Survivors of trauma, especially childhood abuse, often use numbing as a technique for dealing with strong or painful emotions.
Continue reading "Trauma and Numbing" »
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.
Continue reading "Are We Thinking Beings Which Feel or Feeling Beings Which Think?" »
My video collection is inexplicable, unless you understand its purpose. The only movies I actually purchase to keep are those which are safe and make me laugh. I know no one dies, there is no violence, no animals are killed or harmed in the viewing of this movie and it makes me laugh.
Continue reading "Laughter Really is the Best Medicine" »
What would happen if everyone just decided not to exchange presents any longer? Would the Earth spin off its axis?
Continue reading "Just Say "NO" to Christmas Presents and Obligatory Gifting" »
Virginia Satir was a renowned therapist who developed a mandala to illustrate the many aspects of a human being - all of which need to be fulfilled in order for us to be happy. I find this mandala to be especially important when working with clients struggling with depression or recovering from substance abuse.
Continue reading "Satir's Mandala: The Components of Happiness" »
She's about to come out of her skin. She attributes this to her period and/or her psychiatric medications. She says that she doesn't know what is wrong, but she just feels like crying. Some days, counseling is not rocket science. It's just reallllly simple. "So cry!" I tell her. If you feel like crying, cry. It really is that simple.
Continue reading "Just Feel Your Feelings" »
Intent.com's topic for the week is "How to Be Happier". They are asking the question, "what can we all do as individuals or communities to make ourselves happier?" What an excellent question!
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Therapists tend to be very empathic. And this is a good thing in a therapy session. But it can really wreak havoc on our personal lives.
Continue reading "I'm Going to be Happy Today - Regardless!" »
I cannot find the author of this quote, but it's great, unless you are addicted to something. (smile)
Continue reading ""Never Give Up on Something You Can't Go a Day Without Thinking About"" »
When battling depression, many people go to their medical doctor and get a prescription for an antidepressant. The recommended treatment for mild to moderate depression is psychotherapy and, if needed, a prescription for an antidepressant. Medication seems to be the first line of defense. Psychotherapy is rarely mentioned. In addition, there are many things clients can do for themselves to reduce depression symptoms, yet this information is rarely presented either. You can try these techniques instead of medication if you are mildly or moderately depressed. You can use them in addition to medication if more severely depressed. What are some of these things you can do for yourself?
Continue reading "Treat Your Own Depression - Naturally" »