. Our personal history can serve as valuable lessons. Don’t be afraid to explore. Your valuable history is not Pandora’s Box; it has led you towards a perfectly imperfect you. Visualize a container and imagine your past confined inside. You can open that box and remove any piece of historical information you wish. You can also safely contain it by closing it shut until you are ready to explore the next time. In everyday life, when you find yourself in an emotionally uncomfortable situation, ask yourself how you’re feeling. When the feeling is identified, ask yourself what you can do to better care for yourself in that moment (e.g., take a walk, verbalize your need for space, practice controlled breathing, or try journaling). This simple practice can help you identify if your inner child or your core adult self is present during that challenging time. You can then support your core adult self to grow, mature and shine. The good news is that with focused attention on your past, you can move beyond it and emerge empowered. Whether individually or in a therapeutic setting, it is possible to reframe historical hardships to attain a heightened sense of authentic self-worth and healthier relationships moving forward. Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047. References: 1) “Study of Attachment: The Impact of Early Attachment and Current Functioning Through Relational Models of Therapy.” Amy Austin's doctoral dissertation (2004); 2) Bowlby, J. (1988) A Secure Base. New York: Basic Books. Ainsworth, M.D.S., Blehar M.C., Wall, S., & Waters, E. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 5 www.DesertHealthNews.com Our relationship choices begin forming at birth. May/June 2026 www.palmdesertsmiles.com The latest technologies for a healthier, more youthful smile Sarah A. Khoshniyati, DDS "Dr. Sarah" Nicholas S. Baumann, DDS "Dr. Nick" Technology in dentistry is very exciting and evolves as new materials and equipment are introduced. We select only the most proven, effective, patient and comfort-focused technologies. • CEREC Same-Day Crowns • Implants • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital X-Rays • Modern Periodontal Care • Hard/Soft Tissue Laser • Mercury-free Practice • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation • TMD/TMJ Support • Conscious Sedation • Fountain of Youth Dentures • KöR® Teeth Whitening Services and products we o er: 760.568.3602 44239 Monterey Avenue • Palm Desert PalmDesertSmiles.com Follow us! www.desertvascularassociates.com "Dr. Anna Gasparyan is an absolute godsend. She is so kind and caring and truly cares about her patients. We have never received this type of care anywhere else and are forever grateful." – CWC 760.902.1511 74000 Country Club Drive, Ste. G-3 Palm Desert DesertVascularAssociates.com Special Interests: Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency Carotid Artery Disease Aortic Aneurysms Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Dialysis Access Chemotherapy Port Insertion Personalized quality care delivered with compassion and integrity Anna Gasparyan, MD, FACS Vascular Surgeon Before After Accepting new patients and most major insurance plans Palm Desert High School (PDHS) offers its students an incredible opportunity to explore their interest in the medical field through the Palm Desert Health Academy. This three-year program introduces students to health care education early, helping them build a strong foundation for future careers in medicine. The Health Academy prepares the Coachella Valley’s next generation of health care professionals by providing students access to hands-on learning experiences, clinical simulations, community involvement and various medical certifications, all supported by strong classroom instruction. Over the course of the program, students develop valuable skills essential to a career in medicine. By the time they graduate, they are better equipped and more confident as they pursue their next steps. Here is what some of our health academy students shared as reasons for joining the program: Galilea Perez Duran: “In the Health Academy, I developed strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills by working with others in labs and group activities. I gained hands-on experience taking vital signs, performing phlebotomy and practicing proper wound care, while also earning certifications in CPR/First Aid and medical terminology. Overall, the program helped me become more responsible, professional, and confident in my abilities.” Stefany Castellanos: “I have always known that I wanted to be in the medical field. The health academy has opened doors for me to find my career and gain hands-on experience through identifying and committing to an internship.” Avril Ayala: “I decided to join the Health Academy because I like the hospital setting and helping people with medical conditions." I joined the academy to explore the health care field. At first, I wasn't sure if health care was right for me, but joining the academy sparked my interest. Now, as a senior, I can say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve enjoyed learning how the body works and gaining skills I’ll use in nursing school, such as medical terminology, vital signs and CPR. My favorite experiences have been dissections, phlebotomy and college trips. The Health Academy program helped me find my passion for health care. Thankfully, I got accepted into California State University, San Bernardino (CSUCB) as a nursing major student for Fall 2026, along with two of my academy classmates, Galilea and Avril recognized above. We feel proud and thankful because the program is competitive and getting accepted as a pre-nursing major at CSUSB is not easy. The Health Academy program has prepared us well to pursue our dreams and take the next steps in our future career paths. For more information on the valley’s high school medical academies, contact Kim McNulty with OneFuture Coachella Valley at kim@onefuturecv.org. PDHA: A Step Ahead Going Into the Future By Student Diana Navarro Clients often enter therapy questioning why they are in yet another toxic or dysfunctional relationship. My mantra is, “You’re either going to be it, or get into a relationship with it, unless you explore it.” People have a predisposition to that which is familiar. Thus, they may robotically repeat unhealthy mental and emotional behaviors until awareness, or sometimes traumatic events, inspire them to make healthier choices. Where do these patterns begin? Often, early insecure attachment to a parental figure(s) can have crucial maladaptive effects on the formation of one’s psyche. This can lead to self-defeating, self-sabotaging behaviors throughout life. Pioneering psychiatrist John Bowlby, MD, described healthy attachment behavior as the result of a child attaining or sustaining a close relationship with someone whom they trust has a greater sense of the world. When that attachment figure is available and responsive, the child experiences an enduring sense of security. This allows them to prize and pursue the valued relationship.² If all goes well, there is joy and a sense of security. If it is threatened, there can be jealousy, anxiety, anger, grief and depression.2 Through continued interaction, a child develops “internal working models” or beliefs and expectations about the primary caregiver’s trustworthiness and responsiveness. This, in turn, develops the child’s sense of personal worthiness.³ It has been noted that securely attached infants have been found to exhibit greater competence with peers, greater ego resiliency, and more confidence than their insecurely attached counterparts.³ Can We Get Past the Past? By Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT MENTORING THE FUTURE
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