Archive for the ‘Depression, Anxiety & Stress’ Category
September 29th, 2022
What if you weren’t afraid of your feelings? Not a question we are asked very often; perhaps never. But maybe it’s one worth considering.
I think about this often, both for myself as well as with clients. There are many emotions we welcome, often without thinking about it. Joy, happiness, transcendence are just a few examples. They feel great! We actually crave the experience of some emotions.
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Tags: emotions, feelings, self-compassion, self-love
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | Comments Off on Befriending Your Feelings
November 3rd, 2020
A runny nose. A slight cough. A stomach ache. An aching toe. These days, all of these can make your heart beat a little faster. Get you thoughts racing. You worry, “I hope its not COVID!”
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Anxiety & Stress
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March 20th, 2020
Social distancing is far from the most fun thing in the world. When all you want is an audience to appreciate your singing or a hug in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak, this prudent suggestion can cause problems.
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Tags: psychotherapy, therapy, Therapy & Counseling
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June 15th, 2016
Many people are grieving this week. Many people are angry this week. And many people are numbed and don’t know what to feel or how they feel. The nation has experienced another mass shooting and we are devastated. There’s not many words of comfort I can offer, as I’m simply another person who is also experiencing many of the same emotions you are. However, I can offer you the advice of a 12 year old.
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October 22nd, 2015
The Scene: Two men are talking on the phone, trying to set up a date for the weekend. Sam called Jamal to ask him out on a date. Sam is VERY interested in Jamal, and feeling very vulnerable.
Sam: Do you want to get together this weekend?
The Voice in Sam’s head: He won’t want to see you. He’s got better things to do.
Jamal: Sure, that’d be great.
Sam: When are you free?
Jamal: I’m free all weekend.
Sam: Ok. Let’s do Saturday night.
The Voice in Sam’s Head: He has nothing better to do so he’ll go out with you.
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Tags: hope, mindfulness, self care, self-love
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May 28th, 2015
“I like to keep things light.” This is what a boyfriend – let’s call him Rahim – recently told a friend of mine – let’s call her Sharon. Rahim said this in the face of major crises, including a life or death situation for a loved one. Sharon told me about the inherent dichotomy in what her boyfriend is saying versus what he is experiencing. And how stating that he keeps things light is actually an avoidance strategy that is not honest, nor is it ultimately helpful. Rahim was sleeping poorly, had stomach aches, and generally felt miserable. So much for keeping things light.
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Tags: self care
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Therapy & Counseling, Uncategorized | No Comments »
May 7th, 2015
“Trust your intuition.” We’ve all been told this. It’s nice to be able to trust yourself and your internal compass. However, a yoga teacher recently reminded me that trusting your intuition isn’t always that straightforward.
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Tags: emotional abuse, healing, self care, sexual abuse, trauma, yoga
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January 8th, 2015
What do you do when you hear racist, transphobic, sexist or otherwise offensive comments? What does it feel like when you don’t speak up? Do you justify your actions and then feel uncomfortable with that justification? Do you fear coming off as rude or socially unacceptable. Do you fear offending the person who has offended you…or making others uncomfortable.
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Tags: anger, authenticity, empowerment, oppression, racism
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, People of Color | No Comments »
December 3rd, 2014
“I’m kind of embarrassed. I think I’m just going through a mid-life crisis.” I’ve heard these words, or something similar to them, from many clients of a certain age. Shaming stereotypes of an older man running off with a younger woman in his brand new convertible run rampant…and make it more difficult for some people to talk about this stage of life.
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Tags: change, hope, self-love
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October 29th, 2014
I might find myself in tears. I wrote these words to a friend recently, anticipating a hurtful experience with someone I know. I was poking fun at myself, making fun of my propensity to cry, a trait I am at times proud of and at other times would rather not have.
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, hope, loneliness, psychotherapy, sadness, self-love, therapy
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
Many people are grieving this week. Many people are angry this week. And many people are numbed and don’t know what to feel or how they feel. The nation has experienced another mass shooting and we are devastated. There’s not many words of comfort I can offer, as I’m simply another person who is also experiencing many of the same emotions you are. However, I can offer you the advice of a 12 year old.
The Scene: Two men are talking on the phone, trying to set up a date for the weekend. Sam called Jamal to ask him out on a date. Sam is VERY interested in Jamal, and feeling very vulnerable.
“I like to keep things light.” This is what a boyfriend – let’s call him Rahim – recently told a friend of mine – let’s call her Sharon. Rahim said this in the face of major crises, including a life or death situation for a loved one. Sharon told me about the inherent dichotomy in what her boyfriend is saying versus what he is experiencing. And how stating that he keeps things light is actually an avoidance strategy that is not honest, nor is it ultimately helpful. Rahim was sleeping poorly, had stomach aches, and generally felt miserable. So much for keeping things light.
What do you do when you hear racist, transphobic, sexist or otherwise offensive comments? What does it feel like when you don’t speak up? Do you justify your actions and then feel uncomfortable with that justification? Do you fear coming off as rude or socially unacceptable. Do you fear offending the person who has offended you…or making others uncomfortable.
“I’m kind of embarrassed. I think I’m just going through a mid-life crisis.” I’ve heard these words, or something similar to them, from many clients of a certain age. Shaming stereotypes of an older man running off with a younger woman in his brand new convertible run rampant…and make it more difficult for some people to talk about this stage of life.
I might find myself in tears. I wrote these words to a friend recently, anticipating a hurtful experience with someone I know. I was poking fun at myself, making fun of my propensity to cry, a trait I am at times proud of and at other times would rather not have.
