-
The Fear of Hurting the Other and the Inhibition of Self July 19, 2011 . 19 Comments
Even when it is unintended, some people find it intolerable to hurt someone they love. To experience hurting the other can create shame, guilt and strong “I am a bad person” feelings. ... Read More
-
Should You Attend a Friend’s Wedding Even If Your Heart Says “No”? July 12, 2011 . 19 Comments
Yesterday Ellen walked into my office looking annoyed and confused. “I don’t know what to do. Robin invited me to her wedding and I don’t want to go, but I think I should. It’s ... Read More
-
Addiction and Judgment: What Happens to the Family Struggling with Addiction? July 11, 2011 . 7 Comments
When a family member is struggling with addiction the entire family system suffers. Life inside the family system can become a rollercoaster of emotions. It is common for parents to blame ... Read More
-
Three Ways to Cope with a Parter’s Sex Addiction Relapse
June 7, 2011 .
28 Comments
Do you know the difference between a relapse and a onetime occurrence of making a poor choice? In asking that question, let me first say that it is important to not excuse a slip up or ... Read More
-
Part II: (Don’t) Keep Coming Back May 25, 2011 . 21 Comments
Thanks again to those who responded to my last article on why some partners or loved ones (POLOs) of those struggling with addiction/alcoholism may be reluctant to attend Al-anon. I’ll ... Read More
-
Can Happiness Be Bad for You? May 19, 2011 . 15 Comments
According to a recent article, certain types of happiness can have negative emotional consequences. Researchers state that striving for happiness by focusing on happy things or being thankful ... Read More
-
(Don’t) Keep Coming Back May 10, 2011 . 14 Comments
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 ... Read More
-
Fiendish Feedback: The Art of Compassionate Criticism May 6, 2011 . 7 Comments
I enjoy reading the responses to my articles. Responses to the most recent one of Feedback: The Single Most Important Skill, focused on the complexity of giving and receiving feedback. ... Read More
-
Making Friends with Feelings
May 3, 2011 .
4 Comments
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 ... Read More
-
Vulnerability and Eating Disorders April 20, 2011 . 6 Comments
Vulnerability is an emotion that affects individuals suffering from eating disorders in a multitude of ways. It is the opposite of being in control and a state of mind not particularly ... Read More
-
Bottoming Out Twice April 14, 2011 . 2 Comments
It has been said in AA, “An addict needs to bottom out twice to get better. First from alcohol, and later emotionally.” Most people who struggle with addiction started using ... Read More
-
Saying No to the “Disease” April 4, 2011 . 15 Comments
Well, once again it’s my readers who are instructing me just as much as (if not more than) the other way around. Thanks to all who take the time to read and comment on my blog articles. ... Read More
