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Is Being ‘Thick-Skinned’ Your Strength or Your Weakness? November 4, 2015 . 7 Comments
You’re strong. You’re thick-skinned. You don’t take it personally when someone vents emotional distress on you. These are admirable, useful qualities. Having thick skin makes it easier ... Read More
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Sensitivity to Criticism: Kryptonite or Superpower? March 21, 2014 . 17 Comments
You might have heard the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” When it comes to being sensitive to criticism, that’s so true. Think about it. You have spent years ... Read More
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How to Enter the Winners’ Circle June 19, 2013 . 2 Comments
It is said that “energy flows where attention goes.” At first glance, this sounds like a very simple statement; its depth is beyond the pretty words strung together. Who doesn’t want ... Read More
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For Couples, Empathy Is the New Anger June 7, 2013 . 7 Comments
For over 23 years, I have worked with numerous couples that have difficulty with marital or relational conflict. Many come into my office fighting because they don’t know any other way ... Read More
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You’re NOT Too Sensitive May 2, 2013 . 46 Comments
Have you ever been told that you can’t take a joke, that you overreact, or that you are just too sensitive? Well, sit back and find out that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. ... Read More
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Four Ways to Topple Your Negativity Bias January 14, 2013 . 7 Comments
Negative events are sticky. In seventh grade, a classmate with whom I’d had very little interaction, Scott, walked up to my locker and offered me some unsolicited counsel. “If you ever ... Read More
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Goofing Up or Goofing Off? January 11, 2013 . 7 Comments
“Take it easy, but take it!” —Woody Guthrie This is the beginning of the New Year, and everybody, including me, is involved in new beginnings and resolutions. Before too long, if ... Read More
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Do Musicians Get Performance Anxiety? December 18, 2012 . 6 Comments
According to a recent study led by Veerle L. Simoens of the Cognitive Brain Research Unit at the Institute of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Helsinki in Finland, musicians who ... Read More
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Self-Acceptance at Any Size November 16, 2012 . 4 Comments
It is ironic and somehow fitting that Jennifer Livingston, the news anchorwoman who made national headlines after confronting criticisms about her weight, received those harsh comments ... Read More
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Self-Criticism: How Anxiety Affects Your Thoughts November 5, 2012 . 9 Comments
“I can’t believe I didn’t get that done today. I should have done it.” “Why the heck did I say that to her? I’m so stupid.” “I must do ... Read More
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Sports Fan Violence: It’s No Game October 14, 2012 . 2 Comments
Sports generally are viewed as harmless pursuits, a source of social interaction and bonding, exercise, and stress relief. But in recent years, highly publicized incidents of fan violence ... Read More
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Feeling Hurt: Like Honey to the Bees October 9, 2012 . 7 Comments
Conflict is a natural product of interpersonal relationships. Rarely do two people involved in a relationship—whether social, professional, or intimate—avoid disagreements. But the ... Read More