Theravive Home

Sex trafficking is one of the most complex, under-investigated, and misunderstood issues today (Estes & Wiener, 2001). Not to be confused with willful prostitution, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines sex trafficking as "the recruitment, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where such an act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age" (Kerry, 2013). [More]

There is no doubt that adoption is an emotional process for families, from the initial decision to pursue adoption all the way through negotiating childrearing and adulthood. Adoption is not a simple process, but a complex series of interactions that can be frustrating and daunting. Emotionally fulfilling and at the same time taxing, adoptive families almost universally agree that it is an overall enriching life experience that they wouldn’t change. What’s perhaps most unexpected for families is how their experience of the process is emotionally so similar to that experience that their adoptive child experiences. [More]

Brushing problems under the rug or stuffing hurt feelings to avoid a conflict will likely do more harm than good. Those issues and feelings never really go away, they just go underground. Giving our partner the “silent treatment” may result in silence, but also results in no communication. As much as we may dislike or fear conflict, being able to do it well is essential for a healthy relationship. [More]

Sometimes the very times that are SUPPOSED to make us the happiest evoke exactly the opposite. Anxiety and negative anticipation can virtually ruin your experience before it even gets here. As the leaves burn into their bright reds and golds, the taste of Fall’s fresh apple cider often turns to bitter vinegar in the stomachs of those who turn the calendar page and realize that the dreaded holiday season is soon upon us. [More]

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many of us, especially those of us who have family members and friends who we want to see and spend time with on a regular basis. That being said, there are a lot of things that we have to get done over the holiday season, and sometimes, we lose focus on what we should be focusing on during this time of year. We get so caught up in the excitement and the "doing" that we forget about the people that we love and want to be around on a regular basis. [More]

Punishment is sometimes necessary as it serves to stop behavior that is inappropriate. It is very important for parents to keep in mind that punishment is only a part of the overall teaching of discipline. Discipline requires a two-pronged approach. Stop the inappropriate behavior and reward the appropriate behavior. FB- What is your view on spanking as part of discipline? C. Wayne Winkle explores some of the views held by parents on this controversial issue. [More]

Dating is supposed to be a time for teens to explore relationships and learn about themselves. It is supposed to be fun--and safe. But sometimes things go terribly wrong. Too often, teens are resorting to emotional and physical violence to resolve conflicts and manage painful feelings. Teens and their loved ones must be able to recognize abusive behavior in relationships, and know how to safely leave a relationship and get help. [More]

Your doctor informs you that you have an invisible disease which causes debilitating pain throughout your body. You may lose your job, have to fight for benefits. You have to deal with doctors who think you're lying about your condition and symptoms and become a guinea pig in order to find the most effective medications and therapies. [More]

Mother's with chronic pain often doubt their parenting skills because of their pain conditions. It keeps you from running and playing with your kids; you can't even begin to try and keep up with them. Many days are spent resting in bed or on the couch. Maybe ten minutes of activity here or there but you can often feel inadequate as a mother. The truth is, you shouldn't. The mere fact that you are asking yourself if you are a good mother makes you a good mother. You're willing to take an honest look at yourself. You’re willing to evaluate what is going on in your relationship with your children and you have a desire to make sure you’re there and present with them to the best of your ability. [More]

Millions of men, women, and children are affected by domestic abuse every single year, and it's important that we understand what it is and how it can affect people for the rest of their lives. So, in this article, we're going to define domestic abuse and explore how it can affect those involved for the long term. [More]