http://www.goodtherapy.org/self-care-article.html Latest articles Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:45:14 GMT en-us http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-cant-be-cured-0209124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/depression-cant-be-cured-0209124/ Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:55:54 GMT Depression doesn?t go away for everyone. For most people, depression is temporary and passes naturally or passes once the person has expressed the feelings and resolved the thoughts causing the depression. But there are a small percentage of people who can talk about their issues, express their feelings, take very good care of themselves emotionally, even take medication and have a great life and still be depressed throughout their entire lives. They may have periods of feeling good, periods of feeling less bad, and periods of feeling horrible, but the depression never goes away permanently. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-have-i-done-for-me-0206124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-have-i-done-for-me-0206124/ Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:28:46 GMT All too often, women and some men  (in my experience, mostly women) experience the fatigue of ?having it all.? More and more women, by choice or necessity, work a full-time job in addition to family and home responsibilities, leaving little, if any, time for them. Likewise, many of us in the helping professions struggle or have struggled with the balance of giving so much emotionally to not only clients, but also family and friends, and find ourselves depleted. In both cases, it is very easy to face burnout. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/toxic-friends-break-up-0203124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/toxic-friends-break-up-0203124/ Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:29:58 GMT Toxic friends come in many forms?they can take much more than they add to the friendship; they can be a chronic complainer; they can tear you down?but the bottom line is that when you walk away from time spent with a toxic friend, you probably feel worse for the wear. If you think you might have a toxic friend in your life, take a moment to reflect on how you usually feel after being with this friend; if what you come up with includes words like drained, tired, unmotivated, worthless, or even downright depressed, you quite likely have a toxic friend. While it might be easy to identify the toxic friends in your life, it is often difficult, and sometimes painful, to decide what you want to do about them and even more difficult to actually do it. 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/gifts-of-trauma-survivors-0201124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/gifts-of-trauma-survivors-0201124/ Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:28:07 GMT Traumatic experiences along with the mending process can expose the shrapnel from what feels like perpetually open wounds. Time lost to history and recovery, missed opportunities, broken relationships, and a delay in building life?s foundation are side effects of these experiences. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/taking-love-in-0113125/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/taking-love-in-0113125/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:57 GMT Love is one of the most elemental of emotions?it is a building block to some of our deepest relationships and a component in many of our happiest days. Yet the ability to freely give and receive love is a fragile skill, which traumatic experiences can all too easily dent or damage. Learning how to be loved is a vital part of your healing, and here are a few tips on how to regain your ability to accept someone?s care, concern, and nurture. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/calming-emotional-chaos-grief-0130125/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/calming-emotional-chaos-grief-0130125/ Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:20:06 GMT A death, divorce, illness, sudden unemployment, or any major loss, creates chaos in your life. This emotional fracturing, as well as the practical aftershocks of dealing with estates, lawyers, housing, finances, doctors, etc., often yields intense feelings that can be overwhelming. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/body-image-healthy-boundaries-013012/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/body-image-healthy-boundaries-013012/ Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:55:04 GMT Many people, but primarily young, educated, Western women, struggle to sustain a positive body image?for a multitude of reasons that have been discussed in previous posts. Often a negative body image leads to a poor relationship with the body and other aspects of self. It is associated with impoverished self-care and unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-compassion-defends-against-helplessness-0127124/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-compassion-defends-against-helplessness-0127124/ Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:30:47 GMT After having worked in a residential treatment facility for abused and neglected girls for 8 years, I observed that the phenomenon of learned helplessness had become an all-to-common denominator for these children. It was very rare that an abused child was placed with us for a single incident of abuse. By the time these children reached our facility, many of them had already been physically or sexually abused numerous times throughout their childhood and adolescence. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mood-challenges-during-pregnancy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mood-challenges-during-pregnancy/ Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:06:21 GMT A lot of attention has been paid to postpartum depression, due in part to celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Marie Osmond, and Gwyneth Paltrow helping to destigmatize the most common complication of childbirth. As an advocate, therapist, mother, and survivor of postpartum depression, I am happy that medical communities and the public at large are becoming familiar with perinatal mood/anxiety disorders (PMADs, the clinical term). However, there is still much work to be done. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-0106125/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-0106125/ Fri, 6 Jan 2012 17:07:24 GMT Everyone talks about resolutions and starting fresh at the beginning of a new year. It is, in fact, an auspicious time to renew ourselves, symbolically and energetically. A fresh calendar year gives us a sense of hope and new-found control over the course of our life. Who knows what 2012 will bring? We want to be strong, clear-thinking, and psychologically ready to handle every challenge and emotion that comes our way! To meet this goal, I have targeted a few areas where old ?stuff? tends to accumulate and I have provided simple steps to help you cleanse and prepare for all that the new year has to offer. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relate-relax-relish-holidays-with-partner/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relate-relax-relish-holidays-with-partner/ Tue, 6 Dec 2011 17:34:38 GMT "The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ways-be-present-practice-everyday-mindfulness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ways-be-present-practice-everyday-mindfulness/ Mon, 5 Dec 2011 17:15:41 GMT I don?t know about you, but today, unplanned items on my agenda added up to distractions that resulted in an overwhelming urge to tear my hair out. As often happens, I had loaded way more into my schedule than could be accomplished by a reasonable person within a day. It?s now 7:40 pm DST and I?m feeling grateful that the destination for this article is 3 hours behind my time zone; therefore, my missive will officially arrive in time, by sheer luck. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-not-place-for-romance-1104115/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-not-place-for-romance-1104115/ Fri, 4 Nov 2011 16:37:53 GMT If Hollywood is an indicator of our most common fantasies, modern Americans want to sleep with their therapists. I am horrified that so many television shows and movies depict romantic relationships between therapists and clients as though they were perfectly normal! The truth is, romance within a therapeutic relationship is as far from normal, acceptable, healthy, and sane as you can possibly get. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pulling-alongside-distress-1102112/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pulling-alongside-distress-1102112/ Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:18:04 GMT We have been looking at compassion and how to increase the compassion you have for yourself. The first article in this series looked at the concept of compassion as a whole, the second explored how to recognize your limits and the third focused on how to have tenderheartedness towards your distress. This article focuses on the final part of the definition of compassion, namely the tendency to pull alongside the suffering with a proclivity to alleviate it (the definition of compassion we are using is: a recognition of pain/distress coupled with a tenderheartedness towards the distress and a tendency to pull alongside the suffering with a proclivity to alleviate it). http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/growing-tenderheartedness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/growing-tenderheartedness/ Mon, 3 Oct 2011 18:29:44 GMT This article is the third in a series of articles looking at the concept and development of self-compassion (the definition of compassion being used is: a recognition of pain/distress coupled with a tenderheartedness towards the distress and a tendency to pull alongside the suffering with a proclivity to alleviate it). The first article looked at the concept of compassion as a whole while the second explored how to grow compassion by recognizing your human and personal limits. This article will look at having tenderheartedness towards your distress. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-nourishing-love-through-food/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-nourishing-love-through-food/ Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:40:25 GMT I was thinking about the phrase, ?Food is love;? thinking about how this idea came to be. I often hear people say that food was a means by which their mothers or grandmothers expressed their love for family members. Sometimes their stories conjure up images of warm kitchens filled with wonderful smells and family members connecting over delicious meals. But sometimes, they?ll tell me things like, ?She would keep putting food on my plate, even after I said I was full,? or ?It would hurt her feelings if someone didn?t eat everything she gave them.? When I hear things like this, I think not of love, but of boundary violations and invalidation of the eater?s feelings and needs. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-eating-complexities/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-eating-complexities/ Fri, 9 Sep 2011 12:00:27 GMT Food, food everywhere, but don?t take a bite! We Americans may be unique in our relationship with food; we search endlessly for ultimate deliciousness while simultaneously self-flagellating for weight gains and illness. It?s madness, I tell ya! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/growing-self-compassion-recognizing-limits/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/growing-self-compassion-recognizing-limits/ Fri, 2 Sep 2011 17:49:39 GMT Most people would agree that having a compassionate stance towards oneself is desirable, yet exactly how to go about cultivating such a stance is less clear. Before discussing how to cultivate compassion, let?s quickly define the term. In this article, compassion is defined as: a recognition of pain/distress coupled with a tenderheartedness towards the distress and a tendency to pull alongside the suffering with a proclivity to alleviate it. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/empty-nest-parenting/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/empty-nest-parenting/ Mon, 8 Aug 2011 19:02:05 GMT My son?s best friend just graduated high school and will be heading off to college this weekend. The one year age difference has never made a difference to these two boys, who have been virtually inseparable for the last five years. But it will definitely impact both of their lives when school starts. When my son starts his senior year of high school and looks around the halls, he will see fewer familiar faces. His friend will begin college classes amidst a sea of strangers. And his single mother, a dear friend of mine, is already experiencing a sense of loss, knowing that she will be coming home to an empty house now that her only child has left. But she will be okay. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/coping-skills-loved-one-illness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/coping-skills-loved-one-illness/ Mon, 8 Aug 2011 17:40:06 GMT No one can prepare us for the experience of providing care for a seriously ill family member or friend. When sickness strikes someone close to us, there may be a sense of chaos, urgency, and confusion. Details must be agreed upon, phone calls made, and appointments kept.  You?d like to sit and catch your breath, but chances are there is a list of tasks and you?re already running behind. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-depression-summer-structure/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teens-depression-summer-structure/ Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:02:32 GMT Most teens look forward to summer, school is out and the good life begins. Teens with depression, however, face a real challenge during this time of year. Assuming that your teen's school environment is positive or neutral, summer presents some real pitfalls when it comes to depression: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/accept-grief-parent-death/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/accept-grief-parent-death/ Wed, 6 Jul 2011 16:36:39 GMT This month I had promised to deliver Part 2 of my article ?Making Friends with Feelings?. And my theme is not going to diverge much from this topic, but there has been a bit of a change in my writing plan. Since my last blog post, my dad was diagnosed with and unsuccessfully treated for lung cancer? he died in early June. It was a very quick process, head-spinningly so. And as a result, the emotion at the forefront of my consciousness these days is grief. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-enhance-relationship/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-enhance-relationship/ Tue, 5 Jul 2011 18:02:57 GMT Are you a person who takes care of everyone else before yourself? Do you believe you should put yourself last? If you take care of other's needs before your needs routinely, then you may have co-dependent tendencies. Taking care of yourself enables you to then be available to take care of others. If you neglect your personal needs and wishes and care for others instead, then you may begin to feel resentful and "empty." In a relationship, co-dependent behaviors can potentially sabotage your relationship success. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/create-rituals-grief/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/create-rituals-grief/ Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:08:11 GMT We  humans like things to stay the same. Even if we are open to change, change can be very difficult. There is nothing more changing than the death of someone you love, someone whose existence is part and parcel to your own. When those people die, we are left floundering. That person may be your child, your husband or wife, your companion, your friend, your sister, your brother. The depth and breadth of your grief depends on the connectedness you feel to this person who has died. This can mean your spiritual, emotional, or physical connectedness, and often, your perception of your very existence. The more intertwined your life with the deceased--including your identity, and perhaps your very existence--with the person who has died, the  more affected you are by your experience of grief, when that person dies. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/write-personal-manifesto/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/write-personal-manifesto/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:38:55 GMT Manifesto: a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-pain-twenties-thirties/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-pain-twenties-thirties/ Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:02:46 GMT I?ve written a few times here about the experience of having multiple sclerosis. Truth be told, as a woman over the age of 50, when getting together with friends in my age range we?ve all got some condition or other. Fibromyalgia, bad knees, arthritis, diabetes. Decades ago we met for coffee to talk about our love lives, careers, college, and next weekend?s ski trip. Nowadays, the topics have shifted to gluten-free diets, Neurontin versus Elavil for chronic pain, and sharing the name of our great new internist. I?m in good company, and even though we are all active, busy, happy professionals with families and friends, physical and emotional challenges creeping into our conversations have certainly become the norm. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/play-therapy-work-success/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/play-therapy-work-success/ Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:42:25 GMT What are your basic needs? Do any of your basic needs fit into the categories of better health and conquering specific fears? Do health issues or your fears hold you back from living fully and contributing in the way you would like to? What can you do to help yourself? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-action/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-action/ Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:57:30 GMT Self-esteem is not a thing that?s either high or low that we carry around with us. Nor is it a thing we wear to protect ourselves from pain. Self-esteem is not a thing at all: it?s an action. It?s something we do. We esteem ourselves. What high self-esteem means is that you treat yourself as someone you hold in high esteem; i.e., you act as if you like yourself. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/getting-serious-women-mental-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/getting-serious-women-mental-health/ Mon, 30 May 2011 14:15:28 GMT May is Mental Health Month, and while mental health concerns impact everyone, women face distinct challenges. Women possess unique biochemical and hormonal influences that predispose them to certain mental illnesses, and they respond differently to environmental stresses. Not surprisingly, women benefit from a gender-sensitive approach to prevention and treatment. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/10-days-mediterranean-diet-mood/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/10-days-mediterranean-diet-mood/ Tue, 17 May 2011 22:07:02 GMT What I am about to say should come as no surprise to most people: what we eat affects our emotions, as well as our bodies. Yet, many of us go through our days consuming things with a considerable degree of automaticity. Who among us has not eating lunch while multitasking at work, driving to a meeting, or watching TV? We have eaten but barely experienced it. Yet, food affects our mental and emotional functioning whether or not we pay attention to it. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adult-play-philosophy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adult-play-philosophy/ Tue, 17 May 2011 21:51:54 GMT Play is serious business! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/patience-daily-life-relaxation/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/patience-daily-life-relaxation/ Mon, 16 May 2011 20:03:14 GMT ?How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees.? 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/60-second-stress-relaxation/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/60-second-stress-relaxation/ Mon, 9 May 2011 18:43:39 GMT We see a number of clients in our practice who struggle with feelings of anxiety. Working with mental and emotional responses to stress is helpful for these clients. We also take time to learn about where the person feels his/her anxiety in the body. Some common physical manifestations of anxiety include: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/five-kinds-feelings/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/five-kinds-feelings/ Tue, 3 May 2011 22:38:51 GMT As a therapist, I talk about feelings a lot. Building a good relationship with one?s emotions can be incredibly helpful for increasing self-confidence and peace of mind. This can be daunting to many people?some feelings seem so big and overwhelming it can be scary to acknowledge them and actually spend time with them. The idea of being on friendly terms with painful emotions is a completely foreign concept to many people. Feeling an emotion deeply in order to fully understand, accept, and transform it takes courage, confidence, and trust that the process will not result in disaster. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adult-play-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adult-play-health/ Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:35:54 GMT If you were handed good health, laughter, and joy would you take it? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/seven-factors-aging/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/seven-factors-aging/ Thu, 21 Apr 2011 06:00:53 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/helping-others-grieve/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/helping-others-grieve/ Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:25:27 GMT Grief and loss - It?s something we will all at some point experience in our lives. A range of strong emotions accompany grief and loss and it?s hard to know what to say or do to help those that have lost someone. We often feel helpless on how to interact with those faced with loss. If we learn a little more about the process, we can build confidence in supporting those that we care for. This support is key in helping others work through grief. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sharing-trauma-story/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sharing-trauma-story/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:35:35 GMT We, the human species, are a social bunch; which is of course a wonderful, important and vital component to our existence, however our social nature can also occasion hurt and pain. Such hurt and pain can arise when we do not know how to incorporate the fact and impact of traumatic experiences with our social selves. Often times we swing from the extremes of not acknowledging these events to introducing ourselves as being a survivor of the trauma, with neither of these avenues generating enriching social relations. While there is not a right or wrong way, here are a few points to help you decide how to answers questions or share the traumatic events of your life with new friends/family. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-workaholism-superwoman-stress/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-workaholism-superwoman-stress/ Tue, 5 Apr 2011 21:36:54 GMT ?Mindfulness is a tool to get underneath our defenses. When we can observe ourselves closely, experiencing our feelings but not reacting to them, we don?t have to pretend that we don?t feel.? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-quiet-time/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-quiet-time/ Fri, 1 Apr 2011 19:34:56 GMT I was talking with my friend the other day about how she feels that she does not have any time for herself, with her 4 and 2 year old children. I recently had a son, whom is now 6 weeks old. I can understand how she feels. I know I should be napping when he?s napping and I should be napping now, but am writing this article. I procrastinated a little, but that?s another article. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-death-grief-process/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-death-grief-process/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:44:52 GMT I facilitate a Family Issues and Loss group for adults. What I find interesting is how one topic almost always spills into the other. When a family loses a member they are not only faced with having to cope with the absence of that person, they must also struggle with fulfilling that person's role(s). Failure of family members to appropriately compensate for these roles and/or support each other may lead to detachment and isolation between individuals and families within the family. Achieving acceptance and integration of the loss experience takes time and individuals may work through the process in different ways and at a different pace. These differences are expected and there are steps families can take to help each member feel supported and connected. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/video-art-therapy-jimmy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/video-art-therapy-jimmy/ Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:06:45 GMT Full permission has been given by the client to tell this story on GoodTherapy.org. All identifying information has been changed. 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/therapist-few-clients-self-care/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapist-few-clients-self-care/ Wed, 2 Mar 2011 20:29:37 GMT I?ve got two clients right now. Granted, the most I can fit into my part-time private practice is six per week, but right now I?m averaging less than one per week. Very low.  According to colleagues who work in private practice and mental health agencies, it seems that the early months of the year tend to be slow for new referrals across many branches of the field. I had the double-whammy of terminating with several clients before the holiday season, which brought my client count crashing down. For those who rely on a steady stream of clients in order to pay the bills, times like these can be very stressful and concerning. And they don?t just happen according to set calendar dates. Things can be moving along swimmingly and then suddenly the client load shifts inexplicably and you find yourself with more free time than you might prefer. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/change-codependent-belief-behaviors/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/change-codependent-belief-behaviors/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:50:51 GMT Before we review the behaviors we need to change, I inadvertently left off two beliefs we need to change. Click here to see Part I and to review the first seven beliefs and behaviors. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/women-cancer-return-work/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/women-cancer-return-work/ Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:24:00 GMT ?Anna? is a 48 year-old woman who finished chemotherapy for ovarian cancer about a month ago. She came to see me because she was feeling ?kind of depressed? and had very little energy. Prior to her diagnosis, Anna was working full time as a middle school teacher. She was married and a mother of two teenagers. She described herself as hardworking and someone who ?got things done.? Anna initially thought she would go back to teaching part time after her treatment was finished and was very disappointed because it seemed impossible now. She wondered why she wasn?t able to do the things she thought she should be able to do, i.e., why wasn?t she back to ?normal?? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/play-therapy-workplace/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/play-therapy-workplace/ Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:48:08 GMT I love this quote; I have to work so hard to play. For many of us play does not come easily. Try wrapping your arms around the idea that you are not your work. What makes you successful? What do you consider achievements? If your list of successes and achievements are all on the highly difficult side of things then I would like to suggest a slight adjustment. Are you successful when things come easily or when you feel good about what you achieved? 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/body-self-care-caregivers/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/body-self-care-caregivers/ Fri, 4 Feb 2011 19:48:45 GMT Caregivers are people of any age, gender, cultural background, economic level, and health status. The one thing that caregivers have in common is stress. Even in optimal situations, stress is part of most every caregiver?s life. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/paramitas-generosity/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/paramitas-generosity/ Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:07:48 GMT My meditation class is exploring the six Paramitas, or perfections, the path of the Bodhisattva (one who vows to liberate all beings from suffering). It is simpler than it sounds. In truth, it is the path to happiness, and any one of us can follow it. In the months to come I will write posts about each of the Paramitas and explain how we can make use of them in our lives. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eating-disorder-bad-relationships-food/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eating-disorder-bad-relationships-food/ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:04:31 GMT Beginning in infancy, relationships, food and feeding become intertwined. Think about it: Baby cries and baby gets fed. Someone has to do that feeding, and that someone is usually holding the baby and relating to him or her. So, from our earliest memories, food and being fed is one of our first ways of connecting to one another. As we grow and develop, social events often revolve around mealtimes; whether it is family dinner or a social gathering with friends, we are enjoying the nurturing that food and company can provide. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-weight-self-esteem/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-weight-self-esteem/ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:00:27 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/change-self-defeating-beliefs-behaviors/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/change-self-defeating-beliefs-behaviors/ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:42:13 GMT Now that you understand what co-dependency is and how it develops, where do you start your healing process. It involves changing some lifelong beliefs and behaviors. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/poor-childhood-sleep-adult-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/poor-childhood-sleep-adult-depression/ Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:00:49 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-depression-play-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-depression-play-therapy/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:32:52 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-eating-obesity/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mindfulness-eating-obesity/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:52:40 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addict-marriage-divorce-options/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addict-marriage-divorce-options/ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:44:19 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dying-regrets-self-kindness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/dying-regrets-self-kindness/ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:30:49 GMT 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/neonatal-intensive-care-parenting-reading-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/neonatal-intensive-care-parenting-reading-depression/ Fri, 7 Jan 2011 15:00:39 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary 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/new-year-relationship-goals/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/new-year-relationship-goals/ Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:58:13 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/impact-sleep-disorder-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/impact-sleep-disorder-depression/ Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:00:51 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/tips-coping-holiday-loneliness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/tips-coping-holiday-loneliness/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:06:32 GMT By Marta Rocha, MHCI http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-relationship-trauma-self-care/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-relationship-trauma-self-care/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:51:41 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-relationship-tips/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-relationship-tips/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:51:53 GMT The holiday season can be really tough on relationships and expectations. Often the holidays are times when relationship problems become the most evident. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-holidays-eating-disorder-womens-issues-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-care-holidays-eating-disorder-womens-issues-psychotherapy/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:11:56 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holidate-holiday-season-relationships-marriage-happiness/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holidate-holiday-season-relationships-marriage-happiness/ Thu, 9 Dec 2010 23:34:55 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/conscious-shopping-power-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/conscious-shopping-power-psychology/ Tue, 7 Dec 2010 17:42:12 GMT Walking through a large local discount store recently I was struck by the urge to buy things that I didn?t originally come to the store for. The item I had been shopping for was not on the shelf, and the similar items didn?t appeal to me. Still, somehow I was drawn toward displays of odds and ends. I noticed a thought creep into the back of my mind ?Hey, maybe you could use one of these, it?s not that expensive.? It was difficult to walk away. I wondered though what the attraction was. Is it just the sheer volume of merchandise that makes it impossible not to see something else that you want while you are trying to walk out the door? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holidays-family-problems-judgment-communication-self-esteem-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holidays-family-problems-judgment-communication-self-esteem-psychology/ Tue, 7 Dec 2010 17:08:31 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-eating-during-holidays/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-eating-during-holidays/ Tue, 7 Dec 2010 16:32:38 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/unconventional-holiday-celebration-grief-depression-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/unconventional-holiday-celebration-grief-depression-psychology/ Mon, 6 Dec 2010 18:14:28 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/post-partum-depression-holiday-season-self-care-resources/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/post-partum-depression-holiday-season-self-care-resources/ Mon, 6 Dec 2010 17:22:48 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-professionals-depression/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-professionals-depression/ Wed, 1 Dec 2010 07:00:59 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teen-coping-skills-relationships-parenting-communication-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/teen-coping-skills-relationships-parenting-communication-psychology/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:36:21 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/attitude-through-body-baby-caregiver-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/attitude-through-body-baby-caregiver-psychotherapy/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:21:04 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/women-holiday-stress-family-problems/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/women-holiday-stress-family-problems/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:54:40 GMT What is it about the Holidays that causes more stress than fun?  Why are women more susceptible to stress during the Holidays?  How can women not only survive the Holidays, but actually enjoy them? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-illness-family-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/chronic-illness-family-psychotherapy/ Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:13:47 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-holidays-expectations-disappointment-christmas/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/family-holidays-expectations-disappointment-christmas/ Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:40:08 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-season-family-emotional-abuse-choice/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/holiday-season-family-emotional-abuse-choice/ Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:27:45 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-holidays-sacrifice-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-holidays-sacrifice-psychology/ Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:57:00 GMT Where should we spend the holidays this year? Should I give a gift to my neighbors? How can we invite so-and-so to dinner without inviting that annoying ______ of hers? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eating-food-issues-compulsive-binge-recovery-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/eating-food-issues-compulsive-binge-recovery-psychotherapy/ Mon, 8 Nov 2010 17:35:37 GMT When I write articles for GoodTherapy, I usually write about my views on recovery from disordered eating and body image concerns, and about things I?ve learned from my professional experience. This article is different: it?s about my personal experience. This month?s article was originally due the day after Halloween.  For reasons I?ll mention shortly, I hadn?t started writing it by Halloween day. On Halloween afternoon, I pondered this aloud, and my son asked what the article that I had to write was about.  I told him, ?disordered eating,? and he said, ?You have to write it about Halloween candy!? 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/sex-addict-spouse-relationship-therapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/sex-addict-spouse-relationship-therapy/ Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:52:45 GMT So often when the topic of Sexual Addiction comes up, the primary focus is on the sex addict, the symptoms and causes of sex addiction, and the journey to freedom from sexual addiction.  While this is certainly a much needed focal point, something very important often gets overlooked and that is the effect sexual betrayal has on the spouse of the sex addict! Can you imagine waking up one day to find the world and spouse you thought was one thing but then realize that it is not only completely different, but that you have been betrayed! Certainly there are times when a spouse suspects or feels there is something going on, but many times, spouses are caught totally off-guard and their life feels like it is falling apart and they are all alone. In the moment, it is hard to even think about how to take the next step, let alone put a plan in place to move forward. Where this may be difficult at this point, it is important for the spouses to take care of themselves and try to avoid the downward spiral that can threaten them. Here are a few things to put in place to help on this path: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-illness-health-resilience-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-illness-health-resilience-psychology/ Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:00:17 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pollyanna-mindfulness-meditation-buddhist-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/pollyanna-mindfulness-meditation-buddhist-psychology/ Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:45:09 GMT Often, in the context of cultivating mindfulness, I heard people emphasize ? ?I don?t want to become a Pollyanna?. As someone who grew up loving Pollyanna ? a child heroine of U.S. novelist Eleanor Hodgman Porter1 - I want to clear her name and claim that there is a lot to learn from her character in our efforts to be mindful. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relief-for-clients-facing-postpartum-issues-and-anxiety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/relief-for-clients-facing-postpartum-issues-and-anxiety/ Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:40:43 GMT Having a baby is a milestone occasion in many women?s lives. It is a time of profound role transition and development of reordering of priorities. For many women, motherhood brings joy, a sense of wonder, and tremendous fulfillment. And, for at least 20% of all child-bearing women, motherhood can bring about significant perinatal mood/anxiety concerns. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/happiness-adversity-growth-psychological-resilience/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/happiness-adversity-growth-psychological-resilience/ Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:00:38 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary 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/play-therapy-stress-work-enjoy-life/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/play-therapy-stress-work-enjoy-life/ Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:04:27 GMT Sally does not stop for breakfast and instead goes straight from her bed to her desk. She begins typing on the computer while unknowingly holding her breath. Jumping from one website to the next she feels busy. Her muscles tense. She pushes herself to continue working. By the end of the day, she is exhausted and restless. Feeling very tired and wired she takes a sleeping pill to go to sleep. This daily work pattern continues until she finds herself sick in bed with the flu. Illness brings on a needed a period of rest. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/grief-decisions-depression-trauma/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/grief-decisions-depression-trauma/ Thu, 7 Oct 2010 13:33:21 GMT Sometimes, when people experience a terrible loss, especially if it?s a traumatic loss, they make a life-changing decision in the middle of the intense emotional pain, often without even realizing it or remembering it. This decision can potentially affect them for the rest of their lives, and can cause chronic depression. People do this as a way of coping with the loss. In the shock of loss, people focus very narrowly on getting through each excruciating moment. Thoughts like ?I?ll never love again? or I?ll never trust again? seem at the time like ways to avoid ever feeling this unbearable pain again. When people aren?t feeling acute pain, and are able to let other life experiences inform their decisions, they don?t usually make these kinds of grief-driven decisions. Let me give you some examples of what I mean. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-phases-safety/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-phases-safety/ Thu, 7 Oct 2010 13:05:06 GMT Experiencing a traumatic life event is, by definition, horrific and terrifying; however this experience does not need to become your defining moment. Growing through such an event(s) is plausible and such growth follows a semi-structured pattern of healing. For a moment stop and reflect on the fact that experts have identified a semi-structured pattern of healing; the existence of such a pattern means that just as you are not alone in having been victimized, you are also not alone in the healing journey. 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/cancer-body-mind-psychotherapy-chronic-stress/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/cancer-body-mind-psychotherapy-chronic-stress/ Mon, 4 Oct 2010 15:26:46 GMT Should Elijah be concerned about his mole? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anger-stress-communication-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/anger-stress-communication-psychotherapy/ Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:48:23 GMT So let's say you come home from work and it was an ok day. Perhaps you have been feeling stress (a lot of work needing to be done, even though you are managing it, or family stress, the start of another school year, etc.). Ever noticed being at home and then finding yourself irritable with those around you? Maybe you find yourself reacting to what a calmer you would think, "This is not such a big deal. Why am I so upset?" This happens to me too. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-wallowing-psychotherapy/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-wallowing-psychotherapy/ Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:31:20 GMT What do you do when you feel bad? Do you clean the house? Take a walk? Eat an entire bag or box of something sweet or salty? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/individuation-communication-need-family-origin-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/individuation-communication-need-family-origin-psychology/ Wed, 8 Sep 2010 17:21:32 GMT Individuation is the process by which we become our unique selves in the world. Part of being an individual, of being uniquely who we are, is knowing what we want and need. If we are not comfortable with wanting and needing from others, we could be limiting our lives and our relationships. What we want and need are not just material things. As humans, we have needs for emotional connection, recognition, warmth, empathy, appreciation, love, friendship. Sometimes we are lucky that our needs and wants are met without our having to ask another person for what we want. But, if we have to ask and don?t because we are not comfortable asking, we may deprive ourselves of emotionally gratifying relationships. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-impact-relationships-psychology-love-communication/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/trauma-impact-relationships-psychology-love-communication/ Tue, 7 Sep 2010 19:54:24 GMT Most of us are aware that communication and trust are key ingredients in any relationship, yet these pivotal ingredients are often negatively impacted by the vestiges of a traumatic experience. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ambivalence-relationships-psychological-health-emotional-intelligence/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ambivalence-relationships-psychological-health-emotional-intelligence/ Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:43:31 GMT This phrase is relevant to so many situations in life: work that we?re not that happy with at the moment but that pays the bills, a relationship that used to be great and now not so much. In more subtle ways this feeling of ambivalence can apply to how we feel about our children (?I love you but I really need a break from you right now?), friendships and even therapy. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-health/ Wed, 7 Jul 2010 17:58:05 GMT The Buddha is purported to have said ?What we think, we become.? If your thoughts could change your life for the better, wouldn?t you do it? Of course! But, what thoughts do you change? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/laughing-your-way-to-mental-health/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/laughing-your-way-to-mental-health/ Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:14:57 GMT [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGgqq7kP6nQ[/youtube] http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-relationships-unemployment/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/therapy-relationships-unemployment/ Wed, 19 May 2010 19:41:17 GMT Unemployment is a downright monster. Most often, we see a lot of support for the unemployed person - building the resume, interviewing, networking, staying busy and being positive. I certainly hope and pray that our economy improves soon and each unemployed person finds work that is fulfilling in both meaning and income. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/coping-with-caregiving/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/coping-with-caregiving/ Tue, 4 May 2010 17:12:03 GMT One of our many fears about aging is having no one to care for us if we?re too weak to care for ourselves. Many of us try to insure that this does not happen to our loved ones. In recent years, the proportion of people in the general population living to advanced age has dramatically increased. Along with this comes more age-related infirmity. This has increased the burdens and stresses on family caregivers ? emotionally, physically and financially. These stresses can quite often test family loyalties as well as endurance. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-women/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapy-women/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:07:31 GMT The topic for this month?s article came to me as I was stressing about how I was going to get the taxes finished, while managing to find the time for my daughter?s softball games, my own exercise class, two full days of clients, grocery shopping, laundry, paying bills, and figuring out what to make for dinner. And that was just the next 48 hours. In addition, my bedroom is half painted, I have a huge sewing project to finish (roman shades, which I have never made before), and my garden looks as neglected as it is. I realized that such is the life of today?s women. I know for a fact that I?m not alone. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/voice-dialogue-shadow-work/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/voice-dialogue-shadow-work/ Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:07:07 GMT The human shadow carries with it the potential for global annihilation and the potential to regenerate and evolve our species. At the crossroads, which road shall we choose? http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/journal-therapy-self/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/journal-therapy-self/ Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:32:36 GMT I enjoy writing to myself. Sound strange? Initially, I chose not to share this information with anyone else because I thought people would be confused by this statement. However, ?writing to myself? is very helpful to work, relationships, and self-evolvement. I hope this technique is as beneficial to you as well. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapist-new-year-resolutions/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychotherapist-new-year-resolutions/ Tue, 5 Jan 2010 15:00:05 GMT A GoodTherapy.org News Summary http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ways-for-adult-survivors-to-cope-during-holidays/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ways-for-adult-survivors-to-cope-during-holidays/ Wed, 9 Dec 2009 22:43:24 GMT For many survivors of childhood abuse, the holidays can be a horrible time of year filled with anxiety and depression. This can occur for a variety of reasons. But the important thing is to be prepared, instead of allowing yourself to get blindsided by all of the cheer and festivities which surrounds you. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/your-holiday-story/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/your-holiday-story/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:33:18 GMT What?s your ?Holiday Story?? For some, it may be about connecting with friends and family, eating hearty meals and treats, singing songs, or getting in touch with one?s spirituality. For others, it may be laced with groans and moans, trepidation, loneliness, frustration, angst, and bouts of depression and anxiety. Often both ?stories? can somehow co-exist. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/surviving-recovery-of-childhood-abuse/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/surviving-recovery-of-childhood-abuse/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:50:54 GMT Being a survivor of childhood abuse is hard enough. But when one finds the ?right? therapist and begins the recovery process in earnest, it can be even more difficult! It?s critical that you be kind to yourself during this time in your life. Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling and not to chastise yourself with ?should? and ?should not? comments or attitudes towards yourself. Realize that everyone recovers at their own pace; everyone is unique in this process. If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent and spew! If you find yourself feeling happy, don?t feel guilty that you are enjoying the moment. All of this is ?normal?. Whatever you do, don?t stuff your feelings! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/manage-stress-for-inner-beauty/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/manage-stress-for-inner-beauty/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:50:18 GMT ?Soften your eyes. Relax your face,? I instruct my clients when we are working on deep relaxation in session. And the change is immediate and visible as the lines of tension fall away and a peaceful expression steals over them. When conducting this exercise with a roomful of people, the whole mood of the group changes. You can almost see everyone?s blood pressure go down! For you see, no matter how skillful the face lift, how costly the wrinkle cream, nothing can erase the look of stress, anger, sadness or chronic anxiety from a face when the soul inside is tense and troubled. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/review-finds-increase-in-hospital-clients-leaving-against-advice/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/review-finds-increase-in-hospital-clients-leaving-against-advice/ Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:57 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/walking-gains-recognition-as-depression-helper/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/walking-gains-recognition-as-depression-helper/ Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:01:35 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/the-face-of-transformation/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/the-face-of-transformation/ Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:43:21 GMT http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/benjamin-button-psychology/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/benjamin-button-psychology/ Wed, 4 Mar 2009 14:32:07 GMT Today I saw the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was a deeply moving film. I recommend it highly. And I also wish for you that you allow it to open your heart to yourself and others in a new way. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/internal-storm/ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/internal-storm/ Fri, 3 Oct 2008 03:48:44 GMT ?You can outdistance that which is running after you, but you cannot outdistance that which is running inside you.? -African Proverb