Introduction Post! I'm Lori: Mother, Psychotherapist, Animal lover & Friend!

 Hi fellow Steemians- I am really excited to be joining this unique and very  cool family! My son Hive account@stevenalexander has inspired me to join Steemit because of his enthusiastic involvement within this community. For the past 38 years I have been practicing insight-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy, both clinically and privately. In the course of my practice, I have naturally learned many things. Most notable are the following concepts which I believe are universals: we all strive to feel connected, to belong, to be supported, and to be validated. It seems that Steemit achieves these things organically for its members! 
For a long time I have had a desire to write - random thoughts, poems, essays, etc., but never quite had the platform to do this.  With the development of the Steemit community, it seems that I now have the opportunity to accomplish this! 

Since this is my introductory post, I'd like to share some pictures of my family. Below you can see my son Hive account@stevenalexander and his Dad at the Long Island Aquarium, communing with the birds, and the monkees!As I mentioned, I am an animal lover and I am the proud owner of 3 beautiful rescue turtles which I'll have to find pictures of ...but I'll save them for next time ! ;) Take a look at my son and husband below.

If you continue to scroll down, you can see our very cute shitsu "Wolfie", and our amazing cat "Kitty", who sadly passed away 2 weeks ago at the age of 15. We loved kitty very much but unfortunately he was suffering from stomach lymphoma so we are at ease that he is now at peace. Below you can see our two babies :)

As a psychotherapist, I really have a passion for helping people. I have an extensive background working with people dealing with everything from relationship issues, anxiety and depression, mood disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders.  I am very much looking forward to sharing many thoughts, observations and acquired Life Lessons with this intriguing community! Thanks so much for stopping by and I will continue posting again very soon! I'll be back with a verification picture within the next couple of days since i know it is an important rule of Steemit!