Many times when people come into counseling, they tell me what they want to change. Often people ask me where my magic wand is, or what 7 steps I can give them to achieve a better life, healthier relationships, or more successful marriage. And I don't blame them- by the time people are willing to invest their time, money and energy to come see a counselor, they are usually standing at a pretty powerful fork in the road and want immediate relief. Unfortunately for most of my clients, I don't have a magic wand (shhhh, don't tell them). And, also unfortunately, I totally skipped out on the class of the "The 7 magical steps to better living", so I can't actually give them that short cut either. Where I usually start, though, is talking about self-care, and learning how to be gentle with themselves. Sounds cheesy I know, and I'm (painfully) aware that most clients aren't totally stoked for this, and want something a little meatier. Howeve...