Introduction to Ego States When you step into the realm of Psychology 101, you inevitably encounter Freud’s ego states of id, ego, and super ego. These concepts attempt to describe our self-identity, and the childhood influences on our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. But it doesn’t stop there. Understanding ego states really flourished when, in the […]
There was a palatable hype in the room—several hundred people yelling, jumping and hugging to the rhythm of deafening music. “Raise your hand and say, Aye! Come on guys! Say it!” That is misleading positive psychology hype.
Too many of us suffer with as sense that we are not good enough. Recently, three different women friends have prompted me to ponder the subject of believing in our not enoughness or of not doing enough, giving enough or being enough. The Silent Questions of I Am Not Enough The silent questions, that some brave […]
Have you ever watched helplessly while someone struggled with fear, anxiety, overwhelm, loss or discouragement? You are not alone in wanting to provide effective emotional support!
I add; it is about kindness and seeking to understand. My own experience with our daughter Kelly, who spent a great deal of time in jail over an eleven year period, is love draws a circle that takes the other in. One of the best ways to demonstrate that care is to seek to understand with out judgment.
Researchers, as well as ancient and recent philosophers, honor the act of crying. Never do they suggest you must cry nor stop crying.
We have all been betrayed by someone we love. From the darkness, we can move into the light and learn to trust and forgive again. You deserve to heal.
Shame researcher, Brené Brown, laid the ground work of who to avoid when we need to share our story. But what are the signs of a compassionate friend?
When I attended a presentation by leadership trainer and author, Joan McArthur-Blair, the room was packed. The audience members were primarily career counselors. McArthur-Blair is the co-author (along with Jeanie Cockell) of the book, Building Resilience with Appreciative Inquiry: A Leadership Journey through Hope, Despair, and Forgiveness. I was pleased to buy a copy of […]
As a therapist, I witness people whose lives have fallen apart or have become unbearable to continue as is. I often hear the simple but dreadfully difficult question to answer, “Why?” People naturally long to create meaning from their emotional pain. Resilience is called upon when we face tough situations. We want to bounce back, […]
Teresa said, “Patricia, I would love to read some of your work on dealing with employees who are controlling, easily agitated and off the wall! It seems like my co-worker wants to get even with me for nothing. She starts yelling even if I dare to identify areas that could easily be improved. What are […]
The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it, is as unrealistic as expecting to walk through water and not get wet. Rachel Naomi Remen As a therapist, as well as, sometimes, family caregiver of those with disabilities, there have been times I needed to be […]