May 1st, 2009

“In rock climbing, there is a step called a ‘commitment move.’ You’re tied to the ropes and there’s a moment you have to let go of solid ground to move to the next higher place. It’s a scary step. You must trust what you’re tied to more than what you’re standing on.”         –Mary Manin Morrisey

Tags: counseling, hope, therapy
Posted Under | Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

April 1st, 2009

Being walkers with the dawn and morning,
Walkers with the sun and morning,
We are not afraid of night,
Nor days of gloom,
Nor darkness–
Being walkers with the sun and morning.

– Langston Hughes

Tags: addictions, hope, Therapy & Counseling, trauma
Posted Under | People of Color, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

March 17th, 2009

Forgiveness is a tough concept.  Especially if you’ve been abused, neglected or molested.  It’s hard to even think about forgiveness if you’ve been mistreated by lovers, bosses, so-called friends, or even society (especially if you’re a Person of Color or LGBT).  How can you forgive someone who hurt you so badly?

Tags: addictions, hope, sexual abuse
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Concerns, People of Color, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

March 2nd, 2009

Sometimes it’s hard to feel like you’re making progress.  You’re doing all the right things:  Attending therapy, accepting that life has it’s ups and downs, going to your 12-step meetings, living your true identity, or a host of other self-improvement activities.  However, you’re still not where you want to be.  Life continues to feel overwhelming.  Depression, anxiety, sadness or loneliness visit often.

Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, hope, therapy
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February 2nd, 2009

There are many reasons to see a therapist or counselor.  Some people come to deal with past trauma, difficult feelings, or emotions.  Others spend the time in session working on ways to cope with addictions or compulsions.  Some come in order to begin living a life true to themselves – their gender identity or sexual orientation.  Whatever the reason that compels a person to meet weekly with a stranger and speak their truth, perhaps the ultimate reason is captured in the few lines from the below poem…

Tags: counseling, gratitude, healing, therapy
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December 10th, 2008

“I wish I had never been born.”  Have you ever thought this?  It’s a devastating feeling.  And not so uncommon.

Tags: healing, hope
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

November 19th, 2008

I am sitting across from a new client – a person of another race.  I make a statement like “Often times, the fact of our different races can influence the process and outcome of our work together.  I’m going to do my best to pay attention to this.  I’d also encourage you to speak up if you think our cultural differences are getting in the way of our work.”  The client looks at me with a smile, pulls out her/his wallet, and shows me a picture of her/his child – clearly a biracial kid.

Tags: African Americans, counseling, People of Color, psychotherapy, therapy
Posted Under | People of Color, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

November 15th, 2008

Someone once asked me this question.  This person was struggling with their past and the way it was making itself known in their present.  So many mistakes.  So much growth still desired.  Positive self-esteem and self-regard wavering. 

Tags: counseling, self-esteem, therapy
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

November 11th, 2008

Sometimes people are embarrassed to see a therapist.  Others might be ashamed to let their friends or family know that they have seen or are seeing a counselor.  They think, ‘Will people think I’m crazy or weak?’  But now, the secret is out…

Tags: counseling, therapy
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Relationships, Couples, Polyamory, Kink & Sexuality, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

September 17th, 2008

Seeing a therapist can be a risky endeavor. First, you have to accept that you want to share your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs with someone you’ve never met before. Then you have to find a therapist or counselor you like AND make sure everything fits – from availability to payment.

Tags: decision, psychotherapy, therapist, therapy
Posted Under | Therapy & Counseling | Comments Off on When Should I See a Therapist?