Articles

Thoughts on Counseling and Therapy
The Second Arrow of Suffering

The Second Arrow of Suffering

We all have had something upsetting or disappointing happen, and sometimes we get frustrated at ourselves or others. We wish things could be different. Our interpretation of events plays a large role in how we experience them. For example, someone at work or home left...

There’s no Place like “Alone” for the Holidays

There’s no Place like “Alone” for the Holidays

Watching the heavy, gentle snow drift down between the trees outside my windows today, I began to consider the value of solitude. When I’m by myself, it can be a wonderful opportunity of uninterrupted contemplation. But here’s the thing: sometimes solitude can seem...

Grief and Gratitude in the Midst of COVID-19

Grief and Gratitude in the Midst of COVID-19

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven months since I moved my entire clinical practice to telehealth and my kids have been home from school for most of that time. Seven. Months. Has it felt like seventeen years to anyone else? COVID-19 has impacted so many aspects of...

Weight Stigma Awareness Week

Weight Stigma Awareness Week

Last year kicked off the very first Weight Stigma Awareness Week (WSAW) courtesy of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). This September 28 through October 2, 2020 is the second annual awareness week to increase awareness of weight stigma. Weight Stigma...

Understanding and Overcoming Control Issues

Understanding and Overcoming Control Issues

The issue of control is a topic that comes up frequently in therapy sessions. It can be a complicated and confusing topic for people while they are struggling. When a person senses they are losing control they often begin to feel anxious. The other side of the coin is...

Black Lives Matter? Matter is a Minimum.

Black Lives Matter? Matter is a Minimum.

Black Lives Matter? Matter is a minimum. Black lives are NEEDED! Black lives are LOVED! Black lives are WORTHY! Educate yourself by asking and listening to a person of color about their experiences, so you can develop empathy for this long and ongoing movement. Please...

To All the Moms

To All the Moms

Sometimes we think that a big part of what happens in therapy involves criticizing the mother of the patient. Actually as a profession, therapists probably have a greater sense of the importance of mothers than almost any other group. D.W. Winnicott helped us...

When Work is Home and Home is Work

When Work is Home and Home is Work

We all miss a number of things at the moment, but I’ve been missing my car. That rusted out, dented in, squeaky wipers, 2001 hatchback Ford Focus (aka silver fox named Hank the Tank) has long been a safe space for this counselor to drive home after a long day of work....