Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.
Bio
Tom is a Counselor and a Developmental and Prevention Educator. He taught courses on Adolescent and Young Adult Development for 15 years. He just completed his 2nd novel and a 12-book series for children re social/emotional learning.
Stories (18)
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How Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Schooled Me on Hope and Grace
The word “grace” is beautiful in both its meanings. One meaning is elegance and refinement. Another meaning is that life (or God) will provide what we need without considering whether we deserve it or not. Viewing the world as a stage on which grace plays out can be hard when we carry guilt and shame.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.7 months ago in Writers
The Malignant Masculinity in the "Adolescence" TV Series is Not New. Content Warning.
I highly recommend that you watch this series, but don't stop there. This record-breaking TV masterpiece allows us to experience the challenges of young males and the extreme risk factors for young females in a salient way, but it implies that social media is a cause when it is merely a symptom. While there is value in highlighting the issue in a dramatic way, and pointing out the hazards of social media, we need to take a deeper dive into why males feel the need to join the "manosphere" and continue to objectify women and themselves. We also need to explore what we can do to address it more proactively and on a broader scale.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.10 months ago in Families
Free Art Lessons. Top Story - March 2025.
Paul was staring at the Monet’ when something moved, barely encroaching his peripheral vision. The object was on his right side, so he had to verify that something was actually there. He always had to check the right side because he had a “floater”, a tiny scar on his retina that, in certain lighting conditions, created the illusion that he had company. He liked to josh that he got the scar fighting for a maiden's honor, but it really was a tussle with a weed eater that left him with this annoying little blind spot. He knew other blinding forces too, like the dazzling brightness of a beautiful woman. He turned his head to see this manifested in that moment, and through the glow he could discern that she was young, but not too young, and his first glance at her countenance incited him to take a closer look.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.10 months ago in Psyche
Letters From Oneida
January 30, 1870 My Dearest Jane, I am not so frugal that I would spare the expense of a stamp, yet I leave this letter on your doorstep because I want to prevent any hands but mine and yours from touching it. This is the most intrepid composition I have ever generated because I feel so unworthy of your attention. I can hardly bear the thought that my affection may be misguided.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.11 months ago in History
Free Art Lessons
Paul was staring at the Monet’ when something moved, teasing his peripheral vision. The object was on his right side, so he had to verify that something was actually there. He always had to check the right side because he had a “floater”, a tiny scar on his retina that, in certain lighting conditions, created the illusion that he had company. He liked to josh that he got the scar fighting for a maiden's honor, but it really was a tussle with a weed eater that left him with this annoying little blind spot.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.2 years ago in Fiction
Daniel's Special Delivery
While his mom watched from her porch, Daniel made little footprints as he brought a gift to Jason, an old neighbor who recently had a stroke. Three doors away was a long journey for a three-year-old, especially on a cold winter day.
By Tom Bissonette, M.S.W. Ret.2 years ago in Fiction
