http://www.goodtherapy.org/considering-psychotherapy-article.html Latest articles Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:45:14 GMT en-us http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-abstinence-drugs-alcohol-0208122/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-abstinence-drugs-alcohol-0208122/ Wed, 8 Feb 2012 22:00:55 GMT Abstinence self-efficacy (ASE) is one?s ability to abstain from alcohol or drug use and is a strong indicator of how an individual will respond to treatment. Although there are many factors that influence ASE, symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are thought to be among the strongest factors that can impair one?s recovery. Existing research examining this relationship has focused on adults in general. But Brenna L. Greenfield of the Department of Psychology and Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions at the University of New Mexico wanted to discover how MDD affected ASE in a particularly vulnerable segment of the population: emerging adults. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 are more likely to engage in experimentation than any other age group. Young adults first begin to experience intimate relationships, career pressures, and independence during this time. And many of them also begin to explore drug and alcohol use. It is during this time that individuals are at the highest risk for the onset of psychological problems as well. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-and-recovery-take-time-0202125/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-and-recovery-take-time-0202125/ Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:16:55 GMT Quick, would you prefer 100 million dollars right now or a penny that that doubles every day for a year? Next question, would you like to be cured of your depression, relationship problems, eating disorder, or addiction immediately or would you like to work on it? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/time-to-separate-family-0202124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/time-to-separate-family-0202124/ Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:32:52 GMT Families need to be together. After all, the family as a group exists to provide support, nurturance, food, shelter, resources, and a stable future to each member. While most families have their ups and downs, even stressed, impoverished, chaotic families want to live with one another. When is it in the family?s best interest for members to separate from one another? Can leaving the family home for a short while ever bring healing to the relationships in the long run? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/rural-men-avoid-counseling-0127120/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/rural-men-avoid-counseling-0127120/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:00:48 GMT Men, in general, are far less likely than women to seek professional help for mental health problems. But a new study, led by Joseph H. Hammer and David L. Vogel of the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University, suggests that men from rural communities are even more resistant than urban-dwelling men when it comes to getting psychological counseling. The study expands upon previous research by the team and explores the factors that create barriers to treatment. For example, in the study, Hammer and colleagues identified self-stigma as the primary reason that men from rural areas do not reach out for help. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/working-with-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-clients-0111124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/working-with-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-clients-0111124/ Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:33 GMT As you would with any client, be sure to conduct a complete and comprehensive interview. Be sure to ask about what they thought life would be like, versus what reality is. Is there a loss of a dream? Any traumas? Are they ?out? or in process of coming out? It is wise to remember and even educate folks that ?coming out? is a lifetime process and not a discreet event. People may ?come out? at different levels in different settings (e.g. family, friends, work, etc). Be prepared to ask questions over time, as answers will change as clients feel more comfortable and safe. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/in-session-immediacy-0111123/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/in-session-immediacy-0111123/ Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:00:37 GMT ?Immediacy is the act of discussing in the here-and-now how the therapist is feeling about the patient, about himself/herself in relation to the patient, or about the patient-therapist relationship,? said A. Jill Clemence of the Department of Psychiatry at Albany Medical College. Immediacy has been shown to be a critical component of the therapeutic alliance and can have a significant impact on the client?s ability to process emotions. ?Immediacy is also conceptualized as a potent technique for managing an alliance rupture, for moving beyond a patient?s defenses, and for providing emotional support,? said Clemence, lead author of a recent study highlighting the effects of in-session immediacy. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/can-couples-recover-from-infidelity-0111114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/can-couples-recover-from-infidelity-0111114/ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:07 GMT I was counseling a couple recently and as the session was coming to a close I was asked point blank, ?How many couples come to see you with infidelity?? I had to stop for a moment and think, ?About 30% of the couples I treat work with infidelity issues,? I answered. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/50-signs-good-therapy-0110119/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/50-signs-good-therapy-0110119/ Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:45:40 GMT As a companion piece to the 50 Warning Signs of Questionable Therapy article, it's important to understand there are many signs of good therapy as well. After all, good therapy has been proven to help people from all walks of life, in thousands of different situations and in countless ways. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-treatment-and-recovery-problematic-0106114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-treatment-and-recovery-problematic-0106114/ Fri, 6 Jan 2012 16:43:24 GMT The decision to contact a therapist, set up an appointment, interview the therapist and agree to move forward with treatment might seem to imply that a client is ready to pursue their goal of feeling better. Unfortunately, ambivalence surrounding the therapeutic process as well as its outcome occurs far more commonly than clarity around this pursuit. Healing would presumably be the obvious goal for all of us; why wouldn?t we want that, right? Clients have offered fairly good reasoning as to why not; if we hope to be able to move beyond the ambivalence and into confronting the trauma, providing a space to acknowledge where the individual is in regard to their process would be a necessary first step. Common reasons for not pursuing treatment from the client?s perspective will be discussed here as a means of normalizing hesitation while validating concerns about process and outcome. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hypnotism-for-sexual-concerns-0105115/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hypnotism-for-sexual-concerns-0105115/ Thu, 5 Jan 2012 20:15:16 GMT Hypnotism can be a useful and versatile tool for addressing sexual concerns, including several types of sexual problems (such as non-medically caused erectile dysfunction and low desire) and negative body image, shame, and sexual inhibitions. Hypnotism can help discover and correct inner obstacles to sexual health and pleasure. As a skill set, hypnotism is used in a complementary way by many types of helping professionals. Hypnotism also provides the foundation for a growing group of professional practitioners variously known as consulting hypnotists and hypnotherapists. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-and-addiction-the-strength-of-weakness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-and-addiction-the-strength-of-weakness/ Wed, 4 Jan 2012 16:45:07 GMT I just read in a newspaper article that health clubs see a nice jump in membership at this time of year, due to all those New Year?s resolutions to lose weight. Of course, many new members will make a concerted effort for a month or two, and then slowly drift away. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-self-growth-0102124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-self-growth-0102124/ Mon, 2 Jan 2012 15:30:52 GMT We all have this wall around us. It is a very defined wall that protects us from harm. At times, it prevents us from opening our eyes to something we might need but don?t necessarily want to hear. Resistance within us is very thick and it gets even thicker as we move along in our daily lives. Our daily routines become redundant, predictable and too comfortable until we become unknowingly complacent. We feel there are no other alternatives, the feelings of sadness, disappointment and annoyance creep. These emotions seem to not to want to go away even if and when we try to entertain ourselves, be it with friends and outings or any extracurricular activities. Many times, alcohol, gambling and other mood-altering substances take the place of healing, a means to self-medicate. A means to escape the vicious cycle we have created. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/casual-context-influences-psychopathology-diagnosis-12281/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/casual-context-influences-psychopathology-diagnosis-12281/ Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:00:50 GMT Clinicians rely on varying factors to assess a client?s level of mental health. Past events, such as abuse or trauma, can help a clinician determine if the behavior a client exhibits in the present tense warrants psychological treatment. But exactly how does a clinician decide what is normal or abnormal behavior?  ?The concept of psychological abnormality has long been, and continues to be, a central concept in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and in a wide range of clinical evaluations,? said Nancy S. Kim of the Department of Psychology at Northeastern University. ?Judgments of psychological abnormality most directly speak to the fundamental issue of uncovering clinicians? true beliefs about what constitutes psychopathology.? In a recent study, Kim asked how casual context influenced a clinician?s judgment. ?Our central aim is to propose and test a proportionate-response hypothesis, such that clinicians? judgments of abnormality are influenced by whether a person?s behaviors are perceived to be a disproportionate response to past events, rendering them difficult to understand or explain.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sharing-therapeutic-experiences-with-others-benefits-client-1228111/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sharing-therapeutic-experiences-with-others-benefits-client-1228111/ Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:59 GMT Freud believed that a client should not disclose what occurred in therapy to people outside the confines of the therapeutic alliance. ?Disclosure to others was seen as a defense against being fully engaged in the analytic relationship,? said Rachel Khurgin-Bott of the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College at Columbia University. ?In general, therapy has become more egalitarian and relational, and few contemporary therapists would likely set rules for what their patients could and could not say outside the boundaries of the therapeutic setting.? With the introduction of social networking websites, people have begun to share intimate details of their lives more frequently, including details of therapeutic experiences. Additionally, the stigma surrounding therapy has decreased. ?As a result, many individuals are far less reluctant now to acknowledge going to a therapist,? said Khurgin-Bott, lead author of a new study examining the pros and cons of disclosure. ?Whether and to what extent such acknowledgment extends to sharing the details of psychotherapy treatment are questions that have remained largely unexamined.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/genuineness-working-alliance-influences-therapeutic-outcome-1227113/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/genuineness-working-alliance-influences-therapeutic-outcome-1227113/ Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:00:52 GMT The working alliance, a dimension of the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and client, has been shown to be an important predictor of treatment outcome. But the real relationship, the personal relationship between the client and therapist consisting of genuineness (G) and realism, may provide a more accurate forecast of treatment outcome. ?Genuineness may be seen as the participants? degree of authenticity with each other, whereas the realism element implies experiences and perceptions that ?befit the other,? rather than inaccurate or distorted perceptions that may be because of earlier unresolved conflicts,? said Gianluca Lo Coco of the Department of Psychology at the University of Palermo in Italy. ?The real relationship component of the overall therapeutic relationship is thought to exist from the first moment of contact between therapist and client, and it has been theorized to be a part of all relationships in general, and therapeutic relationships in particular.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trustworthiness-self-disclosing-therapists-1227112/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trustworthiness-self-disclosing-therapists-1227112/ Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:00:03 GMT Self-disclosure by therapists, a practice that was once frowned upon in psychoanalysis, has become a commonly accepted practice. Therapists who self-disclose believe that they are benefiting their clients by sharing similar problematic situations and offering experienced resolutions. However, the effects of specific types of self-disclosure countertransference (CT) have not been examined until now. ?The definition of CT that has been used in most research, and that was employed in the present study, views CT as the therapist?s reactions to the client that are based on the therapist?s emotional conflicts and vulnerabilities,? said Yun-Jy Yeh of the Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Services at Penn State University, and co-author of the study. ?In addition to lack of agreement about how to define CT, controversies also exist about its therapeutic virtues.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/fix-one-big-relationship-mistake-1222114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/fix-one-big-relationship-mistake-1222114/ Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:05:05 GMT As a Relationship Therapist of over 20 years, I have seen clients make one mistake that causes an otherwise non-threatening conversation to turn into one that is fraught with misunderstanding and dissatisfaction. While the importance of this one behavior is intuitive, it is not always obvious. Science has shown the powerful and crucial role it plays in understanding our partner, getting our needs met, and making our romantic relationships more solid and stable. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-therapist-communication-1220111/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-therapist-communication-1220111/ Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:41:33 GMT Story: ?Once at the end of a first session, my client asked for some ?homework? so I suggested she do some journal writing about a habit she had discovered during the session. When she arrived for the next session, she sat down, looked at me, and immediately began almost screaming that she ?couldn?t trust me?I was just like all the others?she knew this wasn?t going to work?I had a formula that I applied to all my clients?and I wasn?t going to take a personal interest in her??. ?My goodness, you certainly have strong feelings!?, I replied. ?Yes, I do! I just can?t believe you gave me journal writing. I hate journal writing, and I bet you do that with everyone!.? ?Well, I guess I?ve learned something about you. I?ll never ask you to journal again!? She then burst out laughing at the absurdity of this much anger. Soon we were both laughing. I let her know I understood how important my personal attention and care were to her. She sat back and said, ?I can?t tell you how touching it is that you are interested in learning about me and willing to change how you are in response. And, even more amazing that you didn?t just reject me as a client.? My intention with journaling homework was to offer her something to think about and help her get more involved in therapy. The impact was that she felt distanced and uncared for. Her unconscious intention in her anger was to prove to herself that once again therapy wasn?t going to help. The impact of my response was that she got treated the way she had longed for. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addiction-therapist-client-connection-12161/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addiction-therapist-client-connection-12161/ Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:21:57 GMT Last month I discussed the dilemma of a psychologically wounded person who feels torn between a yearning to get his deepest needs met ? a need for connection, safety and love ?  and a terror that those needs will be rejected (subtly or otherwise), leading to a traumatic abandonment, or re-abandonment in most cases. This creates dueling goals: to be loved and to maintain connection through inevitable ?bumps? on the relational road, which in the person?s life has proven impossible. Thus the faith that lasting relational intimacy can be found is slim to none, assuming it exists at all. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hope-and-fear-in-china-1213115/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hope-and-fear-in-china-1213115/ Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:30:06 GMT In October, I wrote about going to China as a member of CAPA, the Chinese American Psychoanalytic Association, on a working tour of four main cities- Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai. We lectured, visited schools and training institutes, and met individually with people who wanted private consultations. I knew I would miss my friends and family, and I was a little scared to go so far away. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/achieving-better-health-emotional-balance-contentment-1208114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/achieving-better-health-emotional-balance-contentment-1208114/ Fri, 9 Dec 2011 16:00:30 GMT Around this time of year, many of us reflect on the triumphs and tribulations of the past twelve months and begin thinking of what we hope to manifest in the coming year. At the most basic level, I think what a lot of us want falls under the broad headings of good physical health and emotional balance. Thus, I?ve come up with a list of six low-to-no cost complementary medicine strategies for achieving the above. Each approach addresses at least one of the following: mind, body, or spirit. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recovering-thriving-parent-after-perinatal-depression-anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recovering-thriving-parent-after-perinatal-depression-anxiety/ Fri, 2 Dec 2011 18:51:07 GMT I am particularly reflective at this time of year, as my youngest son is turning six years old. It was just that many years ago that I experienced the joy of his birth and then the ensuing terrifying abyss with postpartum depression. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-two-leaders-better-than-one-1130111/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-two-leaders-better-than-one-1130111/ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:55:15 GMT The leadership structure of a group therapy environment has a direct influence on how the participants respond, according to a new study led by Dennis M. Kivlighan, Jr. of the Department of Higher Education and Special Education at the University of Maryland in College Park. ?Co-leadership describes a group therapy leadership structure in which two therapists are partnered to facilitate meaningful interactions among group members,? said Kivlighan. ?Today, co-leadership is a widely used leadership structure across various mental health, and is often utilized in the training of group psychotherapists.? Leadership structure can have advantages for a group, but can also have disadvantages. Kivlighan said, ?For example, large groups often out-perform small group including time, energy, and expertise. Unfortunately, in larger groups, there is also more con?ict, absenteeism, and less cooperation than in smaller groups.? He added, ?Finally, members of large groups are less satis?ed with their group.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-self-disclosure-decreases-therapy-stigma-1123112/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-self-disclosure-decreases-therapy-stigma-1123112/ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:00:18 GMT One of the primary reasons people neglect to seek treatment for their mental health problems is because they are concerned about the external and internal stigmas associated with mental illness. Public stigma is the external belief that one is defective if they receive therapy for their problems, while self-stigma is the perception that an individual has of his or herself as a result of struggling with a mental health issue. In a recent study led by Nathaniel G. Wade of the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University, researchers examined how therapist self-disclosure affected stigma. ?The goal of this investigation was to explore stigma before and after an initial session of group counseling and to examine aspects of the counseling process (e.g., session quality, working alliance, counselor self-disclosure) that may predict changes in stigma,? said Wade. Most therapists already self-disclose and share their moral beliefs, fears and hopes with their clients. ?Some of the main reasons therapists may choose to self-disclose are to make themselves more accessible to clients, to develop the working alliance, and to build greater trust in the therapeutic relationship.? Wade added, ?In other words, clients are likely to feel less self-stigma when working with a group counselor that they trust and view positively as, in such situations, the threat to one?s self-esteem and confidence is less likely.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addiction-as-relational-disorder-1121115/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addiction-as-relational-disorder-1121115/ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:01:06 GMT I?m struck by the fact that people with addiction issues, when confronted with the destructive effects of their behaviors, often find it harder to stop. This is especially true, in my clinical experience, when it comes to compulsive sexual behavior, aka sex addiction. Why is that? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/problem-solving-becomes-problematic-1121114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/problem-solving-becomes-problematic-1121114/ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:52:47 GMT Many people come to therapy wanting to know why they have certain problems. They?ve been struggling with this problem for a long time and they want to understand why, because if they could just figure out the cause of the problem, they might be able to solve it. They might say something along the lines of: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/can-article-reading-improve-relationships-1118114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/can-article-reading-improve-relationships-1118114/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:18:50 GMT As a Relationship Therapist of over 25 years, my answer to this question is ?Yes.? You may think you don?t have time to read relationship advice articles. You may think you don?t need to go to some ?outsider? about your personal relationship. But consider this: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/treatment-centers-social-climate-predicts-outcome-1116111/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/treatment-centers-social-climate-predicts-outcome-1116111/ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:05:55 GMT The two most popular residential treatment settings for substance abuse recovery are therapeutic communities (TCs) and Oxford Houses (OHs). Both of these climates provide social support as a tool for recovery. ?Sharing a living space with others in substance abuse recovery might encourage mutual self-help participation and increase social support, which are associated with longer periods of abstinence,? said Ronald Harvey from the Center for Community Research at DePaul University in Chicago, and lead author of a recent study comparing the social climate of TCs versus that of OHs. ?Supportive social relationships within such settings might protect people in recovery from relapse and improve overall substance abuse recovery rates.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapeutic-immediacy-has-promise-case-studies-1112111/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapeutic-immediacy-has-promise-case-studies-1112111/ Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:00:43 GMT Therapeutic immediacy (TI) is a term used to encompass any discussion between a client and therapist during a session. The therapeutic alliance formed between the two parties as a result of the discussion is fundamental to the success of treatment. ?Recently, in order to capture the more interactive and dyadic nature of the therapeutic relationship, this definition has been broadened to also include any client-initiated disclosures of feelings about the therapist or their relationship, and the revised term of therapeutic immediacy has been suggested,? said Jason Mayotte-Blum of the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, and lead author of a recent study on the effect of TI. ?Typical examples of therapeutic immediacy include exploring parallels between external relationships and the therapy relationship; client or therapist expression of in-session emotional reactions; inquiring about the client?s reactions to therapy; the therapist commenting on his or her experience of the client; supporting, affirming, and validating the client?s feelings in the therapy relationship; and expressing gratitude. Use of therapeutic immediacy in the therapeutic relationship can then act as a template for interpersonal functioning in the client?s outside relationships.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/three-depression-types-1108114/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/three-depression-types-1108114/ Tue, 8 Nov 2011 15:00:55 GMT I want to mention three more types of depression experiences in this series describing the variety of ways people can experience depression. They are: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/living-with-relationship-frustration-1103115/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/living-with-relationship-frustration-1103115/ Thu, 3 Nov 2011 16:26:03 GMT Many couples I work with come in with a large amount of stress and difficulty. The causes vary, but the behaviors people use to respond to the upset are often predictable. People who start out loving each other sometimes find themselves so burdened by stress and difficulty that they end up feeling frustrated in the relationship. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-effectiveness-for-depressed-children/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-effectiveness-for-depressed-children/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:00:29 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/finding-right-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/finding-right-therapist/ Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:00:26 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/when-acceptance-becomes-enabling/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/when-acceptance-becomes-enabling/ Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:30:19 GMT In couples and sex therapy, one of the common themes that come up is that of acceptance. I strongly encourage people to accept their partner, and accept each other. I believe that acceptance is at the core of a successful intimate relationship. I discourage long lists of expectations and/or changes that people often bring into their relationships, which may be ideals of who their partner should or should not be, perhaps based on how a previous partner may have been or how the perfect partner should be. These 'ideals' or 'shoulds' can be quite detrimental not just to the relationship as a whole, but affect other areas of the relationship along the way, such as a couple's sex life. Ideals and 'shoulds' can sound like judgments and criticisms, and there is just no room for hostility in the bedroom (well, in most cases). So limiting our lists to two very specific items is something I recommend; simply accept the rest. Acceptance conveys the message that we love our partner just the way he/she is, and that quite possibly we even admire them, look up to them, and still love and/or are in love with the same person when we met, and who we fell in love with. If we find we cannot accept our partner much of the time, and that we get angry too much, then taking a look at ourselves is the next step. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapeutic-objectives-scale-effectiveness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapeutic-objectives-scale-effectiveness/ Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:00:45 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/disruption-of-unhealthy-pain/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/disruption-of-unhealthy-pain/ Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:24:44 GMT Nobody likes pain. It makes sense that we make every attempt to avoid it or make it go away. That?s just part of being human. But why do some humans seem to have less of it than others? There are two types of pain: clean pain and dirty pain. We don?t have a whole lot of choice about our clean pain. But we can create dreadful amounts of dirty pain throughout our lives in reaction to the clean pain. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/when-addicted-partner-wont-stop/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/when-addicted-partner-wont-stop/ Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:05:05 GMT A very poignant comment to my article last month, from H. Hall, really struck a nerve. Again, I am very grateful for feedback of any stripe. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-sexual-orientation-affects-lgb-clients/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-sexual-orientation-affects-lgb-clients/ Thu, 6 Oct 2011 14:00:05 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-parents-evaluate-family-therapy-differently/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-parents-evaluate-family-therapy-differently/ Tue, 4 Oct 2011 18:00:27 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-feedback-enhances-therapeutic-alliance/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-feedback-enhances-therapeutic-alliance/ Sat, 1 Oct 2011 20:00:17 GMT : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/7-steps-better-sex-life/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/7-steps-better-sex-life/ Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:53:53 GMT Are you and your partner arguing about sexual issues in your relationship? Is there an ongoing issue that keeps coming up, in the process making your sex life rockier, or worse, non-existent? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ancestor-healing-work/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ancestor-healing-work/ Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:43 GMT I took a break from writing my monthly article this past summer because I thought I was running out of things to write about. I also knew that it was going to be a tumultuous time for me, and I wanted to be fully in the experience and not have to be concerned about deadlines. It may seem that 600 words is not a lot, but when you?re struggling, it can be the same as having to write a novel. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/special-needs-parents-families-resources/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/special-needs-parents-families-resources/ Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:24:26 GMT This last week, I had the honor and privilege of attending and speaking at Postpartum Support International?s 25th Annual Conference in Seattle, WA. I was moved and inspired by the amazing work gestating and being born in the perinatal world by so many compassionate professionals. (Refresher: ?perinatal? refers to the time from conception, through pregnancy, on through the first year after having a baby). http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-middle-way/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-middle-way/ Fri, 9 Sep 2011 17:00:31 GMT When I hear the clients in my psychotherapy and grief counseling practice talk in black and white terms, or view their options in terms of extremes, I am reminded of the Buddhist concept of the Middle Way. When the Buddha was asked how one should meditate, he responded, "not too tight, not too loose." He analogized this to a string instrument, like a lute:  If the strings of the lute are too tight, they will break, and if the strings of the lute are too loose, they won't play. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/joyful-solutions-to-relationship-difficulties/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/joyful-solutions-to-relationship-difficulties/ Sun, 4 Sep 2011 17:00:22 GMT Note: This article is for couples who have experienced love and compatibility but are having current challenges. This article is not for people who are in a relationship with someone who is abusive or unable to be present due to addiction. Abuse and addiction situations require other kinds of counseling. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-systems-therapy-psychological-benefits-decrease-hospital-stay/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-systems-therapy-psychological-benefits-decrease-hospital-stay/ Sun, 4 Sep 2011 15:00:54 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/introduction-clinical-sexology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/introduction-clinical-sexology/ Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:51:37 GMT As a unique form of short-term, complementary and alternative modality (CAM), clinical sexologists are largely under-recognized and under-used. Though it's said we specialize in studying "what people do and how they feel about it," sexology touches on everything from erotology to anthropology, law, medicine, psychology, anatomy and physiology (naturally!), gender studies, public policy, history, and so on. That's because human sexual behavior is pervasive, it affects everything we collectively do and create. As a sexologist, my interests have included Asperger's Syndrome and sexuality, Native Hawaiian sexual traditions, objectum sexuality, parenting transgender children, the effect of sensory dysfunction on sexual behavior, and the use of hypnosis to address sexual concerns. Almost anything can provide delightful grist for a perpetual, intellectual mill and this has been my joy. Sometimes useful clinical insights emerge from regarding artifacts or incidents through a sexological lens. However, even when there is no immediate clinical application, the overall effect is a deepened respect for the unstoppable and endlessly creative human engagement with eros. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/codependents-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/codependents-psychotherapy/ Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:14:42 GMT Co-dependents rarely have presented themselves for therapy with me by stating that they want help with their own co-dependency. Of course, as you might expect, they are focused on helping or saving somebody else. My last article focused on how people are identified as co-dependent through certain relationship issues. It focused on romantic relationships. Another way that they are identified is through family/child concerns. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-affect-brain/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-affect-brain/ Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:53:48 GMT What does therapy actually do? How does it work? Does anyone really ever change? The field of neuroscience has exploded in recent years, revealing a number of findings about the human brain; how it develops, how it operates, and how it changes. Neuroplasticity explains that the brain is not a rigid organ, but is malleable, and changes throughout life, both in structure and function. This change happens through our experience. We actively change our brains by the way we respond to our environment. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/intrusive-motherhood-thoughts/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/intrusive-motherhood-thoughts/ Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:56:00 GMT Mandy nuzzled her 3 month old baby happily as she warmed his bottle. It felt so good to breathe in his sweet baby smell and touch his soft delicate skin, his little body curled in a warm embrace into the curve of her neck. Mandy was starting to feel like she had her ?sea-legs' as a new mom and was particularly enamored of the fact that her new baby was sleeping through the night. The rough night-time awakenings were beginning to subside as baby Noah matured and slept for longer periods. She was looking forward to meeting a new mom friend in the park with their babies after she gave Noah a bottle. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/talk-painful-feelings-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/talk-painful-feelings-therapy/ Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:16:49 GMT You?ve sat comfortably on your therapist?s couch for six months talking about everything under the sun; how you prefer to do your laundry, how nothing is ever good enough for your spouse, how irritating your mother is when she compares you to your older sister, how traffic makes you crazy.  You feel comforted, your feelings validated, your motivation lifted.  You walk out of there, pensive yet energetic, ready to face any challenge.  You feel like you are moving toward your goals with more clarity. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parent-child-interaction-therapy-positive-outcome/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parent-child-interaction-therapy-positive-outcome/ Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:00:58 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/manual-guided-therapy-client-alliance/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/manual-guided-therapy-client-alliance/ Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:00:13 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-respond-well-to-online-cbt-for-anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-respond-well-to-online-cbt-for-anxiety/ Sat, 6 Aug 2011 15:00:27 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/think-relationship-over/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/think-relationship-over/ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 16:04:20 GMT You are in a relationship, but sometimes you feel something in the pit of your stomach that reminds you that you are not happy. You love your partner with all your heart, yet you feel as if you are missing something better. You wonder if something out there just might be more fulfilling, and you begin to think maybe you are just settling for what you have. You live with this feeling and you try not to think about it.  You make new friends, go back to school, switch jobs, or focus on the kids. You do anything to keep your mind off this nagging feeling that reminds you of something lacking. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-signs-children/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-signs-children/ Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:08:31 GMT Depression seems to be more apparent than it may have ever been. I do not have exact statistics with ages, gender, socioeconomic status and how depression has changed, but I do not think that it is necessary to go into that right now. At a time in any one person?s life, a person may or can experience depression. The severity of depression may be based on a number of factors such as: genetics, learned behavior patterns, environmental, family issues, individual perception of a situation and a person?s coping skills. These are the main ones that I particular see in my practice and in a hospital setting. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/im-right-youre-wrong-relationships/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/im-right-youre-wrong-relationships/ Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:38:41 GMT It?s a classic. Of all the themes in the history of relational strife, the I?m Right, You?re Wrong story is by far the most common. And like many things common, we often take it for granted or overlook the magnitude of its influence. When couples enter into therapy together, it may be a hidden goal for each of them to convince their therapist that they are right and the other is wrong. They demonstrate this in many ways, either subtly or in more painfully blatant ways. By doing so, they hope to feel validated that they were right after all, and that feels good. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-is-sought-more-when-optimism-is-at-a-low/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-is-sought-more-when-optimism-is-at-a-low/ Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:58 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parenting-help-child-anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parenting-help-child-anxiety/ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:07:09 GMT If our children are experiencing anxiety, beginning to panic, to feel so sick they refuse school or activities we want to help them. Nevertheless, how can we help a child when they are so anxious all they can seem to think about is the stressor that is provoking their anxiety? As a parent, you do not want to make the situation worse. There are solutions to help children the following ideas can be used together or separately and with repeated practice, children can learn to decrease their anxiety on their own or with a little encouragement. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/neurofeedback-trauma-veterans/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/neurofeedback-trauma-veterans/ Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:48:45 GMT As we prepare to celebrate our country?s upcoming Independence Day, it seems appropriate to speak about a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy, neurofeedback, which is currently being used to treat veterans who have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)1. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-childhood-abuse-trauma/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-childhood-abuse-trauma/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:35:17 GMT Group therapy can be the most nurturing and also the most challenging form of therapy. It is highly effective. While it doesn?t replace individual therapy, it can be a great adjunct and a final step in the healing process. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-judge-quality-therapist-office-appearance/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-judge-quality-therapist-office-appearance/ Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:00:42 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/unrelenting-sadness-experience-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/unrelenting-sadness-experience-depression/ Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:08 GMT This is the experience in the cluster of possible depression experiences that many people think of when they think of depression. While sadness and crying can be part of any depression, it can be absent as well. It can also be the dominant symptom. The unrelenting sadness experience of depression causes people to feel deeply sad and usually cry often. They don?t get much or any relief from crying, they sometimes still feel this way long after a loss occurred, and sometimes feel sad without having had a loss. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-family-therapy-hope-real-change/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-family-therapy-hope-real-change/ Wed, 25 May 2011 22:54:04 GMT Life in the trenches brings with it fears, burdens, and losses. Times of stress and embattlement may inflict wounds to be long left either ignored or haphazardly bandaged. Sometimes in adolescence the severing of openness with parents is a lonely precursor to endless turf battles in a fight for identity. Left unresolved, the gaping irresolution of this singularly critical bond has the power to play itself out in relationships with lovers and coworkers and children throughout the course of life. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/premarital-counseling-decrease-conflict/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/premarital-counseling-decrease-conflict/ Tue, 24 May 2011 20:52:46 GMT I'm a big proponent for pre-marital counseling, although I don't market myself specifically as a premarital counselor, (and there are some therapists who do specify their work as towards this) I definitely believe that taking the time to plan and discuss things, particularly goals and expectations, is absolutely necessary for long term relationships, whether it involves marriage or just cohabitating together. It's important to know what we are getting into, who we are getting into it with, what their expectations are for the short term and the long term, whether they want children, parenting styles, who will work, who will stay home, do they want a career, and so on and so forth.. And it also helps to get to know ourselves. What do we want and expect from the relationship, and what do we expect from ourselves within a relationship? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/major-mental-illness-family-relationships/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/major-mental-illness-family-relationships/ Mon, 16 May 2011 19:42:58 GMT For all the research that has been done in the last twenty years attempting to understand the brain, the organ at the top of our spine retains its essential mystery. We know more now than ever how the brain works, how it has developed over the centuries to do the miraculous things it does, and what is happening to it when it gets injured. Doctors, parents, coaches and professional athletes are more alert to the dangers of brain concussion. Neurologists study to become adept at repairing the brain with surgery, cellular transplant, or electrical stimulus. Every one of us has a stake in the health of our minds. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/scale-traumatic-events/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/scale-traumatic-events/ Thu, 12 May 2011 19:31:50 GMT Simply put, when it comes to traumatic experiences, there is no hierarchy of pain. Many survivors believe ? or want to believe ? that trauma is scalable and therefore more or less than someone else?s. While this belief is understandable and does offer some benefits it ultimately is more flawed than accurate. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relatives-addiction-alanon/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relatives-addiction-alanon/ Wed, 11 May 2011 01:18:54 GMT Many of the partners or loved ones (POLOs) of those struggling with addiction often seem reluctant to get help for themselves. I?m not sure why that is, but I?m hoping this article provides some answers. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/excessive-emotional-pain-suicide/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/excessive-emotional-pain-suicide/ Mon, 9 May 2011 18:07:44 GMT This article contains detailed information and accounts of suicidal ideation & behavior. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, get help now. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapists-in-therapy-self-growth/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapists-in-therapy-self-growth/ Fri, 6 May 2011 19:59:25 GMT Is psychotherapy purely a medical treatment warranted only for treating specific mental health disorders? Can psychotherapy also be used to address the multitude of emotional, cognitive, and physiological ways in which people suffer, ways that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for categorically-based syndromes? Additionally, is psychotherapy of any use to those seeking self-growth, wisdom, clarity, compassion, self-esteem, and consciousness? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/divorce-decision/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/divorce-decision/ Wed, 4 May 2011 19:31:13 GMT You?ve been together now for about 14 years. For the past 4-5 years, you?ve wondered if you can stay together any longer. You?re interests have changed, you don?t enjoy doing things together as much. You find you are impatient and want to have the closeness, with someone, you used to have with each other. Your time is spent running from home to soccer games to business meetings to doctor appointments. There is little time left over to spend together and mostly you just don?t want to anymore. Too much work to bridge the gap that has been created. Your 12 year old daughter and 9 year old son are the lights of your life and spending time with them is much more fulfilling. And you don?t want to think about what your life will be like when they are older and don?t need you so much anymore. Perhaps, you think, that will be the time to consider leaving the marriage. In the meantime, the distance between you and your spouse widens. You don?t talk to each other so nicely anymore. Your tempers are short and you sometimes say things in front of the children you regret both because of the content and because you have been yelling. You are aware you may be doing some harm to the children as they watch the two of you ?go at it? with each other. Often, you find yourself thinking about the friend you have lunch with periodically at work, in a different way. You can talk to him/her more easily than with your spouse. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/national-mental-health-month-2011/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/national-mental-health-month-2011/ Fri, 29 Apr 2011 06:00:41 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/wife-post-partum-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/wife-post-partum-depression/ Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:00:57 GMT If you are the significant other/partner/support person/spouse of a woman who is experiencing perinatal challenges, you are not alone. Over 20% of all childbearing women develop postpartum depression/anxiety (clinical term). And a significant percentage of those women also have depression/anxiety while pregnant. It can feel very overwhelming as her primary support, and you may be wondering how to help her. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pregnant-women-depression-treatment/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pregnant-women-depression-treatment/ Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:00:24 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/long-term-depression-treatment/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/long-term-depression-treatment/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:43 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/financial-infidelity-recovery/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/financial-infidelity-recovery/ Wed, 6 Apr 2011 21:59:39 GMT The word ?infidelity? is pretty common these days, with examples daily in the news. Celebrities, neighbors and friends all have a story to tell about how they have been betrayed by their partner?s sexual indiscretions. Usually we think about infidelity as sexual or emotional betrayal, being lied to and deceived by a partner in the worst way that we can imagine. But there?s another type of infidelity that is becoming more common, and that is of financial infidelity. This type of cheating pushes at the hot button for many relationships and marriages- that of money and finances. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/neglect-needs-marriage-communication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/neglect-needs-marriage-communication/ Mon, 4 Apr 2011 14:27:36 GMT Many people in relationships feel this way, exasperated because they are doing everything they know how to do to make their partner feel loved. Couples come into my office usually at the end of their rope because they have tried, and tried, and tried to make the marriage work and nothing they have tried seems to be making it better. This is so frustrating for couples. It drains the life out of many marriages and relationships. It pushes people so hard sometimes they end up convincing themselves they just can?t make this marriage work anymore and they end up leaving. This can be frustrating and maddening for people who want to love each other but can?t find a way to do that. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/jungian-psychotherapy-dreams-online-resources/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/jungian-psychotherapy-dreams-online-resources/ Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:30 GMT ... the content of the collective unconscious http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-parity-addiction-act-awareness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-parity-addiction-act-awareness/ Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:00:54 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parenting-children-mood-issues-treatment-decision/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/parenting-children-mood-issues-treatment-decision/ Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:00:42 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/issues-treat-before-family-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/issues-treat-before-family-therapy/ Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:32:22 GMT Families are amazingly resilient relationship groups. While many of us have enduring trouble with some aspect of our families, past or present, all of us are part of some form of family all our lives. Most of us organize our lives, day in, day out, year in, year out, around the needs, priorities, goals and problems of our chosen family. Whatever differences and conflicts we may have with other nations and peoples around the world, the human family is the way all of us organize. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/overcome-sex-pornography-addiction/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/overcome-sex-pornography-addiction/ Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:41:17 GMT ?I?ve tried so many times and so many different ways, what is the point of trying anymore?? ?I am too ashamed, what will others think if I admit this?? ?Is there really a way to overcome this, it feels like too much?? These are just a few of the statements I repeatedly hear from individuals who struggle with sex addiction and truly believing that there is no hope, or at least it feels that way to them. Have you wondered if sex addiction is really an addiction? Well, consider these statistics: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/common-trauma-therapy-approaches/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/common-trauma-therapy-approaches/ Wed, 9 Mar 2011 16:39:45 GMT Learning about the stages of healing can be distressing, motivating, upsetting or uplifting. None of these emotions is the right one to feel, meaning that no matter how you feel, you do not have a wrong reaction. Acknowledging your emotional response to the stages of healing can allow you to harness the emotion?s energy and reach out to a trained psychotherapist. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/positivity-longer-lifespan/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/positivity-longer-lifespan/ Mon, 7 Mar 2011 17:04:10 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/peer-support-addiction-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/peer-support-addiction-depression/ Fri, 4 Mar 2011 20:18:32 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-cluster-view-low-ambition/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-cluster-view-low-ambition/ Wed, 2 Mar 2011 21:32:44 GMT Depression varies from person to person and episode to episode. It not only varies in its degree of intensity and disability, but also in which types and how many symptoms the sufferer experiences. Some people do experience most of the symptoms of depression when they get depressed, but many people experience only one or a few. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dear-goodtherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dear-goodtherapy/ Tue, 1 Mar 2011 21:55:00 GMT A GoodTherapy.org Announcement http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/state-finances-affecting-low-income-mental-health-care/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/state-finances-affecting-low-income-mental-health-care/ Tue, 1 Mar 2011 21:23:46 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/detect-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/detect-depression/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:52:24 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-administer-nurses-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-administer-nurses-depression/ Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:00:22 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adolescent-behavior-problems-phase/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adolescent-behavior-problems-phase/ Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:00:02 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/singles-guide-happy-valentines-day/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/singles-guide-happy-valentines-day/ Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:07:53 GMT Being single around Valentine's Day can kind of feel like getting picked last in gym class. The kid who gets picked last in gym class really lacks only athletic ability. Yet, as name after name is called on the playground, the kid whose name has yet to be called feels worse and worse about herself. By the time the team with the last pick finally has to take her, she feels like a totally worthless loser. Certainly, this kid is not a worthless loser. She?s just not a jock.  Likewise, around Valentine's Day, single people who see bouquet after bouquet of flowers being delivered may feel worse and worse about themselves, until they feel just like the kid who got picked last? a worthless loser. And just like the ?last pick? kid really lacks only athletic gifts, the single person really lacks only a partner. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/spending-trends-mental-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/spending-trends-mental-health/ Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:00:11 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/ Tue, 1 Feb 2011 16:03:45 GMT As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), my goal is to teach people that a life free of depression, anxiety and other ?negative emotions? is within their reach. I believe that most people are apprehensive about beginning therapy either because of something they saw on television, portraying therapists as unethical buffoons, or due to a bad experience with a therapist that wasn?t a good fit for them. When someone tells me that therapy was ?ineffective? for them, I am distraught; as a CBT therapist, I often hear clients telling me that they did little more than ?vent? to their therapist, and never actually found ways to ?change? the problems that they were seeking help for in the first place. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-parity-act-insurance-rates/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-parity-act-insurance-rates/ Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:00:57 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-meditation-change-brain-structure/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-meditation-change-brain-structure/ Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:21 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/couples-cancer-communication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/couples-cancer-communication/ Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:33:37 GMT As the final part of this series, we will look at skills that are likely to make communication with your partner more successful.  An important point to remember is that the goal of effective communication should be mutual understanding and finding a solution that works for both people (i.e., compromise), rather than ?winning? or ?being right.? Every time you win or you?re right, then, by definition, your partner loses or is wrong.  Not exactly a recipe for a successful relationship. Other points to keep in mind when trying to communicate successfully: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/college-student-physical-health-depression-screening/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/college-student-physical-health-depression-screening/ Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:00:12 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/illinois-preapproval-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/illinois-preapproval-therapy/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:00:04 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/child-sexuality-development-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/child-sexuality-development-therapy/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:28:56 GMT When we think of sex therapy we generally assume this takes place with and is for adults or couples only. But in actuality there is a gamut of information and work that can and should be done with children in therapy and in their daily lives. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/couples-therapy-relational-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/couples-therapy-relational-psychotherapy/ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:51:11 GMT A couple walks into an office for the first time. They take their seats at opposite ends of a couch. After a short flurry of legalisms, a small contract is passed out and the two steal an anxious look at one another, ?What is it we're getting ourselves into here??. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/resolution-change-winter-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/resolution-change-winter-psychotherapy/ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:58:33 GMT As we enter a new year, we cannot help but gather a new resolve to make changes in our lives. It is a phenomenon of our culture. It is also an expression of natural rhythms of life.  Perhaps, even further, it is an indication of hope?if not faith?in something more. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recovering-from-holiday-stress-laughter-mindfulness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recovering-from-holiday-stress-laughter-mindfulness/ Wed, 5 Jan 2011 21:52:19 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/men-support-group-loving-relationships/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/men-support-group-loving-relationships/ Tue, 4 Jan 2011 16:39:32 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/preteen-problems-violence-aggression-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/preteen-problems-violence-aggression-therapy/ Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:43:06 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/stress-family-depression-holiday-season-mental-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/stress-family-depression-holiday-season-mental-health/ Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:21:20 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pregnancy-depression-psychotherapy-baby-development/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pregnancy-depression-psychotherapy-baby-development/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:00:17 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-rates-psychotropic-medication-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-rates-psychotropic-medication-psychotherapy/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:00:32 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dr-phil-television-psychotherapy-process-oriented/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dr-phil-television-psychotherapy-process-oriented/ Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:00:18 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-know-if-my-therapist-is-right/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-know-if-my-therapist-is-right/ Thu, 9 Dec 2010 21:46:31 GMT A GoodTherapy.org Announcement http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/cost-eating-disorder-treatment-psychotherapy-maudsley-method/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/cost-eating-disorder-treatment-psychotherapy-maudsley-method/ Thu, 9 Dec 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-antidepressants-effectiveness-psychotherapy-treatment/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-antidepressants-effectiveness-psychotherapy-treatment/ Fri, 3 Dec 2010 15:00:45 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/children-mental-health-days-day-off-anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/children-mental-health-days-day-off-anxiety/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:00:11 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/somatic-experiencing-psychotherapy-personal-history/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/somatic-experiencing-psychotherapy-personal-history/ Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:59:14 GMT ?I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.? -  Louisa May Alcott http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/child-anxiety-psychotherapy-response-emotion-brain-scan/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/child-anxiety-psychotherapy-response-emotion-brain-scan/ Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:00:17 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/free-mental-health-public-web-conferences/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/free-mental-health-public-web-conferences/ Tue, 9 Nov 2010 21:25:36 GMT A GoodTherapy.org Announcement http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-post-traumatic-stress-psychotherapy-life-history/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-post-traumatic-stress-psychotherapy-life-history/ Mon, 8 Nov 2010 17:18:14 GMT Exiting the first phase of healing may lead to you feeling as though you have a new lease on life and may make you want to step out of your healing journey. While you have more than every right to do this, know that ultimately the first phase is not sufficient to bring whole and complete healing. In fact the sense of, as well as actual, safety within yourself, with the people in your life and in your physical environment, that you established within the first phase of healing, becomes the foundation which allows you to grow into the second phase of healing. It is in this second phase of healing that the actual traumatic experience is grappled with through remembering and mourning. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adulthood-parenting-psychotherapy-emdr-self-care/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adulthood-parenting-psychotherapy-emdr-self-care/ Fri, 5 Nov 2010 14:59:42 GMT I believe the task of childhood is to learn to be a good parent to ourselves, and the task of parenthood is to teach our children to become good parents to themselves. When this doesn?t happen, it becomes the goal of therapy. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/childhood-sexual-abuse-trauma-art-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/childhood-sexual-abuse-trauma-art-therapy/ Fri, 5 Nov 2010 14:34:41 GMT When November arrives, depression is not far behind. Something about the turn of the season, less daylight, less outdoor activities, the holiday bustle nudging its way back into consciousness can make some people turn inward and find deep dissatisfaction in their lives. Deep dissatisfaction can show up as a persistent weight pulling you down. Sometimes it is hard to get out of bed, to do anything. Most people are able to cope with these feelings by ?pushing through? or ?acting as if? they are feeling alright.  Enrolling in new classes, filling calendars with arts, sports, theater, shopping and exercise routines can help lift depression. ?Crafting? marketed by Martha Stewart has hit the culture in a big way. She was featured on Oprah in October, 2010. Her crafting ideas are well thought out and planned to provide hours of pleasure that some people find in making things. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-antidepressants-less-effective-working-class/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-antidepressants-less-effective-working-class/ Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:00:09 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/alcohol-abuse-choice-recovery-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/alcohol-abuse-choice-recovery-therapy/ Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:29:03 GMT John, our favorite Australian correspondent, wrote to note that a lot of people don't really want to hear that their alcohol abuse is a choice - and so is fixing it. That came as no surprise to us. After all, what better excuse for continuing drinking than having a "disease" over which you are "powerless"?  And for parents wanting to avoid dealing with their adult children's behavior, well, why not decide that it's a "disease" rather than a choice? All in all it's no surprise that many people prefer this option but it doesn't come without costs. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/compassion-mindfulness-stress-minimizing-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/compassion-mindfulness-stress-minimizing-psychotherapy/ Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:00:45 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recover-codependency-anxiety-exercise-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/recover-codependency-anxiety-exercise-therapy/ Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:56:53 GMT Okay, so now you understand co-dependency, where it comes from and how it affects you. You want to heal and recover. So where do you start? It can feel so overwhelming that you may feel paralyzed. Remember, you don?t have to do it perfectly. (Or anything else for that matter). http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/person-centered-rogerian-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/person-centered-rogerian-therapy/ Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:15:09 GMT Have you ever been in a relationship that challenged your assumptions and beliefs about yourself and the world around you? If so, then you know how powerful and life changing some relationships can be. Imagine then, forming a relationship with a professional who is trained to develop relationships that encourage self-exploration, insight and positive change. Carl Rogers, founder of Person Centered Psychotherapy, outlined three essential ingredients of a just such a successful therapeutic relationship? unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathy. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/peers-mental-health-depression-stigma-relationships/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/peers-mental-health-depression-stigma-relationships/ Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:52 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/emdr-training-certification-therapists/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/emdr-training-certification-therapists/ Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:04:59 GMT Like we talked about last month, the alphabet soup of degrees, licenses, and various organizations related to all things EMDR. But, while that information is important, as you look for your therapist, it is imperative that you review your therapist?s level of training. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-insurance-law-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-insurance-law-psychotherapy/ Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:00:41 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-couples-counseling-expectations-tolerance-communication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-couples-counseling-expectations-tolerance-communication/ Tue, 5 Oct 2010 15:25:11 GMT Many couples come into marriage counseling or couples counseling with numerous uncertainties, however they all have one common theme: an expectation. An expectation, an unrealistic expectation, a hope that their partner will change and thus the relationship will be satisfying. The partners are consumed with the desire for change, although each of the counterparts, seem to be unaware that in order for the relationship to become modified, the change begins with self. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-growth-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/client-growth-therapy/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:46:11 GMT So, you made it through the hardest part? you made the decision to seek therapy. You asked for recommendations, sorted through therapist profiles and websites, maybe even spoke to a few. Finally, you selected a therapist who you believe can help you, and you are ready to get started. You think you're on your way to feeling better, but then a strange thing starts to happen; you find yourself feeling worse. How can this be? You're seeing a therapist and working hard to get through things. How can you be feeling worse, rather than better? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/childhood-anxiety-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/childhood-anxiety-therapy/ Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:00:38 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-therapy-psychotherapy-children-teens-divorce-parenting/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-therapy-psychotherapy-children-teens-divorce-parenting/ Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:48:10 GMT It?s not uncommon for a parent to bring a child to therapy and say, ?Fix it!? Of course, they don?t typically say ?it?; rather, they say, ?Fix Larry!? I can imagine my mother taking me to a therapist when I was in my teens because I needed (as we say down South) ?fixin.? At these moments I intentionally look at the adolescent or child to see their reaction. Sadly, most of them display no reactions at all ? they hear this statement on a regular basis. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/nami-mental-health-awareness-week-2010/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/nami-mental-health-awareness-week-2010/ Thu, 9 Sep 2010 19:00:42 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-grief-body-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-grief-body-psychotherapy/ Thu, 9 Sep 2010 17:08:52 GMT ?It feels heavy right here,? Rebecca* said, crying and touching her chest, ?like a huge rock is sitting on me. It?s like that old cartoon, where a boulder would fall off a cliff and pin the roadrunner to the ground ? it feels like I can?t move.? Rebecca had come to see me last year, a 32 year-old successful marketing professional, whose older sister had recently been diagnosed with a psychotic condition. She seemed lost in grief. Fluctuating bewilderment, sadness, fear, anger, tenderness, and love were tying knots in every part of her. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/addiction-smoking-psychotherapy-counseling-medicare/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/addiction-smoking-psychotherapy-counseling-medicare/ Mon, 6 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/contemplative-meditation-peace-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/contemplative-meditation-peace-psychotherapy/ Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:26:51 GMT Just Bow http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-psychological-health-effectiveness-debate/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-psychological-health-effectiveness-debate/ Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:00:02 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-therapy-medication-psychological-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-therapy-medication-psychological-health/ Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:00:48 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/workplace-stress-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/workplace-stress-therapy/ Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:00:54 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-sports/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-sports/ Thu, 5 Aug 2010 14:00:01 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mind-body-connection/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mind-body-connection/ Mon, 2 Aug 2010 19:19:59 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/attitude-body-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/attitude-body-psychotherapy/ Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:51:41 GMT My last article discussed the physiological reaction of a young infant to external stress. As this infant grows and develops coordination and strength he will have new and different ways to meet the world. But if he had prolonged reactions to external stimuli, the early reaction pattern may stay buried in his system only to be triggered in the future; it creates a vulnerability and sets him up for perceiving the world in a certain way where trust is a big issue. Stress on a newborn can lead to particular psychological stressors later in life. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/veteran-ptsd-claims/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/veteran-ptsd-claims/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:00:41 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-versus-friends/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-versus-friends/ Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:28:05 GMT Sometimes people ask me why they should bother seeing a therapist when they can just talk to their friends. Friends know your history, you?re comfortable together, and you trust and care for each other. Friends don?t expect to get paid, either, and you can meet socially instead of making an office appointment. All that?s true and wonderful. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-mistakes/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-mistakes/ Tue, 6 Jul 2010 19:49:57 GMT People have good reasons to use these methods to cope with Depression--they are desperately trying to get relief. For short periods, or in certain ways, these methods can even work. Sooner or later, though, they not only stop working, but cause more depression. If you're taking any of these actions, it's a sign that you need some help to avoid your depression getting worse. Depression can sometimes be too powerful to overcome alone. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/good-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/good-psychotherapy/ Tue, 6 Jul 2010 16:44:01 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-personality/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-personality/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:56:50 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hoarding/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/hoarding/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:15:11 GMT If you?ve done any channel surfing at all in the last year or so, you might have come across a couple of documentary shows (?Hoarders? on A&E; ?Hoarding, Buried Alive? on TLC) featuring people who are living with/in massive amounts of clutter and/or trash in their homes. The piles of ?stuff? often reach nearly to the ceilings and there is barely space to stand in much less walk across a room. The programs show professional organizers and psychotherapists working with these people to clean out their homes. If you?ve seen either of these shows, then you know what I mean when I say it?s something you don?t forget easily. Although the people being featured on the show are treated with respect and compassion, the images are shocking and disturbing. How does this happen? Why do these people do this? Can they be helped? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-changes-brain/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-changes-brain/ Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:00:45 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/reasons-for-self-attack/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/reasons-for-self-attack/ Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:44:36 GMT This is a continuation of last month's article, "Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?" Here are seven reasons why people attack themselves: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/emotional-abuse-healing/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/emotional-abuse-healing/ Tue, 8 Jun 2010 16:32:54 GMT Earlier this year, the French National Assembly passed a bill, which criminalizes psychological abuse within couples. Specifically, the bill makes any repetition of actions or words that could, ?damage the victim?s life conditions, affect his/her right and his/her dignity, or damage his/her physical or mental health? punishable by imprisonment and a monetary fine. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-men-emotions/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-men-emotions/ Sun, 30 May 2010 20:59:01 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-plane-crash-survivor/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-plane-crash-survivor/ Fri, 21 May 2010 14:56:18 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lgbt-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lgbt-therapist/ Mon, 10 May 2010 16:32:39 GMT The question often comes up among LGBT people as to whether or not they should see a gay therapist or if they would be comfortable with a gay friendly therapist. This is a personal decision that each person needs to make for themselves, but as in choosing any therapist, it is important to find a professional who has the education, the empathy, and the understanding of your individual needs. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/art-of-communication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/art-of-communication/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:58:52 GMT The single most consistent cause that brings couples into my office for counseling is that their communication has broken down and they are caught in a cycle of arguing and bitterness that is steadily wearing away the stability of their connection. In this article, I want to look at the dynamics of healthy communication and offer some guidelines for finding your way to mutual understanding. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eye-movement-desensitization-reprocessing/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eye-movement-desensitization-reprocessing/ Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:28:46 GMT They always say its weird. In fact, I expect it. Ten years into being trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), I am still amazed by its ability to transform a life filled with trauma, anxiety, hypervigilance, and triggers, into a state of presence, mindfulness, and relief. But, it?s still a ?weird looking therapy,? despite it being supported by research. And, clients and clinicians often find themselves confused about EMDR. This blog, and many in the future, will address the many aspects of EMDR. Today, we are going to address that what we mean by it being a ?symptom based? and ?eight phased? trauma treatment. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/clergy-sexual-abuse/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/clergy-sexual-abuse/ Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:10:00 GMT Unfortunately, many people have survived the devastating experience of sexual assault by a trusted authority figure- a priest, a nun, a teacher, a minister. Most of these victims never speak of the abuse, even after many years have passed. The shame that really belongs to the perpetrator is carried by the victim, and the shame they carry inside leaves them with feelings of self-hatred, guilt, difficulty trusting, impotent rage, and perhaps most devastating, the loss of their sense of safety in the world. ?If someone so trusted could do this to me, then whom can I trust?? they might think. It is as if the whole foundation of security is swept away in an instant and the person feels locked away in isolation, shame and guilt. Unable to reach out for help, they indirectly cry out for recognition, sometimes in self-destructive ways. They expect people to blame them, and unfortunately, sometimes that is what happens if they are brave enough to talk about the abuse. On the other hand, there are people who will believe and support the survivors, including victim advocates in the Church, as well as psychotherapists who have experience dealing with the lifelong impact of sexual abuse. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/alcohol-treatment-program/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/alcohol-treatment-program/ Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:05:24 GMT People are always calling us and saying ?I?ve been to treatment and it didn?t work. Will your program work?? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-love-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-love-psychology/ Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:51:02 GMT Sometimes it?s useful to define something by what it?s not. In this case, I?m going to explore the concept of self love by looking at the various ways that a lack of self love can manifest behaviorally. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-psychotherapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-psychotherapist/ Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:50:38 GMT When life throws you a curve ball, whether from a death, break-up, newly empty nest, illness, major move, traumatic event, or job loss, you may want to consult with a holistic psychotherapist. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-experiencing-emotions/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-experiencing-emotions/ Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:12:13 GMT Experiencing emotion is a normal part of healthy development. But for those who were traumatized as children, they may have learned to ?numb out? so as to protect themselves from their painful emotions. Although working through past abuse issues in therapy are scary, and often cause unpleasant emotions to resurface, it?s worth the effort. Doing so allows you to continue in your emotional growth which had been stunted by the trauma ? allowing you to then make growth in all areas of your life. Feelings, or the lack thereof, can allow you to either grow, or to stay where you are ? no matter how unhealthy that place may be. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pain-management-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pain-management-psychotherapy/ Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:21:15 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-taxes/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-taxes/ Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:00:47 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/affordable-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/affordable-therapy/ Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:12:31 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/low-self-esteem/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/low-self-esteem/ Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:20:17 GMT Low self-esteem can?t be hidden for long. It tends to show itself through thoughts, words and behavior. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-avoid-emotions/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-avoid-emotions/ Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:30:40 GMT Many survivors of childhood abuse are very skilled at avoiding their feelings. You might ask why they would do this, but it actually makes a lot of sense. As a helpless child, when you are ?trapped? in an abusive household and were either subjected to daily or sporadic abuse, the feelings were overwhelmingly painful. You either knew that you would be constantly bombarded day-after-day with abuse and the resultant flooding of emotions, or that you would be ?hit? with the abuse eventually ? when you least expected it, also resulting in a flooding of emotions. Eventually, children in these situations just wanted to escape the emotional pain. So they slowly began to avoid the painful emotions ? both consciously and unconsciously. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-psychotherapy-defined/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-psychotherapy-defined/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:23:17 GMT I am thinking that a good place to start with my initial article on Holistic Psychotherapy is to define this term or label. Just what does ?Holistic Psychotherapy? mean? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-lower-back-pain/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-lower-back-pain/ Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:00:30 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-hypnosis-breast-cancer/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/group-therapy-hypnosis-breast-cancer/ Tue, 2 Mar 2010 07:00:06 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/solution-focused-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/solution-focused-therapy/ Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:59:45 GMT Solution-focused therapy is a new type of therapy to many people, including psychology professionals. It is considered a form of brief therapy, much like Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, though it doesn?t necessarily have to be practiced in the short-term. I consider these kinds of therapies to be ?strength-based? as opposed to ?insight-oriented.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-alcoholic-father/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-alcoholic-father/ Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:22:49 GMT Susie could tell right away when her father had been drinking - he had extra sparkling eyes, he smiled a lot, he breathed heavy, and he talked non-stop for endless hours. She was supposed to listen to every word, agree real fast and with enthusiasm, and then tell her dad what a great man he was. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-childhood-trauma-mind-body/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-childhood-trauma-mind-body/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:34 GMT Trauma survivors often hear, ?Just forget about it. It was in the past. You need to move on.? Unfortunately, this is not accurate for many and until they resolve the past traumatic experiences, they are unable to ?move on?. When trauma survivors find themselves unable to ?get past? the past, then they might consider seeking the help of a licensed therapist. It is not unusual for those with past traumatic experiences to struggle with one or more emotional difficulties, mental disorders, and/or physical health concerns and diagnoses. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-fertility/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-fertility/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:09:40 GMT When you and your partner decide to start a family, or to have another baby, it is an exciting time?.until things don?t go as planned and it takes longer than you expected. You?re feeling stressed out, and it seems that you are at the doctor?s office at least once a week - the last thing you feel like you have time for is to go see a therapist. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-gay-men-sexuality/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-gay-men-sexuality/ Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:00:01 GMT Whenever I am with a group of gay men, sex invariably becomes a topic of discussion. Often it is funny, sometimes sarcastic, biting and hurtful. However it appears, our culture, on the surface, has an ease about discussing sex in a way that I don?t encounter in heterosexual environments. I wonder what it is about our culture that makes this talk so easy, so expected? so normal? As a therapist, I am curious about where it comes from and how it affects us. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/counseling-parenting/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/counseling-parenting/ Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:27:19 GMT I think most of us wish our kids came with an instruction manual. Wouldn?t that be nice? Whenever I have a concern about my minivan, I simply pop open the glove compartment, pull out my manual, flip through, and find the answer! Well, as you know by now, that isn?t the way it works with our kids! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapists-counselors-mental-health-workers-india/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapists-counselors-mental-health-workers-india/ Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:41:32 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-scared-stiff/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-scared-stiff/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:58:17 GMT As David Frawley wrote in Yoga: the Greater Tradition, ?Breath and Mind are connected like the two wings of a bird. The breath reflects our thoughts and emotions. . . .fear makes us forget to breathe." http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-learned-helplessness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-learned-helplessness/ Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:17:21 GMT Do you find yourself feeling stuck in bad situations, and feel as if there?s no way out? Do you tend to give up before you even try in order to avoid the pain of self-perceived, inevitable failure? Do you tend to ?blow off? your successes, assuming that it was an accident that things went so well? If so you might have a well-known psychological condition known as learned helplessness. It causes emotional and/or physical pain every day for millions. The good news is that you are not stuck ? help is available! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-haiti-earthquake/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-haiti-earthquake/ Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:16:13 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-accreditation-system/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-accreditation-system/ Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:00:40 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-counseling-depression-treatment/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-counseling-depression-treatment/ Fri, 8 Jan 2010 15:00:52 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-binge-eating/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-binge-eating/ Thu, 7 Jan 2010 20:00:00 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-pyschotherapy-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holistic-pyschotherapy-therapist/ Wed, 6 Jan 2010 20:18:53 GMT Holistic psychotherapists use techniques from many disciplines, not just psychology, to mobilize people?s innate abilities to heal themselves. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/internal-family-systems-therapy-relationship-marriage/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/internal-family-systems-therapy-relationship-marriage/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:48:15 GMT You have a mate you love, you want it to be the best relationship it can be ? but things keep getting in the way. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/interpersonal-therapy-obesity-prevention/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/interpersonal-therapy-obesity-prevention/ Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:00:44 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/study-makes-strong-financial-case-for-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/study-makes-strong-financial-case-for-psychotherapy/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:00:50 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/oklahoma-gears-up-for-new-certification-regulations-for-counselors/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/oklahoma-gears-up-for-new-certification-regulations-for-counselors/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:19 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/choosing-the-right-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/choosing-the-right-therapist/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:29 GMT Choosing the right therapist really depends on your needs and the counseling style that will work best for you. There are several steps that you should take if you want to find a counselor that will truly make an impact on your life. These steps include: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/fort-hood-shooting-mental-health-concerns/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/fort-hood-shooting-mental-health-concerns/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:24:27 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/california-legislation-for-counselor-licensure/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/california-legislation-for-counselor-licensure/ Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:03:50 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/supported-walking-workout-plan-helps-depressed-women/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/supported-walking-workout-plan-helps-depressed-women/ Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:32 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/optimism-could-hamper-weight-loss-efforts/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/optimism-could-hamper-weight-loss-efforts/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:00:30 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/residual-effects-of-childhood-abuse/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/residual-effects-of-childhood-abuse/ Tue, 6 Oct 2009 16:59:38 GMT Many survivors have heard the terribly painful comments from others who just did not ?get it?, telling them that their abuse was in the past and to basically ?get over it?. But sadly, childhood abuse causes many difficulties for those survivors, and it?s not simply a matter of ?forgiving and forgetting?. Not everyone experiences the same after-effects of childhood abuse, but there are many commonalities among survivors in what they suffer. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/conference-focuses-on-psychiatric-abuse-of-children/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/conference-focuses-on-psychiatric-abuse-of-children/ Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:00:30 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/study-shows-group-therapy-can-help-violent-homeless-veterans/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/study-shows-group-therapy-can-help-violent-homeless-veterans/ Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:00:28 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/testing-the-importance-of-immediacy-in-emotional-threats/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/testing-the-importance-of-immediacy-in-emotional-threats/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:00:55 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anxiety/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:42:13 GMT One of the most common requests I get from clients in my psychotherapy practice is ?Please help me get rid of this anxiety!? I then get to explain the Bad news and the Good news. The Bad news is that you are not going to get rid of your anxiety. In fact, it would be harmful to not be able to feel anxious. Anxiety and fear come with being alive. Anxiety can be useful when it causes you to be extra alert or careful, such as when you are walking to your car in a dark parking lot or when you are taking a test. Human beings were designed to feel anxious when faced with danger or a challenge. The fight or flight response is triggered causing adrenaline and other chemicals to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, narrow our focus of attention, and enable us to do what we need to do to stay alive. However, human beings were not designed to be chronically anxious. Recent studies have shown that chronic anxiety plays a major part in either causing or exacerbating several physical illnesses, including heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic respiratory disorders. Therefore, it is a good thing to learn to manage your anxiety. That brings us to the Good news. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/work-discusses-paths-towards-overcoming-shame/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/work-discusses-paths-towards-overcoming-shame/ Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:00:47 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/helping-students-find-their-happiness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/helping-students-find-their-happiness/ Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:00:20 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anti-depressants-suicide-rates-youth/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anti-depressants-suicide-rates-youth/ Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:19:25 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ocd-conference/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ocd-conference/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:53:24 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-counseling-feedback/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/marriage-counseling-feedback/ Sat, 8 Aug 2009 10:48:54 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Update http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/link-between-mothers-and-childrens-mental-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/link-between-mothers-and-childrens-mental-health/ Thu, 6 Aug 2009 15:28:10 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/tice-doctors-botch-depression-diagnoses/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/tice-doctors-botch-depression-diagnoses/ Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:56:56 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/decline-of-the-on-screen-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/decline-of-the-on-screen-therapist/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:46:40 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Update http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/positive-affirmations-self-esteem/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/positive-affirmations-self-esteem/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:54:43 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/leaving-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/leaving-therapy/ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:38:08 GMT After being in therapy for several years and in a particularly low place, a friend of mine asked her therapist if he thought she should look into anti-depressants. ?I would recommend it if I thought you were in a crisis,? he said, as part of his response. This sentence jumped out and stung her. She felt completely invisible. Hadn?t he seen how much pain she was in? Did he think she was making a big deal out of nothing? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/against-pathologizing/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/against-pathologizing/ Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:05 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Update http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lying-in-therap/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lying-in-therap/ Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:07:32 GMT It's a familiar scenario for therapy clients the world over: after a particularly intense session in which it seems that a lot of positive work has been done, it emerges that some lie has been told (or that an important piece of information has been withheld), and the course of treatment, as a result, is less effective. In general therapists and other mental health professionals are aware that complete and total honesty, while certainly ideal, is not really the norm, nor can it be reasonably demanded from each and every client. In the past couple of years, the buzz about lying in therapy has been picking up, with publications from major journals and reviews to individual blogs and other online mediums sounding off about the phenomenon. The verdict? It's best to encourage an honest exchange, accept any moments of coming clean with grace, and to ask adequate questions to ensure treatment is as personalized as possible. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/over-medication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/over-medication/ Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:16:55 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Update http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/major-depressive-episode/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/major-depressive-episode/ Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:12:32 GMT Chances are good that someone you know suffered or will suffer from a major depressive episode (MDE), according to a nationwide study by the US government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA?s 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)). An estimated 16.5 million people in the US, one in 13 adults aged 18 or over (7.5 percent), experienced major depression during the study's one-year time-frame. While their May, 2009 news release reports that approximately two-thirds of people suffering from a major depressive episode sought help initially, less than half followed up with the recommended mental health professional counseling, took medication for the disorder or both. The research reveals why one-third did not seek even initial help, the rate of people who followed up with counseling or medication, the rates of depression among certain age groups and a significant general health association with the occurrence of a major depressive episode (MDE). http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-in-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-in-psychotherapy/ Thu, 21 May 2009 13:49:01 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/survivors-guilt/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/survivors-guilt/ Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:43:37 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-marriage/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-marriage/ Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:01:14 GMT ?We never have sex anymore.? ?He wants it all the time.? ?I think my wife is seeing someone.? These are some of the common opening lines I hear from couples who have landed in my consultation office. Certainly, sex is not the most important component of a happy and healthy marriage. Yet it remains one of the primary signs of an unhappy or failing marriage. Some of the most common problems in the bedroom include infrequent or absent sex, extramarital affairs and addictive cybersex. The presence of any of these will, over time erode the foundation of even the strongest marriage. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-pain-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-pain-psychotherapy/ Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:42:25 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/man-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/man-therapy/ Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:42:41 GMT Your husband drinks more, laughs less and has lost interest in hobbies and sports. On edge and irritable, he yells at you and the kids. Or maybe your boyfriend constantly checks up on you and his jealousy frightens you. He needs professional help. What can you do? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-of-voting/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-of-voting/ Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:44:57 GMT People don't generally want to look at how politics and psychology are joined. But if we don't, we will miss the seam that allows us to utilize what is happening in our world for the deepest healing and transformation possible! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/myths-of-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/myths-of-therapy/ Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:10:25 GMT ?So what do you do for a living?? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adversity-is-opportunity/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adversity-is-opportunity/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:18:10 GMT I was in a therapy session the other day when the person I was working with, who had been struggling with some challenges, said that he was taught that things had to be easy to be okay. I found myself responding?it is a privilege to struggle and have the opportunity to find out who we are, what we are made of. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/quest-for-wisdom/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/quest-for-wisdom/ Wed, 7 May 2008 01:16:04 GMT At a recent event, I had the joy of watching a boy, no more than seven years old, exploring his world. His energy sparkled and his spirit was pure; he was an ?old soul,? to say the least. As part of a ?quest? he was asked to bring back the answer to the question ?what is wisdom?? He waited patiently as my friend and I considered our reply. The answer was painstakingly difficult, and at best, only touched the surface of wisdom?s substance. ?Wisdom is knowing and doing the right thing, even if it is the hardest thing to do.? Off he went, and there we stood, dumbfounded. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/why-don%e2%80%99t-african-americans-go-to-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/why-don%e2%80%99t-african-americans-go-to-therapy/ Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:52:30 GMT There are many different ideas about why we don?t seek therapy. Some believe that it is only for wealthy, White people, others believe that you don?t go outside the family with your problems. Some of these thoughts keep us struggling more than we need to. Here are some of the more prevalent ones. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/warning-signs-of-bad-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/warning-signs-of-bad-therapy/ Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:14:15 GMT The items listed below are significant red-flags and important information for anyone in therapy or considering therapy. If any of the following red-flags appear during the course of your counseling, it may be time to reevaluate your counselor or therapist. Should you recognize one of these red-flags, the first step, in most cases, is to discuss your concern with your counselor. Try talking candidly about what?s bothering you. A good therapist should be open and willing to understand your concerns. If your counselor doesn?t take your concerns seriously or is unwilling to accept feedback, then it?s probably in your best interest to consult with another therapist about it. Most therapists mean well and are willing to take accountability for their own ?stuff.? So, it?s also important to give your therapist the benefit of the doubt?all people make minor mistakes. And sometimes what people think is their therapist?s issue, is actually their own. These ?blind spots? can be the most difficult to see and are well worth taking about with your therapist. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what%e2%80%99s-the-big-fat-deal-about-body-image/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what%e2%80%99s-the-big-fat-deal-about-body-image/ Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:07:48 GMT When you look at your body in the mirror, two things occur. First, you see the body?s physical structure; its size, shape, texture, curves, and nuances ? great and small. Then comes the part that?s hard to control ? the thoughts and comments that swirl about our brains concerning the body in that mirror. Oh man, can those cause trouble! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-to-do-if-your-spouse-won%e2%80%99t-go-to-counseling/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-to-do-if-your-spouse-won%e2%80%99t-go-to-counseling/ Wed, 3 Oct 2007 02:19:09 GMT The scenario of one spouse recognizing that therapy might be useful to look at a troubled relationship while the other is resistant has several possible explanations. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/don%e2%80%99t-let-the-fear-of-screwing-up-your-kids-screw-you-up-as-a-parent/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/don%e2%80%99t-let-the-fear-of-screwing-up-your-kids-screw-you-up-as-a-parent/ Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:21:57 GMT Let?s face it, we all want to avoid making the same mistakes raising our kids we believe our parents or surrogate parents made raising us. This is especially the case when we still hold grudges toward parents for what has or has not become of us. Under this historical cloud, we know yet may not admit to the old adage: ?The apple doesn?t fall far from the tree.? What this adage speaks to is the IMPOSSIBILITY of NEVER being like the parents we recall as having ?screwed us up.? As much as we swear that we will never treat our kids the way we were treated, the moments inevitably arise when we sound and act like our parents. This is human nature. We will on occasion, identify and repeat the most noxious and self defeating parenting practices employed by our parents. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist/ Mon, 14 May 2007 22:50:32 GMT It?s easy to find a counselor, but perhaps more difficult to know if you?ve found one who?s right for you. There are a number of questions you can ask which will help you to choose a counselor. This short article outlines 14 of these questions, in no particular order (please note, the words ?therapist? and ?counselor? are used interchangeably). Thanks to the GoodTherapy.org members who contributed their ideas to this article! If there are other important questions to ask or things you?d like to add to this list, please post a comment below. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lets-not-throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/lets-not-throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water/ Sun, 15 Apr 2007 14:24:13 GMT Dear Members, I received a blog post this morning from a caring professional who's concerned about some of the therapies in our List of Models. This is a topic I've addressed in an earlier post called Good Model of Therapy?? Not for us to decide? , but as a result of this post I feel the need to address this again. It is an important topic. First, here is what she writes: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-are-the-warning-signs-of-bad-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-are-the-warning-signs-of-bad-therapy/ Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:57:02 GMT Hi Folks,