Last week, I wrote about the defining characteristics of polarization. In short, this might include a pattern of thought that lends itself toward either/or thinking. Examples might involve taking the stance that I am right and you are wrong; there is no room for negotiation. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is one of the tools that […]
Polarization: A Psychological Perspective
We’ve been hearing this term in the news lately, primarily related to politics. As we watch the nightly news, we’re inundated with partisan politics that serve to drive us further and further apart until we are unable to hear and understand what the “other” is trying to say. In psychology this is know as “black/white […]
International Mind-Body Wellness Day
Did you know that January 3rd is International Mind-Body Wellness Day? Me neither, but this is right up my alley! There is strong evidence that mind and body are connected. I know that positive attention to both mind and body will yield good results. Unfortunately, when things get busy and stressful, what seems to suffer […]
Empathy: A Primer for our Nation
Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Sounds simple, right? In fact, 98% of the population can empathize with others so yes, this is a fairly easy was of connecting with others. But what does this mean, really? To really understand empathy, you need to know that there […]
How Do I Know if I “Have” White Privilege?
The short answer? If your skin is light enough that you could pass for white than you will likely be treated differently than if you don’t. But it’s so much more complicated than that. Privilege is defined as “a special right, advantage or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group”. If […]
I’m getting a jump on my New Years Resolution!
Just kidding… I don’t typically MAKE New Year’s Resolutions; but if I did, I’d be doing what I’m doing right now! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a psychotherapist who’s been in private practice for over 20 years. I’ve previously been affiliated with a non-profit but decided that it was time to […]
Perspectives in Counseling
What is it that you find most difficult about committing to the process of psychotherapy? There’s usually some degree of fear – fear of the unknown, fear of what you’ll discover, fear of change. But sometimes the most troublesome part of seeking therapy is the fear of being judged. Where does this fear come from? Fear of judgment […]
Happiness….
There are different points throughout life where we reflect on the path we’ve been on and the path we’re headed. Sometimes it’s smooth sailing and sometimes it’s so bumpy we wonder if we’re going to bounce right off! At some point, we’ll reach a fork in the road that is a decision point in our lives. Thich […]
Seasons Change….
As we transition into summer, I’m happy and energized…. I love what summer has to offer! Warm weather, green landscape all around, flowers and BBQ’s, pools and friends. All wonderful reminders of life and growth. And so it goes with life. Much like the changing of seasons, our life is made up of transitions. Whether it’s […]
Would you rather…..
Would you rather… be healthy and vibrant or suffer from a chronic illness. Well, THAT’s a no-brainer! Of course you want to be healthy and vibrant! But the reality is that millions of people are diagnosed with heart disease, asthma, depression and/or cancer EVERY DAY. And these are just a few of the most common […]
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