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Perspective and Humility: Reaching Happiness Through the Glass Wall
I’m not proposing a cure-all for depression, but depression and happiness are incompatible, so part of depression prevention and resolution is practice of the principles of happiness. Both ... Read More
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Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse, Part I: Blindsided
We often hear the term “narcissist,” but what does it mean? From my vantage point as a psychotherapist, I work with many individuals who are leaving and healing from relationships, ... Read More
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Complex PTSD: Response to Prolonged Trauma
Posttraumatic stress (PTSD) can severely interfere with functioning, resulting in intrusive memories, depression, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and avoidance of situations that bring back ... Read More
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Young Adults Recognize and Develop Core Gifts on Hikes
The practice of young people going off on a trek to find themselves is ancient. Recently, though, we’ve found ways to integrate walking treks into the Core Gift Process framework. In ... Read More
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Talking to Children About National Tragedies
When children begin to ask questions about national tragedies, parents may be at a loss for what to say. There’s a fine line between keeping children completely ignorant about the world ... Read More
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Feelings: Better to Sit with Them Than to Run from Them
“Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, well, he eats you.” —The Stranger in The Big Lebowski “Mama said there’d be days like this.” —The Shirelles “Life is like ... Read More
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The Effects of Incarceration on Mental Health
Although jail time might seem like a distant possibility for most people, incarceration rates in the United States are steadily rising. One study published in the journal Pediatrics found ... Read More
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The Tyrannical Culture of Positivity
“Take a look at the bright side,” we tell our loved ones when they’re feeling down. “See the cup half full, not half empty.” We help lift our friends by saying, “Cheer up! Don’t ... Read More
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Applying the ‘Love Languages’ to the Parent-Child Relationship
When counseling parents and their children, I often refer to the “love languages”—an idea coined by Dr. Gary Chapman, a relationship counselor most well known for the Love Languages ... Read More
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Music to Heal the Mind, Heart, and Body
Humans have been making music ever since they realized that tapping two sticks together could create an engaging beat. Music can foster feelings of joy, unleash our creativity, and is often ... Read More
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What It’s Like Inside a Depressed Person’s Head
While not everyone’s experience is the same, when people have a major depressive episode, generally the world looks, feels, and is understood completely differently than before and after ... Read More
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Inviting Vulnerability: Five Steps to Letting Go
To me, “vulnerable” is wonderful word. It means openness, freedom, and the opportunity to love and be loved. But for others, it is what they are trying to get away from: They feel that ... Read More