Shira Block

I've dedicated my life to serving the emotional and spiritual growth of others. My greatest joys, in addition to marriage, motherhood, and friendships include being a student and teacher, while witnessing those around me attaining true fulfillment. 

Shira Block, MA Psychology and Counseling is a popular lecturer, regular on-air expert guest, author, executive and personal coach, counselor, and gifted communicator. Block has a special talent for captivating audiences with her insight, humor, clarity, and ability to pinpoint problems and devise effective solutions. Since 1991 she has had a thriving coaching practice and conducts workshops nationwide.

Block has taught thousands how to improve written and verbal communications, create healthy compromise, and improve family dynamics. Her workshops and personal coaching are all result-oriented leaving participants with a clear path of "what to do."

Her client list includes corporate giants such as Merill Lynch, Travelers Insurance, Spalding Sports Worldwide, AAA, Con Edison, and The Hartford Insurance Company as well as actors, musicians, doctors, flight attendants, socialites, therapists, students, artists, and prison inmates.

Her books include Limerence (Glendale Press Books), The Way Home, Step-By-Step Miracles: A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Dreams (Kensington Publishing) and co-author of When Your Parent Moves In: Every Child's Guide to Living with an Aging Parent (Adams Media).

Block is a regular NBC affiliate on-air guest, has been a guest on more than 100 radio shows and has been featured in popular publications such as Glamour, Marie Claire, Prime Magazine, Boston Globe, US News and World Report, Main Line Times, JuicyHeads, and Options of London.

When your adult children want you to be the on-call babysitter

We love our children. We love our grandchildren. We also love the prospect of embracing what’s next for us—having nothing to do with childcare. What happens if our children expect us to continue caretaking our grandchildren?

Here’s the link to Tina Gorman’s Wake-up Wednesday Show!

https://youtu.be/YBUZlOBbktk

Love Languages - an in Depth Discussion

I had the good fortune to be a guest of Tina Gorman’s Wake-up Wednesday TV/Radio show. We had a 45 minute discussion on love languages and the far-reaching implications. My appearance is 1:04 minutes in! If you have a moment - watch this weeks conversation!

Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

No-one likes to feel rejected, left out, or criticized. For most of us, when criticized, it hurts for a moment or two, and then we move on. However, for some of us, those ups and downs, and the impact others have on us can feel crushing. Are some people just more sensitive than others? Or is it something else? Listen to this weeks conversation on Mass Appeal!

Learn your Love Language (and your partner’s too)

A relationship can offer life’s greatest joys. It can also bring about great sadness and disappointment. Luckily, there is one simple action that can enhance any relationship, while repairing hurt feelings, and re-igniting love between partners. It all boils down to speaking each other’s love language. Interested? Listen to this week’s conversation with Patrick on Mass Appeal!

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when seasons change and the sun goes down earlier and earlier. SAD is fairly common but that doesn’t mean you should white-knuckle the experience until Spring. There are many ways to lessen or even alleviate the symptoms while getting through the darker months.

Understanding OCD

We have all heard of OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) We may have even said, light heartedly. I’m OCD about getting my hair just right, or keeping the kitchen clean. But, do we really know that real OCD can be a debilitating anxiety disorder? Add Covid to the mix, and some of the OCD afflicted are suffering more than ever. Take a moment to learn more!

https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/dissociative-identity-disorder-is-triggered-due-to-trauma-in-small-children/

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Human psychology is fascinating. So much so that books and movie plots have been built around people with psychological disorders such as psychopaths, stalkers, and power-hungry narcissists. Truthfully, would movies be all that interesting if everyone were emotionally healthy and balanced? One of the most compelling and misunderstood disorders is DID or Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). Take a moment a watch my segment on Mass Appeal!

Dating During a Pandemic

Dating can be stressful especially for those who are new to the dating scene. Adding the pandemic into the mix - how do singles emotionally and physically keep themselves safe as they enter the dating world? Curious - listen to my talk with Alana Flood on Mass Appeal!

Is It Time to Quit Technology Cold-turkey

The world we live in can feel magical. You crave a pizza? After a few clicks on the app, it arrives at your door. Do you need a new pair of shoes? No need to wait until the mall opens, you can browse an online store and get what you need immediately. There is nothing wrong taking advantage of the internet age, but it is a slippery slope between streamlining your life and robbing yourself of what makes life joyful.  

Supporting Those with Clinical Depression

At one point or another, we all gets the blues—we may experience situational depression at the loss of an opportunity, or at a setback, or even because of a health challenge. In those cases it is helpful if you try to enthusiastically encourage the person to strive for what’s next. However, if someone you love suffers from chronic/clinical depression, how you support them is completely different. Watch my conversation with Patrick Berry to learn more! (There are technical issues with the filming - but still worth the watch!)

How Do I Navigate Other People’s Inconsistent Covid Rules?

Every family is different—they all have their own rules such as how much computer time is allowed or whether or not you have to remove your shoes when you enter the house. Covid requires even more rules. While it makes sense to have family safety guidelines in place, what happens if a family you socialize with has inconsistent requirements or ones that just don’t make sense?

Nervous About Getting Back Out After Covid?

You likely know people who struggle with Covid’s restricted access to friends and family. In fact, you may have been one of them. However, now, you may be thriving working from home and saying “no” to friends and family gatherings. So, now that restrictions are lifting, what do you do when you are not ready to let go of the Covid excuse for being a recluse?

Eliminating the Barriers to Work Life Balance

Seeking work-life balance is tantamount to the hunt for the holy-grail. We all want it. We all talk about it. Yet, it seems to elude most of us.  When it comes right down to it, there are three barriers to the coveted work/life balance scenario. And there are three solutions. Watch Mass Appeal to find out what they are!

Why Am I Picking Up Bad Habits Now?

We are in such a crazy time - the last thing we need is to take on any bad habits. But - many of us are. I spoke to Patrick on Mass Appeal about why and what we should do about it!

The Unexpected Benefits of the Stay-at-Home Order

You’ll be surprised at how many benefits there have been to staying-at-home with family. I spoke with Alanna Flood on Mass Appeal about it all.

Dealing with Anxiety About Relaxed Distancing Restrictions

States and communities are starting to relax their stay-at-home restrictions, which may sound great, but those changes bring a whole host of new stresses and anxieties.

I spoke with Patrick on Mass Appeal about how to manage and overcome these anxieties.

Why Won’t Some People Adhere to the Stay at Home Orders

It is quite common these days to worry about the ones we love. It is also frustrating when those we worry about most - the most vulnerable - like our parents - don’t seem to be keeping themselves safe. Here’s my latest talk with Patrick on Mass Appeal!

Coping with Stress and Anxiety During Covid-19

These are crazy times. It’s especially difficult with so much unknown. But, hopefully the light is around the corner. My latest Mass Appeal topic is coping with some of the stress around this pandemic.

Celebrating Drinking Holidays When You Don’t Drink

Many holidays are fraught with obligations, challenging family dynamics, and sometimes drama. However, that’s not true of St. Patrick’s Day. St. Paddy’s Day is known for friendships, camaraderie, laughter, joy, and of course drinking. But what happens when you want to wear green and celebrate with friends, but you don’t drink? Watch my latest segment and hear some practical tips on having fun while sober.

Managing Your Family and the Coronavirus

In a time of chaos, learn strategies to keep the family calm. Take a look at my first talk with Alana Flood on WWLP!

Making Valentine’s Day Special - Regardless of the Circumstances

Some days don’t turn out exactly like we want them to and Valentine’s Day can be one of them. What happens if your partner doesn’t like to celebrate and you do? What happens if you planned a gathering with your grandchildren on that day but a cold keeps them at home? What happens if you’re suddenly single? Regardless of disappointments, you can still make this day special. Take a look at my first talk with Patrick Berry on WWLP!

Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School

Transitions in general can be difficult - not just going from summer fun time to the Fall. Take a look at my recent talk with Danny New on WWLP Mass Appeal as we discuss this important topic!

How to Get Along on Family Vacations

Going on a family vacation with your kids or with your adult siblings? Take a moment and watch my recent interview with Danny New on WWLP Mass Appeal.

Gracefully Saying No

I love this topic - but - the edits and the cut-in clips are way off. They completely changed my message. So - take a look at my recent chat with Danny New on WWLP Mass Appeal, but do so with your eyes closed!!!!!

Ever Wonder Why Some Parents Go Overboard Helping Their Kids Get Into College?

If you've been watching the news, you've heard of the Varsity Blues Scandal - aka - College admission scam. Ever wonder why some parents go overboard in helping their kids with the college search? Danny New on WWLP Mass Appeal and I discuss just that!

Five Biggest Parenting Mistakes

We all love our children and want what's best for them. However, most of us make the same mistakes over and over. Listen to my latest chat with Danny New for the mistakes and ways to fix them!

Valentine’s Day Isn’t Just for Couples!

It's normal to get caught up in the day-in-and-day-out of life. However, every now and then it's great to slow down and express gratitude - especially for those closest to us. Valentine's Day offers us that opportunity to focus on what matters and to celebrate the one we love. But what if we don't have one-special-someone? What if we're single? 

Combating Body Image Issues

Our bodies are miracles.--the vehicles through which we experience life. So why do we spend so much time hating ours? Lauren Zenzie from Mass Appeal and I take a moment to discuss what we can do to feel better about ourselves!

When Your Kids Come Home for the Holidays

Holidays are family time. They are also some of the most stressful times of the year. This is especially true when the kids come home. Regardless of how long they've been gone, a semester, a year, a decade or more consider these points to continue to build and maintain a strong bond with your adult children, holidays or not.

The Psychology Behind the Love of Being Scared

Some of of us love scary movies and intense roller coasters. I’m not one of them - but there are many who are! I spoke with Danny New on Mass Appeal about the psychology behind the love of being afraid!

Solutions for the Over-doer

I'm pretty busy. I'm sure most of you are too. There's nothing wrong with having an active life. In fact, being busy can be fun and fulfilling. Being an over-doer, however, is a different story. Tuesday, I spoke with Lauren Zenzie on Mass Appeal about the difference between being busy and crossing that line to over-doing it.

When Your Children Leave Home

When children leave for college or move out for good, its hard on the parents. Because of this, its easy to forget how intense the transition is for the kids. Like it not - when these about-to-be-adults aren't getting what they need (I'm not talking about doing their laundry and cleaning up after them) life is harder for everyone. If you want to do what's best for your young adults and ultimately what's best for you, listen in on the my conversation with Lauren Zenzie

Can I be a Good Person and Still Have Bad Thoughts?

None of us are perfect. We're human. However, even in our imperfection, most of us still want to see ourselves as good people. But, what happens if we have bad thoughts--a lot of them? Can We Still Be Good? Danny New and I begin the conversation!

How to be Taken Seriously

When it comes right down to it, whether we are speaking with our doctor, our spouse, a prospective or current boss, or with our children, we all want want to be taken seriously. Being taken seriously should be a birthright, but unfortunately its something we must earn. Danny and I discuss the five steps you need to be taken seriously in any circumstance.

The Myths of Multi-tasking

We're busy. We have too much to do. Multi-tasking seems, for many, to be the key to getting everything done. However, endless research shows that multi-tasking may actually keep us from being as productive as we could be if we were tackling one task at a time. Danny and I discuss the details on Mass Appeal!

Are you Compromising or Selling out?

Compromise is a natural part of any healthy relationship. But, where is the line between healthy compromise and selling out. Danny New and I discuss the details!

Why Did I Say That?

If you've ever felt like you had "foot-in-mouth-disease" check out my latest appearance with Danny New on Mass Appeal!

When is it Okay to Let Go?

If you ever wonder when it's time to let go and move on ( or even morph your life's vision to reflect who you are today), check out my latest interview on Mass Appeal!

Getting Along with Even the Toughest Family Members Part II

Getting along with even the toughest family members during the holidays: Some people greet the holidays with goodwill and cheer -- other's, not so much. Regardless, you can still create holiday peace and get along with even the toughest members of your family. 

How to Have a Peaceful Thanksgiving

Have you ever wondered why family tensions seem to flair during the holidays? If so, watch my latest segment on Mass Appeal on how to avoid the pitfalls and how to have a peaceful Thanksgiving!

Get Unstuck and Finish the Year Strong

If you're like most people, the list of changes you want to make in your life are the same as they were the year before and the year before that. No need to worry - learn the behaviors that keep you stuck and the steps to take to get you moving!

Why We Like Being Scared

Many of us associate Autumn with the holidays, beginning with Halloween. We celebrate Halloween with scary masks, menacing pumpkin faces, and haunted hay rides. It seems like we celebrate by being afraid. But why?  Why do we like to be scared?

Power of the Apology

We all know apologizing is a good thing. But, all apologies aren't created equal. Learn about the three main apology types and which ones make us stronger and which ones we should get rid of for good!

Little White Lies are Anything But....

Everyone does it--tells little lies. What's the harm? Just because people lie all the time doesn't mean its harmless. On the contrary, lying creates more problems than meets the eye.

Mastering Life's Great Hat Swap  

Mastering Life's Great Hat Swap: Change is inevitable - especially in regard to your role in your family and the hats you wear: Just last year you were the kid and your role was to be cared for. Last month you were a parent to your own toddlers and your role was to raise children. Today you're babysitting your grandchildren and your role is as a support person for your adult children. Tomorrow, you're helping your parents manage their own life transitions and your role is caretaker of your parents. As life changes, you'll need to change hats over and over again...

Living a Successful Life

Society sets guidelines that identify what it means to be successful. These guidelines cover everything from the clothes size we should wear to the amount of money we should make. Unfortunately, many of these guidelines don't encourage us to thrive, rather they set us up to fail. Its time to drop ill fitting notions of what it means to be successful. Its time to create our own parameters that revolve around who we are, not around who we think we should be. 

Surviving a Midlife Crisis

Surviving the midlife crisis: If you are lucky, you reach midlife (or even your 30s) having exceeded your dreams and goals. If so, the midlife crisis is no more than a humorous plot in a movie or even a punchline. But, what happens if you don't quite land where you had expected? Learn the steps to shift disappointment into pride for where you are now and build excitement about your future.

Stop Worrying About What Others Think

If you're like many people, you spend too much time worrying about what other people think. Don't waste another day plagued by the thought "I wonder what he thinks of me."

How to De-clutter Your  Mind

We all know the benefits of cleaning out the closet. But, did you know, its equally important to clear out unwanted thoughts from your mind? De-cluttering your mind from unhealthy thoughts can immediately reduce stress and improve the quality of your days. Learn a few strategies that really work!

Does Saying No Make You a Bad Person?

People are under the misconception that nice people say yes all the time. Not true. Being able to say no is not only one of the keys to happiness, but makes you a better friend, family member, partner, and sometimes even a better person.

How to Get Out of Being the Constant Go-to Person

Do you find that you’re always the one stepping up to bake the cookies, pay the extra money, carpool the kids, plan the family gatherings or volunteer at the next community event to make everyone happy? Learn how to stop being everyone’s go to person and still feel good about yourself.

A Culture of Lying

Are all lies created equal?  What is the downside of lying and the upside of the truth telling? 

To Rock or Not to Rock the Boat?

To rock or not to rock the boat: We live in a “stand up and fight” society where we are told we must speak up. That may be true – but its not true all the time. When is it better to make our feelings known and when is it better to keep our mouths shut?  

Managing the Conversational Kidnapper

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a lengthy conversation that you don’t know how to get out of? Learn how to effectively end the conversation and move on.

The Power of the Pause

Have you ever said, “Why did I say that? Or Why did I text that? Or Why did I do that?” Sometimes, pausing for just a second before reacting can eliminate the “why did I do that?” for good! 

Are You With the Right Partner?

Chemistry between two people isn’t enough to sustain a long term partnership. Follow these tips to see if your partner is right for you.

Renewing Your Passion for Your Partner

Long term relationships, even ones that begin passionately, can fall victim to the daily routine. Infusing romance back into your relationship has to start somewhere, so why not rekindle that flame starting today! 

Mindset Makeover

We all made New Year’s resolutions, but without a change in mindset, change may last a day, a week or even a month or two, but soon enough old habits will take over. With the right shift in your mindset, your changes can last.

Setting and Maintaining Your Goals

The beginning of the year is the time we are more motivated than ever to get healthy and achieve our resolutions, but overtime it becomes difficult to maintain them. Listen to the tips to setting and maintaining your resolutions!

Live with Ken Broo WLW Cincinatti

Ken Broo interviews Shira Block on love and online dating (36:20 minutes in)

USA Today Radio The Rusty Humphries Show

Legendary Nationwide syndicated Radio Host Rusty Humphries interviews Shira Block

WRHI AM Charlotte NC Hammer and Boozer AM Show

Freddi and Chuck talk romance with Shira Block.

WGN Radio Chicago the Dane Neal Show

Dane Neal talks to Shira Block about online dating and catfishing.

WLW AM Cincinnati OH the Eddie and Tracy Show

We were scheduled to talk about love and relationships but they found women's underwear to be more interesting! If you're over 18, have a listen! 

WGCH AM the Debbie Nigro Show

Debbie talks about the dangers of online dating.

WVLM The Jack Pattie Show News Talk

Jack talks to Shira about dating in the cyber age.

KAHI Radio Sacramento the Mary Jane Pop Show

Mary Jane talks to Shira about love and life.

KVT 1590 AM the Kim Pagano Show

Kim talks to Shira about ways to stay positive.

WPLF Radio Lou in the Morning

Lou Vickery talks to Shira about love and life.

BizTalk with Frankie Boyer Live

Frankie talks life with Shira at the 16 minute mark.

Conversations with Vickie St. Clair

Vickie talks to Shira about life and love in the cyber world.

Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, Live on NPR WGVU-AM&FM

CONVERSATIONS WITH PETER SOLOMON WIP PHILADELPHIA

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