. Start with empathy
2. Make an effort to understand
3. Bring up your concerns in a courteous manner
4. Don`t assume you are right and be prepared to compromise
5. Let this be a process of discovery and growth

Ask a Therapist: My 24 year old sister is bringing her 49 year old boyfriend to Christmas this year. How can it not be weird?  |  Fox 13′s The PLACE

with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Ask a Therapist: I’m divorced and I feel like my kids have to choose sides. What should I do?  |  Fox 13′s The PLACE

with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Ask a Therapist: Can I start dating, even if my child does not want me to? |  Fox 13′s The PLACE

with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Learn more about these 4 tips that may help this and similar situations.

1. Consider where your child is coming from

2. Take care of yourself

3. Practice detached compassion

4. Set your boundaries

Ask a Therapist: Should I tell my spouse they are getting Fat? |  Fox13′s The PLACE

with Anastasia Pollock, LCMHC

Its a touchy subject, but many couples face it: a spouse’s weight gain…
Expert Anastasia Pollock says check your motives and learn the correct way to handle it!