Blog
All the writing that isn’t the Tools

Welcome Pearl, Volunteer
About a month ago, I got a call from a young woman named Pearl asking if she could volunteer at Pear Tree. She explained that she was studying psychology and wanted to get to know more about being a therapist. As we spoke, I racked my brain for things that Pearl could...
Ancient Egyptian Hockey Dads
Dads: What matters the most to you when you watch your child play sports? Their personal development? How well they play with others? How badly they beat the other players or how good they make you look? In short: are you a "hockey DAD" or a "HOCKEY dad" My own dad's...
The Paddy Plan: Mourn, Grieve, then Bike 6,211 Km
Following the death of her husband, Henry Quiring, Paddy Quiring cycled, walked, and jogged 6,211 km across Canada. Her amazing adventure was a part of a healing, learning, and growing journey she has been on for decades. Watch Paddy Quiring and Walter Janzen describe...
Addiction, Connection, and Amy Winehouse
For many, addiction provides a substitute for the human bonds we all need to feel secure, loved, and valued.
Parents: Does Feeling Judged Get in the Way of Parenting?
Feeling judged makes decision making harder, particularly when it comes to raising our children. This post is about how we can overcome judgmentalism, and parent with confidence.
The Sixth Love Language?
Attentive Self-Restraint is the language that allows us to hear the languages of our lovers.
Children, The Internet, Addiction, And The Good Life
Love is the killer app - book title Kate T. Parker's pictures usually show girls doing what they love to do. They dance, wrestle against boys, play soccer, make music, build mud forts, and help their friends. She lovingly depicts ordinary-extraordinary girls who are...
Six Steps To Healthy Anger: Consume Your Anger So It Doesn’t Consume You
Sometimes we need to bottle up our anger, sometimes we need to sip, sometimes we need to share. This article outlines a process for how to use our anger in healthy ways.
Read more“Being in a loving relationship augments our caring and compassion for others, in our family and in our community” – Dr. Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight, p. 259
Spouses: Love Your Marriage As You Love Yourself
"Being in a loving relationship augments our caring and compassion for others, in our family and in our community" - Dr. Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight, p. 259 This has got me thinking about my great grandparents on my mom's dad's side. Mennonite farmers. Small town...