Blog

• Mindfulness in the Age of Distraction 01 Apr

  DM Castillo

  Many books and articles have been written on mindfulness but it’s difficult to remain mindful in the age of technology with the constant interruption of notification sound effects, vibrations, and ringtones. Our minds are wired for these distractions; they love, love, love the hit. It’s a bit like fireworks going off in our brain; when our cell phones sound, our brains light up with dopamine, the happiness chemical. But just like the sound of slot machines can have a habit-forming quality so can the hits we get from our cell phone sounds, to the detriment of our ability to enjoy the present moment and the people in our company. Time Magazine’s recent article, You Asked: Am I Addicted to My Phone, looks at the potential impact of smartphones on our health and relationships.

  So what would it be like to be really present today with a family member or friend whom you really love? To fully give your attention to that person without checking your phone (not even once)? The long-term benefits of spending some time each day fully tuning in to the present moment without phone distractions may just surprise you.

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• March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month 08 Mar

  DM Castillo

  There’s more to March Madness than just the game. Online Fantasy Basketball betting can lead down the road to addiction. Recently the New York Times collaborated with PBS Frontline to reveal how fantasy sports has led to gambling problems among some participants: Watch the ‘Frontline’ and Times Documentary on Fantasy Sports and Online Gambling.

  Through the state-funded CalGETS program, Modern Counseling San Diego offers free, confidential counseling for problem gamblers as well as family members, friends, and co-workers affected by problem gambling.

  If you think that gambling may have gotten out of control, take the gamblers self-assessment quiz. Are you a family member, friend or co-worker of a problem gambler? Find out if you are affected by taking this quiz on the California Department of Public Health’s website. To make an appointment for free, confidential counseling, call 619-549-3994.

  Problem gambling happens when gambling is no longer a game. Like other addictions, betting begins to impact relationships, quality of life and/or finances.  Gambling takes many forms including card games like poker and black jack, mahjong, roulette, slots, sporting events, stocks/financial markets, fantasy sports, lottery, horse racing and bingo. Betting can be done on-line, in a casino, card room, or at the track.

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• Creating Connection in Relationships 07 Feb

  DM Castillo

  Two experts in bonding look at key responses in love relationships. The video below shows us what happens when we disconnect and how to repair disconnection.

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© 2019 moderncounselingsandiego.com | Danielle Michaelis Castillo, MFC #47114
2305 Historic Decatur Rd., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92106 | Phone. (619) 549-3994