Category Archives: Psychotherapy

I Couldn’t Have Said It Better

People frequently tell me “That’s exactly what I mean,” and “I couldn’t say it as well as you did.” I’m not sure that’s accurate. The truth is: You are saying it. Loudly and clearly! That’s why I can hear it … Continue reading

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The Storm & The Desert

At times I find it interesting to view anxiety as a storm and depression as a desert. This clarifies goals. With anxiety I want to calm the storm. With depression I want to find the oasis. In the storm, the … Continue reading

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A Few Words on Non-Verbal Communication

We teach others how to treat us by the way we treat ourselves. Talk is cheap! Showing is more powerful than telling. The old adage “do as I say, not as I do” is absurd. You might as well say … Continue reading

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Quote: Fertile Ground for Therapy

The most fertile ground for therapy is the place where comfort and challenge blend harmoniously. Comfort is an essential component of therapy. Without security and trust there is no safe place to open up and explore. But comfort alone invites … Continue reading

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Transitional Transformation

What’s the difference between transition and transformation? I’ve heard transition defined as meeting some external criteria whereas transformation means undergoing fundamental internal change. For example, when the BBS taps you on both shoulders with the license and dubs you “Therapist,” … Continue reading

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UPC: Unintended Parental Consequences

In situations where parents are at odds or separated, it’s not uncommon for one parent to criticize or diminish the other in front of the child. It may be overt or covert… intentional or incidental… but it happens. When it … Continue reading

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Choosing Change

Change. Some say it’s the only constant. Change is what we want when we don’t want to be where we are. Change is what therapy is all about. No one hires a therapist to keep things as they are. Choices … Continue reading

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Cupid’s Ongoing Challenge

The people we love do things that change us. Our vulnerability gives them this power. When I open my feelings to you in a loving relationship, things you do effect me. When the effect is profound, I change. Similarly, some … Continue reading

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Quote: Emotional Baggage Bellhop

We are all bellhops in the Hotel of Life. The more baggage we carry, the fewer doors we can fit through. The real burden of emotional baggage is the toll it takes on our possibilities. It’s one of life’s great … Continue reading

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What Is Therapy? (part 2)

I recently attended an excellent training given by Rob Fisher, MFT. One of the highlights for me was when Rob gave a definition of therapy. He said something along the lines of: Therapy is guiding people inside themselves in ways … Continue reading

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