Faith Counseling

Faith Counseling Website

2009-09-21T15:14:00.000-06:00

Parker Colorado Counselor

I specialize in the following areas:

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

Parenting Adolescent Concerns
Pre-Marital Counseling/Marriage Enrichment
Divorce Recovery
Remarriage, Step-Parenting, Blending Families

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUES

Infertility
Stress Management
Coping with Chronic Illness
Grief, Depression, Anxiety
Trauma
Life Transitions

A WHOLE PERSON PERSPECTIVE

Spiritual
Physical
Emotional
Relational

WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE

Divorce Recovery
Setting Margins
Women in Midlife
Parenting Your Teen
Aroma Therapy
Sleepless in Denver
The Wellness Wheel
The Benefits of Mindfulness
Happiness and the New Positive Psychology

You can read more about these workshops here.
The classes above are 50 minutes in length but can be tailored to longer or a shorter overview if requested.

Please contact Julie Uhernik at 303-918-1775 for more information or to book a class.

See Julie's Blog Here for Current Times, Dates and Locations!

Please see my complete website here. Julie Uhernik

Empty Nest

2007-06-12T16:55:00.000-06:00

Learning to Fly after the Empty Nest

The graduation hugs and well wishes are showered on young people as they head off into a new future and independent (semi?) life. Parents sit back, catch their breath and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. Somewhere in these moments, many parents realize that their active role as a parent is fading, and a new definition of self is emerging to take its place. As with all changes in life, and our general human tendency to resist change, we often sit in a time that is uncomfortable and full of uncertainty. If approached with vision and clear thinking, this can be a fantastic time of personal growth.

Here are some steps you can take to help reacquaint yourself to who you are (in case it got lost in the mommy or daddy shuffle) to optimize growth, and to clarify the direction for your future. First, it is helpful to create a ritual that formally honors the change you are going through. This can be something simple, or more elaborate (we have wonderful graduation parties for our children, how about a get together with other soon- to- be empty nesters)? This can be a great way to reinforce those connections with adults who you always wanted to get to know a little better, but really only had time to talk to in between kids soccer games. Or, maybe a more introspective ritual would help, such as putting together a hopes and dreams scrapbook, with all your thoughts and wishes for your future, or writing your thoughts in a journal.

For those who are action minded, you can take up that hobby you always wanted to try, or perhaps climb your first Colorado fourteener! Whatever you chose, honoring this life change, allowing a few tears and reminisces, and then facing squarely ahead to the future. As a wise parent once told me, “The world is your oyster, go search for the pearl”!

STRESS LESS for the Holidays

2006-12-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Stress Less During the Holidays
Sunlight Take a five minute outdoor break. Sunlight can help fight the low light wintertime “blues”.
Take time Take fifteen minutes a day just for you and guard that time carefully.
Rest Maintain routine hours of sleep.
Expectations Make a list of all your “shoulds” and your “have-ta’s” then ask yourself “Who says?”
Sensible eating Allow yourself treats but pace yourself.
Spending limits Set your gift ideas before you shop and stick with it.

Laugh Find humor in the middle of frantic. Relax, don’t take it so serious!
Exercise After the big meal, take a walk! You will burn more calories if you walk right away.
Small gifts Think of gifts that are small but meaningful, example: write a story for your child, making him/her the hero, then read or tell your story to them on Christmas Eve.
Spirit Consider what the real Spirit of the Holidays means to you.

Great Tips during the Holidays and for the rest of the year as well.

resilience

2006-05-02T20:34:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone. This past September I was in Mississippi working as a mental health responder for the American Red Cross in Hurricane Katrina relief. This experience had a great impact on my life in ways I could not have foreseen. In thinking back, the people I met and their responses to the difficult, even near impossible aspects of their experiences renewed long standing beliefs that I have as a counselor. Specifically, that people often find within themselves the strength they need to cope, that a persons' pre-existing beliefs about themselves and the world will play a big part in how they deal with a situation, and finally that people can learn to examine their beliefs and focus on those that will help them cope in difficult times.
Increasing attention is given to the notion of "Resilience" and "Positive Psychology". By building on strengths and assets, people can better respond in the face of everyday life stress and even major calamities they are sometimes faced with. I plan to write more about resilience and assets at a later time, but for now I would love to know your thoughts.

Response to Concerned Mom

2005-12-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Concerned Mom,
Thank you for writing. First of all, I would ask some questions of you regarding this situation. You mentioned that the girls' mom is aware of the problem. Do you know if she has taken any action toward seeking assistance for her daughter? Perhaps a good starting place would be for you to gently express your observation or concerns to the girl's mother.

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder in which a person experiences the loss of more than 15% of body weight which occurs as a deliberate result of a distortion of body image. Anorexia can be a serious, life threatening disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention offers the best chance for recovery. It is important that professional help be sought immediately and include a physical exam by a physician and a psychological evaluation. Mentioning this to the girls' mother may help. Also, please talk with your own daughter to help her understand ways she can help her friend. This would include providing support, encouragement and a listening ear for her friend, leaving the rest to the trained professional.

For further information on eating disorders, check out the following websites: www.anred.com or www.aedweb.org .

Anorexia?

2005-12-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Julie,

I'm a concerned Mom of a 16 year old girl that has a 17 year old friend who has been loosing weight rapidly lately..... Had a very tiny little figure to start with, but doesn't see that when she looks in the mirror.... Her Mom is aware of the problem... but I would like to know what I can do to help? The girl knows she has an issue.. so is it better for me to just not mention it.. and love her like I always have? or to sit down and talk to her? My daughter says she's tired of people talking to her about it.. but I am just so concerned. What are symptoms to watch for that things are getting really out of hand?

Thanks.

Introduction

2005-11-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Julie Uhernik and I am a Counselor and an RN in private practice in Parker, CO. It is my career, and I believe my calling, to support and encourage people in creating the very best for their lives. Whether it is getting back on track, or even figuring out if there is a track at all, I am honored when I am able to assist! Indeed, the work I do gives me support and engages me in my own growth and journey as well. I would love to share with you some thoughts on topics that I find interesting and that make me think. Hope you will join me regularly! Julie