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.
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, cancer, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, grief, hope
Posted Under | Cancer, HIV and Other Illnesses, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
Earlier in the week, I learned a valuable lesson from someone* who’s been through some major difficulties in life, including alcoholism in the family, financial difficulties, relationship issues, and mental illness. This woman – let’s call her Shauna – has been troubled for a long time. However, she’s found an excellent coping mechanism, firmly grounded in awareness and mindfulness. Even when times are hard, and perhaps especially when times are hard, Shauna reminds herself to “Look at my feet.”
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, hope
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma | No Comments »
October 19th, 2009
“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”~ Albert Camus
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, grief, hope
Posted Under | Grief & Loss, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
September 22nd, 2009
When you’re in the middle of a crisis or just feeling down, do you ever get pessimistic, thinking that this is your fate? That you’ll never find relief? That it will never get any better? If so, you’re not alone. It’s common for people to respond this way to difficulties in life, as well as to their current emotional states.
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Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, hope
Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
September 13th, 2009
Recently a friend of mine from the Midwest told me about her visit to New York City. Her and her partner brought their nephew, a teenager who feels and appears out of place in their hometown, for vacation. What’s important to understand is how their nephew behaves at home. He dresses quite provocatively and acts quite haughty. He easily puts people off with his behavior and attitude. If one tried to understand what might be behind this, you might guess that he is acting in a protective and distancing way.
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Tags: counseling, hope, psychotherapy, therapy
Posted Under | Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
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.
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Tags: counseling, hope, therapy
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Cancer, HIV and Other Illnesses, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
June 10th, 2009
When parting with folk, I often say something like “Be good to yourself.” I thought the meaning of this statement was self-evident. But when someone asked me what I meant, I realized that I needed to be clear.
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Tags: hope, self-love, therapy
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Concerns, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
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
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Tags: addiction, grief, hope, Therapy & Counseling, trauma
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Cancer, HIV and Other Illnesses, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
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
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Tags: counseling, hope, therapy
Posted Under | Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »
April 19th, 2009
So many things can happen in life that trap us is shame. Being raped or in a violent relationship, childhood sexual exploitation, having an addiction or dealing with sexuality issues, or even a mental illness are just a few of the things of which folks feel ashamed. There are many more. Most of them are not our fault. But “The Shame Trap” catches you.
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Tags: addictions, hope, sexual abuse
Posted Under | Alcohol, Drugs, & Other Addictions, Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Sexual/Physical Abuse & Trauma | No Comments »
