May 26, 2009 by wendy.

I asked Bernadine Merker to write a few words about divorce from the perspective of stress - and how it affects our lives during divorce.  She contributed the following information:

Divorce is a major life event that affects everybody in the family. It is an ending that was not expected and it uproots spouses and children’s plans with an intensity that often takes years to resolve.  As this process begins, many of the symptoms described below develop as people try to cope with the major changes that they are undergoing:  

      Although time often heals, it is important to make sure that these symptoms don’t continue to affect moods, health, and relationships, school and work performance. If they do it is time to seek professional help for both you and your children. A visit to your family doctor and an evaluation with a mental health professional are a good place to start!  As with any other thing in life, the sooner you take steps to deal with it, the faster it is resolved. Counseling can help everyone work through those feelings that arose from the strain of the relationship, and the divorce. It can provide a safe place to move past these feelings and re-claim your life. It can also be a place to learn techniques to cope, calm anxiety, and feelings of loss and anger and restore stability. Asking for help is strength, not a weakness! Getting support at a time in your life when your world feels upside down can only help restore balance and help you get on with your life.____________________________________Bernadine Merker LCSW is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years of experience. She has counseled children, adolescents and adults who are undergoing major life changes, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder and PTSD.  She facilitates CONQUERING ANXIETY, an 8-week workshop designed to provide the tools to manage anxiety/ panic disorders. Her office is located off I 25 in the Denver Tech center. She can be reached at (303) 770-0940.

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May 14, 2009 by wendy.

Divorce is one of the most stressful of all life events.  Stress can create insomnia, illness, and often impedes objective and critical thinking.   Having one or more of the stress-related issues is not conducive to decision-making, especially when these decisions can impact the rest of your life.

I asked a colleague of mine to comment about the use of exercise to reduce stress. Marta Burns, who teaches classes in karate, told me:  “It all started when a good friend of mine and well- known counselor in Denver (Bernadine Merker), called me up and said she would like me to work with people that she counseled.  I asked myself “Why?”  I then realized there are many benefits my karate class offers and that I could give a new meaning to my work and teaching – that is helping others in need.  The confidence in my body and mind, is, in fact a skill set that I can teach to others.”

People say a divorce can be one very traumatic and scarring experience in life. A divorcing person is now facing the world alone, rejected by the one person they could always trust. Regaining ones’ confidence of mind and body is an essential part of the recovery process.

Marta further told me about the many benefits of a karate class.  “Karate is designed to teach individuals a variety of techniques that allow them to protect and defend themselves. It is a great feeling of empowerment to know you are able to defend your self and think on your feet. This is not the only benefit that karate offers. For example:

1)                 Karate drills and exercises structure can result in a great release of anger and stress.  Much like when you were a child and punching your pillow made you feel better, in the

            same way karate shield drills and other stamina exercises let you feel calm, peaceful and more centered.

2)                 Another benefit that comes with practice is more physical capabilities and a better look and feel to your body. A strong self-image always projects into others aspects of life.

3)                 Karate practice redirects your thinking towards new goals: confidence, health, physical abilities, meantime giving you the confidence of a new family and loyal friends as you

            train with others like you in class.

4)                 Karate uses physical exercise and training to instill confidence and calm while at the same time providing the feeling of insulation and supportive family structure thru the Karate

            class.”

If you have any questions about karate or her classes, please contact Marta Burns at:

Sensei Marta Burns

Kyokushin Karate

www.satorydojo.com

720-338-9780

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