Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist's Blog (229)

The Film Forecast focus group which was held in Sarasota on Saturday has also been held in a few other select cities. And Sarasota made its mark! After our evaluations were read, Sarasota’s film critics for a day were proclaimed as some of the best! That certainly was music to my ears, especially since I had spent the day questioning my abilities. In spite of my lack of confidence as an official first-time film…

Immersing my self in film, watching and critiquing films with The Film Forecast focus group during the day and attending the premiere of “Expecting Mary” in the evening, yesterday was truly a great day in its entirety. But the highlight of the day was having lunch with the…

The number one reason relationships fail isn’t poor communication or growing apart or any of the other many reasons people give for the end of a relationship; it’s a lack of commitment to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work. At least that’s the view from the therapist’s chair in which I sit. In today’s world where there are so many single, separated and…

Are you a movie lover? Have you ever had a secret desire to be a film critic? This Saturday, you can have the opportunity for the day. It sounds like a day any film lover would enjoy with three films to preview and evaluate. The films include a feature comedy, a short film (you’ll help determine if it’s made into a feature film) and a documentary already slated to premiere at…

Did any of you bristle when you read this tip? Many people are uncomfortable expressing anger. Most people express it poorly. Often, anger is expressed in indirect ways –an exasperated or harsh tone, silent withdrawal, sulking or a sarcastic remark. When anger is expressed indirectly, the other person involved feels the anger, but is clueless as to what triggered the reaction. What is being unspoken often feels like…

Make a decision to eliminate “I disagree” form your relationship. It’s an inflammatory statement which almost never leads to a positive outcome. The purpose is generally to make the other person wrong and convince him to join your side. Does that seem loving?

You don’t…

Remorse + Behavior Change = The Perfect Apology

Apologies alone are only words. Although we all like to hear “I’m sorry”, an apology is only meaningful if the words are backed up with a change in behavior. True forgiveness doesn’t occur with the sound of “I’m sorry.” True…

For a fresh start in the morning, this raw breakfast gives you plenty of vitamins, protein and fiber. It lends itself to variations. Try different fruits and adding spices like cinnamon or fresh mint to the sauce. If you have a Magic Bullet, it's perfect for making the sauce. This recipe serves one. Multiply it for the number of servings you need.

Ingredients:

Banana, sliced

Apple, sliced

1 Tbsp.…

As a psychotherapist who has had the privilege of training with Patrick Carnes, the top professional in the field of sex addiction and the director of the treatment center where Tiger Woods is allegedly in treatment, I have been appalled as I listen to the commentary of the media and even professionals in my field about his apology. The criticism has been harsh and at times misguided.…

Valentine’s Day is over, but love lives 365 days a year. Don’t just let your expression of it be shown on one day of the year. Keep the momentum going that you hopefully exercised on Valentine’s Day. Make a real effort to express your love in some special way every day. The more you show love, the more it comes back to you.

It was less than eleven hours into a new decade and a woman with whom my only prior history was a simple introduction in an elevator was screaming at me “Up yours!” The scenario was a covered dish New Years Day brunch for all the residents at the building where I live. I had to leave a little early so I took what was left in my dish after asking anyone standing nearby if they wanted more. In the corridor as I…

I took this tart to a party this week-end, and the pieces flew off the plate. It’s great as an appetizer or as light meal with a salad. Next time, I’m going to try adding artichokes.…

More and more frequently, I hear other people denounce Valentine’s Day as just another commercial holiday. But what’s so wrong with marking a day to express love? It’s a sad, but true fact that most people need the reminder. And do you really want to be one of the few people not…