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Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used in a relationship to gain control and power over an intimate partner. It is also known as intimate partner violence, battering, or spouse abuse. Victims of domestic abuse also can include a child, another relative, or any other household member (Peterman et al., 2020). Family violence refers to threatening or other violent behavior between family members that may be physical, sexual, psychological, or economic. Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, education, faith, or socioeconomic status. Incidents are seldom isolated and typically increase in frequency and severity. Domestic abuse may lead to serious physical injury or even death. According to a report by the United Nations, approximately 51,100 women were killed worldwide by an intimate partner or family member in 2023. Every year in the United States, more than 10 million men and women become victims of domestic violence, and more women lose their lives to intimate partner violence than any other means.

We all have things we want to improve—whether it's eating healthier, exercising more, or learning a new skill. But making lasting changes can feel overwhelming. The key to success isn’t just setting big goals; it’s about building small, consistent habits that help us get there. By focusing on daily actions and simple strategies, you can make progress without feeling discouraged. Let’s explore practical ways to build new habits and create meaningful, long-term change.

Hey there, fellow minds! Ever feel like your thoughts are running the show, dictating your feelings and actions? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. It’s called “thought fusion,” and it’s a common human experience. But don’t worry, there are ways to create some space and regain control. Let’s dive in!

What can dogs, camels, horses, and parrots have in common? They can be Therapy Animals. Therapy Animals are not service or emotional support animals that support a specific individual. Therapy animals are trained to be open to general contact with people and have completed specific training to ensure they are adaptive to various environments (hospitals, college campuses, and offices).

Strong couple relationships are built on trust, respect, and open communication. They also involve commitment, compromise, and the ability to work together as a team. Partnerships are dynamic; they are a connection between two people and require time, attention, and growth.

We are two months into the New Year 2025. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions/goals? Congratulations to those who have successfully kept their goals! For those who have experienced a period of stagnation, it’s never too late to start. February is a great month to re-evaluate your current goals, make adjustments as needed, and actively commit to working toward your goals with renewed focus.

Self-care means pouring from a sufficient cup, not an empty one. Taking pride in the care of ourselves allows us to be more engaged in not only our own lives, but those of others. Learning to put ourselves first can be challenging and even awkward at times because some of you reading are naturally giving!

We live in a very fast-paced world, where it might often seem daunting or stressful to think about everything we have on our to-do lists. Lucky for you, you have one of the most powerful tools to help you get through those overwhelming rollercoaster moments- your breath. Wait, you mean to tell me all this time, all I had to do was take a deep breath?

What is Wellness? Wellness can be defined in many ways and can have a personal meaning for each of us according to our culture and life experiences. Wellness is comprised of being healthy in many areas of our lives and being in good physical and mental health. Since physical health and mental health are interconnected, difficulties in one area can impact the other. Consequently, improving your physical health can also directly benefit your mental health, and vice versa.

“Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” - Girl Scout Camp song

For many, COVID has impacted both the quantity and quality of friendships. Many of us have discovered we have lost contact and need to re-establish connections with friends. As the social distancing COVID era wains, we have an opportunity to re-establish and develop new friendships. It also provides a chance to consider friendship’s role in our overall mental and physical well-being. During COVID, many weddings, funerals, and other social events have been shared by social media with those unable or unwilling to attend. Social media has been useful since it allowed many to participate in these significant life milestones, even vicariously. For some, our circle of friendship actually expanded