Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Draft Your Family’s Constitution this 4th of July

Draft Your Family’s Constitution this 4th of July

The 4th of July is a celebration of our country’s birthday and independence. Celebrating this important day with your family will become part of your child’s adult memories, and your child’s affection and honor for their country begins at home with you. Our country has fought for its independence with brave women and men sacrificing their lives. Today is a day to stand together in unity and make our own sacrifices to protect our nation and community, even if that means stayin

Create Fireworks in the Bedroom this 4th of July

Create Fireworks in the Bedroom this 4th of July

With the onslaught of the pandemic, almost all of us spending more time together at home and traveling for the 4th of July or seeing a fireworks display looks more and more unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t create fireworks in your own bedroom. Prior to the pandemic, you were busy and may have overlooked your sex life, but with the focused time together, maybe it’s time to explore this issue more closely with your partner. Physical intimacy is healthy and engagin

Is your relationship suffering from Appreciation Deficit Disorder?

Is your relationship suffering from Appreciation Deficit Disorder?

Relationships thrive on appreciation. When partners don’t feel appreciated, they often withdraw, lash out, or put up defensive walls. Although it may be done subconsciously, the results are devastating to a relationship. Feeling ignored or taken for granted leads to resentment and anger. Soon criticism is a constant companion, stealing precious moments from the relationship. Instead of appreciating what our partner does for us, we begin arguing with them. When both partners f

How to Talk to Your Partner About Racism

How to Talk to Your Partner About Racism

The recent killing of George Floyd and acts of violence toward black people have touched the world with pain, guilt, shame, and anger. Many of us struggle to find the words or actions that will contribute peace and justice to those exhausted with the daily trauma of racism. Change in the world must begin in the home – in our communities, families, and relationships. Partners disagree about current events and movements, but unless we talk about it and act on it, nothing will c

A Dad’s Influence in Raising Empathetic and Considerate Children

A Dad’s Influence in Raising Empathetic and Considerate Children

When we think of teaching skills, such as consideration for others and empathy, we often default to moms having the greater influence. But new research has shown that dad’s engagement in the family has more influence with raising empathetic and considerate children. The researchers found that fathering was the strongest factor in determining whether children demonstrated high levels of emphatic concern for others and these findings continued into adult years (the study ran fo

4 Things Kids Need to Hear from Dad

4 Things Kids Need to Hear from Dad

Dads are so important in their child’s life. One of the biggest emotional losses for a child regardless of age is the loss of their dad. It doesn’t matter how old you are when it happens; you feel as though a part of you is gone. If you grew up with an absent dad or one who never cared, the grief can be worse. Knowing you’ll never hear what you always needed to hear leaves a void in your life that you constantly try to fill but never really can. If you’re a father celebrating

When Your Relationship Feels One-Sided

When Your Relationship Feels One-Sided

In all relationships there will be times when you feel as though you are doing it all. Whether it’s an illness or career change, sometimes you have to take on more so your partner can attend to unexpected changes. Usually these times are temporary, and you can see the end in sight. But what happens when your relationship is always one-sided? Marriage experts warn us that when one partner has to do it all, it leads to incredible stress and resentment that will unravel the rela

Inoculating Your Marriage Against COVID-19

Inoculating Your Marriage Against COVID-19

You have spent the past 10 weeks together – working from home, exercising from home, and schooling from home. Normal routines like going to the gym or meeting up with friends are put on hold, and the stress of losing a job or getting sick is starting to affect couples. There is a whole new category for couples counseling we refer to as COVID Couples Counseling. If you feel like you’re hitting your limit, you’re not alone. Healthy relationships thrive on time alone. Research h

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