Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Physically Together, Emotionally Alone

Physically Together, Emotionally Alone

One of the leading causes of divorce and break ups is emotional detachment. Emotional detachment builds up over time; even though you spend every day together, you begin realizing you’re feeling miles apart from each other. Marriage therapists are seeing more couple conflict since the pandemic because partners are focused on their survival and forgetting the importance of each other. Partners feel resentful for not getting the attention they need, and they begin building wall

Is fear of people’s opinions (FOPO) limiting your life?

Is fear of people’s opinions (FOPO) limiting your life?

Relationships are important and what others think about us can make an impact. However, living your life in fear of what others think is unhealthy and limiting. FOPO or the fear of people’s opinion has intensified since cancel culture has begun calling individuals out and shaming them. Seeing your life crumble before you or being judged unfairly is a real fear for many. Social disapproval is scary and painful even if you don’t know your attackers. We can’t control others, yet

Why Surrendering is so Important During a Pandemic

Why Surrendering is so Important During a Pandemic

Most of us want our lives to be in order. We want our finances, kids, spouse, and our home to be in order. It helps us focus and concentrate when we feel like we’re in control. However, since the pandemic, society at large is finding out there is a lot of stuff we’re not in control of; in fact, most of the stuff that’s happening right now we have no control over. One of the most beautiful prayers ever prayed is the Serenity Prayer. God, grant me the serenity to accept the thi

Men Show You How They Feel - Are You Watching?

Men Show You How They Feel - Are You Watching?

A friend of yours gets flowers and you begin focusing on the fact that your partner never sends you flowers. Does that mean he doesn’t love you? Although it doesn’t apply to all men, generally men don’t verbalize their feelings as easily as women. This causes problems in intimate relationships because women rely on their verbal skills to communicate feelings, and men rely on actions. He may not say “I love you,” but if you watch him, you can tell how he feels. While they don’

Creating End of Summer Fun Memories Amidst the Pandemic

Creating End of Summer Fun Memories Amidst the Pandemic

It’s back to school season, but you still have time to create fun memories with your child and celebrate the end of summer. Although you cannot travel far, you can relive things you loved doing as a child and feel more refreshed and ready for the uncertainty of going back to school during a pandemic. Children watch their parents; when parents take time to celebrate and get excited about activities, their child feels more secure and is better at accepting change. If you think

Managing Anxiety About Back-To-School Pandemic Decisions

Managing Anxiety About Back-To-School Pandemic Decisions

When it’s virtual or in person, if you are feeling uncertain, worried, and confused about your child’s return to school this year, you’re not alone. Tough decisions will have to be made. I have talked with both teachers and parents and, one thing is for sure, no one is sure what the right thing is for everyone. That means regardless of what parents decide to do, they face feeling discomfort and anxiety about their decision. It’s going to be a year of ups and downs. How we fac

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