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Challenging Times: 5 Ways to Boost Your Resiliency

To say these times are challenging is an understatement. We are facing the complexity of a pandemic, political unrest, socio-economic uncertainty, and a diverse set of other related stressors all at the same time. Many of the associated life changes have been out of our control. Increased discomfort and anxiety are a normal response to lack of control and certainty! So, how are you responding? Here’s a few things that will build resilience and help you not only respond to stressors with a greater degree of strength, but also with a sense of personal growth.

Imagining Beyond the Boundaries

July 1st, 2020

We humans have a remarkable ability that is most often oppressed and suppressed; suppressed by well-meaning others who want to protect you from being dissappointed and hurt, and ensure that you will keep your focus on survival in this material world. You have likely been subjected to, heard others say, and maybe even said yourself, "Get real. Get your head out of the clouds, You are such a day dreamer." These well intended comments have the effect of suppressing/oppressing our creative juice; really your life force energy.

Find Your Inner Peace

March 29th, 2020

In this time of change we are bombarded with information, some factual, some fictional, some designed to get a reaction. If you feel unsettled or fearful, make a decision to be particular about the information you expose yourself to. Find moments in your day to decompress from the intense energy all around us. Sit or lie in a quiet space. Notice your breath. Follow the way your body is breathing. Notice how it feels to breathe in from your nose out through your mouth. Notice the temperature of your breath.

Grief: Simple But Not Easy

October 15th, 2019

Exploring ways to deal with loss When we lose something significant to our life, it is usually followed by grief and while grief’s start point is definite – at that point of loss, or the anticipation of the loss – the end point is nebulous. It may be this uncertain end point that contributes to the pain of grief and the fact that it is a process everyone goes through.

Do you find yourself repeatedly experiencing familiar unpleasant roadblocks in a relationship?

September 14th, 2019

Cynthia was determined this time that she was going to approach her new relationship differently, In the past her partners tended to disappoint her by "not stepping up" and fully participating in the relationship. On paper Bill seemed to be different, he had a good job, was outdoorsy and had a nice smile. Gradually though Cynthia noticed that Bill waited for her to make plans without initiating anything. He also seemed to have a hard time making big decisions, and after not too much time had passed Cynthia found herself back in the drivers seat. 

What are your rules for living true?

Our belief systems are wide open when we are born. We develop beliefs about the world we live in during the early years in our family, then in school and our community. Our young mind is a sponge soaking up everything we notice, experience and imagine. Along the way through life our rules of living become more solidified and we believe them. 

How do you start and end your day and how does that decision effect your mood?

Our gadgets have become like second nature. Notice, do you automatically reach for your phone or tablet when you wake up and right before you go to sleep? 

Shame and Humiliation in Childhood Abuse

October 19th, 2018

Recently when I was doing some continuing ed, I was reading an article on Shame and Humiliation in relationship to childhood abuse. (If you want to know: It was published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation by the ISSTD and written by Martin Dorahy in 2017.) It was quite a fascinating read, I must say! It showed clearly the difference between experiencing shame and humiliation especially in relation to abuse. And it was quite eye-opening the difference.

The Truth About The Mid-Life Crisis (and how not to screw it up)

October 1st, 2018

As we near the age of 40, and take stock of our lives, many of us find ourselves feeling antsy…like we’re not quite fitting in our own skin. The fact is that we have never really fit in our own skin, but finally we are able to notice it. In my work as a psychotherapist, I have guided many people through the type of existential struggle that is common around this time. What I have found is that there are two directions people take when the inklings of discomfort begin: the first direction is to look inward, and the second is to look outward. 

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