Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Moving on After Being Ghosted

Moving on After Being Ghosted

Being ghosted can be incredibly painful and heart-wrenching. The sudden disappearance only adds confusion and insecurity. Everything seems to be going fine, and you’re texting, planning dates, and staying up late talking. Then, suddenly, they stop responding and you cannot reach them. Your brain does what normal brains do – it ruminates, wondering if something horrible happened to them or if you made a mistake that lead to their disappearance. The most psychologically damagin

Practicing Optimism When Uncertainty Strikes

Practicing Optimism When Uncertainty Strikes

Life is full of uncertainty. Although you can make plans, they don’t always work out. Optimism is a powerful tool that can help keep you balanced and moving forward during situations that are out of your control. Optimism is both a natural trait and learned skill, according to leading social scientists. When you practice optimism, you maintain a sense of hopefulness, confidence, and positivity without losing your ability to be realistic. There are people who believe that bein

Dads are the Key to Assault-Proofing Girls

Dads are the Key to Assault-Proofing Girls

When I talk with fathers about their unborn children, most of them are comfortable with the idea of a son but are a bit more apprehensive about having a girl. They worry they’ll have nothing in common and or wonder what they conversations will be like. As a society, we’ve put a lot of pressure on moms to take on the majority of parenting, especially the emotional aspects. Often we forget about the incredible impact engaged dads have on their children. In a time of turmoil wit

Are we raising a generation that fears intimacy?

Are we raising a generation that fears intimacy?

One of the most basic needs of humans is connection. We need to know we matter and are loved by others. With technological advancement and blurred boundaries between work and home, we’ve used social media to bridge connection with each other. However, social media is limited in helping people achieve true intimacy and a deeper sense of belonging. Not taking time to emotionally connect shortens longevity and increases loneliness, anxiety, depression and health problems. Parent

Dating and Loving a Sexual Assault Survivor

Dating and Loving a Sexual Assault Survivor

Victims of sexual assault share one very real truth in common – they no longer trust anyone. Many victims express not even trusting themselves. This is one of the reasons dating or making new friends after an assault becomes so difficult. Another reason is that the victim had little control over what caused the sexual assault. Sexual assault is not about sex – it’s about control. Like all crimes, something is taken without the victim’s consent. It can never be given back. Ass

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