October 10th, 2011 |
Sleep problems are prevalent, and can take a significant toll on well being. Thus, this month’s article focuses on mind-body approaches to address occasional and chronic insomnia. Last month, I wrote about the most common herbal and nutritional supplements for insomnia. Mind-body approaches are especially important tools for treating sleep problems because they are considered safe, have demonstrated evidence of benefit, and do not interfere with other treatments such as medications.
The Many Faces of Insomnia
Although we tend to use the term ‘insomnia’ to describe any problems associated... Read More
September 6th, 2011 |
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Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that teaches one to focus entirely on the present moment as a method of coping with negative psychological symptoms. For first responders, including fire-fighters, this type of practice could be particularly beneficial. “Mindfulness-based interventions may complement cognitive behavioral approaches, which focus on teaching people to regulate distressing thoughts and feelings that occur in response to stressful events,” said researchers from the University of New Mexico.... Read More
© Copyright 2011 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Baltimore Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
June 9th, 2011 |
Over the course of the last year I have had the pleasure of being around a group of people that have a genuine sense of kindness and respect for one other and for others, and a positive attitude even in extremely trying situations. So much so that I have wondered ‘how do they do it”? Abigail Washburn and the Village is a new band from Nashville. Abigail has had several other successful bands including Uncle Earl and Abigail Washburn... Read More
March 17th, 2011 |
Scents, Memories, and Emotions
The use of pleasant aromas to enhance wellbeing dates back thousands of years. Fragrant oils were used in religious and other ceremonies in the Far East, as well as in ancient Egypt and Greece. Essential oils were extracted from herbs and flowers to create medicines and perfumes, to scent one’s home, and to anoint the ill as well as those who had passed on. Smell is considered to be the most poorly understood of our senses, however, most have experienced the powerful ability of familiar scents to trigger emotions and memories of times past, such as holiday gatherings,... Read More
January 16th, 2011 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
The rush of attention that mindfulness has received may earn it the label of “passing fad.” But the facts suggest that the label, not the practice, may be what’s temporary. Mindfulness is usually referred to in relation to mindfulness meditation and mindfulness based therapy, but its philosophical origins lie in centuries-old Buddhist teachings and practice. When you think of meditation, what do you think of? Most imagine trying to clear their minds of thoughts: every thought that arises, you push it away and strive for openness, emptiness, quiet, and clarity.... Read More
© Copyright 2011 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Dallas Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
December 7th, 2010 |
It’s the time of year when I see and hear a lot of tips for handling the holidays, because it’s the time of year when food-and-drink-laden events abound, and we’re often spending more time with family members, or spending time with more family members, than usual. Holidays with family are meant to be a time to break bread together and share in joy, abundance, and love. Yet for those who struggle with disordered eating, the food and family combo can be overwhelming.
Learning to navigate situations such as these that can be emotionally charged because of interpersonal dynamics as well... Read More
December 2nd, 2010 |
Being mindful means being aware of inner and outer processes as they present themselves in the moment. The main inner observations are the observations of thoughts, emotions and body sensations.
One of the instructions that I give while introducing the basic mindfulness meditation is: “The moment that you notice that you are thinking (rather than being involved in the thinking) is a moment of choice. You may choose to shift awareness from the thought and come back to the breath or you may choose to go on thinking, developing the thoughts, following them, and so on”. During the formal practice... Read More
