The Logical vs. The Emotional
March 11th, 2013
Archive for the ‘Grief & Loss’ Category
I’m not one much for sporting analogies, but in this case, it seems apropos. As a therapist, I’ve been a part of many boxing matches – watching clients logical brains spar with their emotional brains. People often think that if they can understand their emotions, they won’t have to experience them. Logic beats emotion and, in theory at least, makes life easier. And for many beginners in therapy, the logical brain wins. I’m not always celebrating this accomplishment.
The Movie “Like Crazy” – A lesson in tolerating your emotions
November 30th, 2011
Have you seen the movie “Like Crazy” – a film about two young lovers who keep attempting to have a relationship with each other, even when it seems in vain? It’s not an unusual story. In fact, the couple’s experience is very human. As a therapist, I found some very useful lessons in it. But first: Spoiler alter! Don’t read on if you don’t want to know the storyline…
Overwhelming Grief
November 7th, 2011
Have you ever experienced overwhelming grief? If you’ve gone through an extremely difficult loss, you know what I talking about. Feeling on the verge of tears – more often than you’ve ever experienced. Feeling sad and depressed much of the day. Or experiencing a surge of sadness unexpectedly. You find yourself angry and bitter and don’t quite understand this change in your perspective. Perhaps you react strongly to things that would have gotten a much weaker response from you at a different time.
Grief & Depression – What’s the Difference?
April 13th, 2010
Grief is depression in proportion to circumstance; depression is grief out of proportion to circumstance. So says Andrew Solomon, the author ”The Noonday Demon” (Scribner, 2001). Mr. Solomon then proceeds to detail his often devastating experiences with major depression.
A Mind Like The Sky
February 2nd, 2010
I spent the weekend at a workshop exploring insights from mindfulness practices and psychotherapy. Mindfulness practices include meditation, yoga, contemplative prayer, and a host of other activities. One of the things that stuck with me was how both mindfulness practices and psychotherapy can help a person cultivate a mind like a sky. But what exactly does that mean?
When The Going Gets Tough…
November 21st, 2009
What do you do when things get tough? When you’re going through a difficult illness, experiencing a loss, or feeling depressed or anxious? Many people follow the adage – “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” While there is some value to this, I offer a different path.
Your Invincible Summer
October 19th, 2009
“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”~ Albert Camus
Radical (and Gentle) Acceptance
August 24th, 2009
Have you ever felt lonely, confused, angry or sad? Of course you have. These are all normal, human emotions and experiences. Are you comfortable feeling this way? Perhaps not. So, what do you do when faced with them? Do you stuff them, avoiding them through negative self-talk, eating, drinking or some other behavior? If so, there is another way.
How Therapy Helps
May 21st, 2009
If you bring forth that which is within you,
Then that which is within you
Will be your salvation.
If you do not bring forth that
Which is within you,
Then that which is within you
Will destroy you.
~The Gnostic Gospels
Where Do You Find Hope?
February 23rd, 2009
Life has some huge obstacles that it puts in our way. Sometimes, the sheer weight of the challenge can be overwhelming. You might feel like this moment will never pass and that life will always be this way. You may feel desperate, depressed, and fed-up. You may want to give up, feeling spent from all of your efforts. When this happens, where can you find hope to carry you through?
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