Author: Jennifer Tzoumas

I hold active licenses for independent practice in Texas and Pennsylvania, and an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted from the PSYPACT Commission, that allows for independent practice in approximately 30 of the 50 United States (check https://www.verifypsypact.org/ to see if your state participates). I have been married for 25 years, and have two teenage daughters. Although I enjoy social gatherings in small doses, I am more of an introvert (I prefer working one-on-one, or in small groups). Outside the office, I consider myself an avid reader, recreational runner/weight lifter, and part-time gardener. I am active in my church and enjoy watching my daughters in their activities (dance, TaeKwonDo, and marching band).

About Jennifer Tzoumas

Is Your Partner Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder? Here’s How to Help

Jennifer TzoumasJanuary 14, 2022December 19, 2021Leave a comment

Helping a Partner with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

You’ve likely heard about “the winter blues ” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You probably know that many people are deeply affected by the shift from warmer weather to the dark days of winter. The change of seasons elicits emotions that make some feel inexplicably tired and persistently sad. The condition is real and even debilitating for some.

If your partner is one such person, the seasonal shift may be confusing and frustrating. Perhaps their inability to pinpoint their sadness and work through it has even become a point of contention.

Time for a Change? Why it is OK to Slow Things Down & Think it Through

Jennifer TzoumasDecember 30, 2021January 8, 2022Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Many people think that making a change requires an instant decision, followed by instant action. But, change doesn’t have to happen “overnight”. Taking your time, slowing down, and thinking things through doesn’t make you lazy or unmotivated to make a change. Rather, being contemplative can make you feel better and more confident in your change.

According to the Stages of Change Model developed by Prochaska & DiClemente, each stage of change responds to different motivational supports. The model was designed for smokers who wanted to quit but were having a hard time doing so quickly, or cutting themselves off “cold turkey”.

While it’s a great model to use for smoking and other addictions, it can be adapted to fit just about any major life change you’re going through.

Self-Compassion & Forgiveness Go Hand in Hand

Jennifer TzoumasDecember 16, 2021November 21, 2021Leave a comment

It takes a lot of courage and empathy to forgive someone after they’ve hurt you. Sometimes, we also have to forgive ourselves for the times when we’ve made mistakes. Forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes is one of the most challenging things we can do. But there will come a time in your life when you need to look in the mirror and say, “I forgive you.”

How can we be accountable while still being forgiving and gentle with ourselves? Can we learn how to move past our mistakes and the times we have let ourselves and other people down? And can we do the same for others? Yes, if we learn to practice self-compassion. Here is why self-compassion and forgiveness go hand in hand.

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Jennifer TzoumasDecember 2, 2021November 16, 2021Leave a comment

The holidays are supposed to be a time filled with joy, laughter, and excitement. But, if you’re experiencing a loss around any holiday, it’s difficult to feel that kind of joy that those around you might be sharing.

Grief around the holidays isn’t uncommon. Maybe you recently lost someone you loved. Or, maybe you lost them years ago but you’re reminded of that every holiday season.

Grief doesn’t even need to be connected to the loss of a person. Thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been experiencing loss in many ways. Maybe you lost your job this year, or aren’t able to get together with your family because some of them are at a greater risk of getting sick.

Holidays Reimagined: Coping & Getting Creative Amid COVID Limitations

Jennifer TzoumasNovember 18, 2021November 4, 2021Leave a comment

It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays. The season will be here before you know it. While that might typically bring feelings of excitement and joy, it could also bring some hesitation, or even grief, this year.

Last year, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people called off their traditional holiday get-togethers and opted for smaller gatherings or connecting over Zoom.

While things are better this year, virus variants have continued to make COVID a household name. Some states still have serious restrictions in place. Even if yours doesn’t, you might be hesitant to hold a big gathering if you want people to stay safe and healthy.

Assertive Communication Skills: How to Find Your Voice

Jennifer TzoumasNovember 4, 2021October 28, 2021Leave a comment

Some people think of being assertive as the same as being aggressive. They might not want to “come off” a certain way, so they hold themselves back from speaking what’s really on their heart and mind. The reality? Assertiveness is often helpful.

But, that doesn’t make it easy for some of us to be more assertive in daily conversations. You might worry about offending others, or feel like you’re being “mean”.

Unfortunately, when you aren’t ever assertive, it’s easy for people to walk all over you or think they can get away with treating you poorly.

So, how do you find a balance between being assertive and not being “demanding”? How can you find your voice? It’s easier than you might think if you’re willing to put some concrete steps in place.

Animals Make Us Better: Exploring the Power of Pets

Jennifer TzoumasOctober 21, 2021October 21, 2021Leave a comment

There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.

If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.

Write for Relief: Journal Prompts to Help You Cope With Anxiety

Jennifer TzoumasSeptember 23, 2021September 8, 2021Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Writing in a journal is a great way to manage your anxiety. There are several positive aspects to journaling that can make coping with your fears easier. First, you can work out your fears on paper. You’ll learn why you might jump to conclusions and which things trigger you. Additionally, you’ll be able to look back at journal entries about anxiety and start to learn more about yourself. That includes specific patterns or traps that you might fall into.

It also includes seeing the growth you’ve made.

But, not everyone is a writer. You might not immediately feel comfortable jotting down your thoughts and feelings.

In those cases, journal prompts can help. When you have a specific idea to write about or a question to answer, it’s easier for the words to flow freely.