Therapists come up with all sorts of terminology to name this and that - we work with the same problems and ideas repeatedly, and need images and language to describe human experience. Sometimes we come up with our own labels and concepts. The Monster-in-a- box is one of mine. The Monster is the thing that … Continue reading Your Very Own Monster-In-A-Box
Category: Mental Health Best Practices
Therapy is my calling, but writing is nurturing my soul.
Like many of my colleagues that feel deeply connected to the practice of psychotherapy, I believe that I was built for this kind of work. When in the therapy room, I feel capable, confident, and clear – this is what I have always done; this is what I do. When I attend trainings on methods … Continue reading Therapy is my calling, but writing is nurturing my soul.
Is “Powering Through It” Really A Good Thing?
I recently received a text citing a friend doing something that was hard for him, and struggling with it. “It’s ok, though,” said the text, “he’s powering through it.” “Blech,” I thought to myself. Then I typed “Is that really actually good, though?”. And then I deleted it, because nobody was asking for my opinion … Continue reading Is “Powering Through It” Really A Good Thing?
Gardening is like self-work (and I’m not the best at it)…
I kill all things green. This is my truth around gardening and, though I’m deeply unhappy about it, it’s factual. If you give me a plant I will kill it. Consider yourself warned- please don’t gift me plantlife. That said, my mother-in-law is here this weekend, replete with her very green thumb, and she’s graciously … Continue reading Gardening is like self-work (and I’m not the best at it)…
How to Care for Yourself When Dealing with Difficult People.
One of my friends tells her story of growing up with a mother with “issues” rather matter-of-factly, but the details are pretty grim to listen to. “She would stop talking to me for no reason, for days at a time, and put a gift on my bed when she decided she was done being mad … Continue reading How to Care for Yourself When Dealing with Difficult People.
