Articles

Local Expert Talks About Sex Addiction

On February 20, 2010 Tiger Woods issued a formal apology for his recent actions and for events that have come into light. Therapist Al Heystek talks with WZZM 13 about sex addiction. Watch this news report about sex addiction

Conscious Relationship: The Fire of Uncertainty

Everything in the universe is on fire. I’m on fire. You’re on fire. The chair you’re sitting in is on fire. At the quantum level, everything that we’re so comfortable with as “solid matter” is really not matter at all. It’s energy. And this energy… continue reading Conscious Relationship: The Fire of Uncertainty

Addiction

Our nation’s office of Drug Control Policy has designated September 2004 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery month. According to publications produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2002: • “An estimated 22 million Americans age 12 or older were… continue reading Addiction

Violence: a Social Toxin

I’m concerned about how parents trivialize violent media. The proverbial argument that not all kids who play violent video games commit violent acts is a short-sighted rationalization for not limiting children’s exposure to violent media. Psychologist James Gabarino, Ph.D., discusses how violent media is a… continue reading Violence: a Social Toxin

Violent Acts Reflect Broader Issues

In July, the Grand Rapids community was witness to four lives lost to domestic violence. Three slayings and one suicide asked families, schools, churches, neighborhoods and the community at large to make sense of the violence around them. Historically, we have tried to convince ourselves… continue reading Violent Acts Reflect Broader Issues

Sexual Addiction – Shocking and Devastating

A short time ago, the Grand Rapids Press reported on the “shocking and devastating” arrest of 21 men caught in our community during a single sex sting. As therapists who specialize in working with men on a variety of issues including sexual addiction, we’re afraid… continue reading Sexual Addiction – Shocking and Devastating

People With Drug Problems Need Help, Not Long Jail Sentences

Without a doubt, it is extremely disturbing that the former head of Calvin College’s criminal justice program now faces charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, as reported by The Press on June 29. The college and the Grand Rapids community where he has… continue reading People With Drug Problems Need Help, Not Long Jail Sentences

Before You Tie the Knot

Top five questions couples should ask themselves – and each other – before getting married. 1. Do you have a firm sense of who you are as an individual? Does your partner have an equally mature understanding of who he is? Marriage is more than… continue reading Before You Tie the Knot

Gender – Not Race – is Biggest Factor in Violent Behavior

Since The Grand Rapids Press featured an article on black men killing black men, people have weighed in with their analyses of the problem. They’ve presented a myriad of causes such as poor education, poverty, ineffective parenting, racism, etc., but the most common denominator, male… continue reading Gender – Not Race – is Biggest Factor in Violent Behavior