Kellevision

Emotions as Weapons: The Case of the Missing Ham

I could hear the screaming from outside of the house.  I stopped and listened for evidence of escalation and/or violence, decided it was just screaming and decided to go do something else until the battle was over.  Aren't the holidays fun?

Alcoholics Anonymous and Psychiatric Medications

Throughout the years I've agonized when working with dual diagnosis clients who attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or any of their sister programs.  Too often there are well-meaning people in the groups who take it upon themselves to give psychological or medical advice.  All too often, this results in tremendous damage.   One of the major offenders is the idea that any member of AA, CA or NA who is taking psychiatric medications is not "clean and sober".  Not only is this bad advice it's not the official policy of AA.

Just Say No to Drama

The after school program called to say they had a medical emergency with a child and could not locate the mother.  They were asking if we could help them find the mother and have her call them.  Then the drama started...

Intellectualism as a Defense Mechanism: Creating a New Scapegoat

I'm working with a family who is going through an interesting transition as they move the Scapegoat role from one member to another and use intellectualism to do it.

Take Two Yoga Classes and Call me in the Morning

I'm reading the August 2009 edition (yes I am a little bit behind in my reading) of Yoga Journal and I am reminded once again of all the benefits yoga has to offer in one's struggle for peace of mind and mental health.

How Therapy Works

I write a lot about the importance of feeling your feelings and being in touch with the messages thay are sending you.  Perhaps this is because I rely so heavily on them in my everyday work.  I cannot imagine being without them. 

Just Cry When You're Sad

"But I don't want to be weak", he said.

Escaping the Scapegoat Role: Expressing Forbidden Emotions

Another possible way that Scapegoats make themselves targets is by expressing forbidden emotions within a relationship system.

Trauma and Numbing

Survivors of trauma, especially childhood abuse, often use numbing as a technique for dealing with strong or painful emotions.

Are We Thinking Beings Which Feel or Feeling Beings Which Think?

It seems most Americans like to think of themselves as thinking beings who happen to feel.  But research into the human brain shows that we are instead feeling beings who are able to think.  I believe our failure to recognize this causes untold frustration and the current epidemic of people being diagnosed with depression.