Sometimes, we allow ourselves to think in ways that lead us down paths of destruction. Common errors in thought processes can lead to a number of negative symptoms; most notably anxiety and depression! Disqualifying the Positive – Discounting the good things that have occurred in your life or that you’ve accomplished, saying “that doesn’t count.”Continue reading “Cognitive Restructuring – Common Thought Errors that Lead to Depression and Anxiety”
Tag Archives: Emotions
How to Deal With People Who Drain Your Energy
Stop feeling depleted every time you interact with an energy vampire Let’s eavesdrop on a conversation with an energy vampire. THEM: They insist that you invest your energy in their cause, and their cause always seems hopeless – or it’s just not your cause. YOU: To avoid being rude, you accept their agenda. Now yourContinue reading “How to Deal With People Who Drain Your Energy”
What Forgiveness is, Really.
The idea of forgiveness is a common misconception amongst a number of my students and clients. When I mention the word “forgiveness” in response to a client’s experience of a particularly nasty betrayal, I’m frequently either laughed at or met with irritability. The thing is, forgiveness is not dropping the subject and never broaching itContinue reading “What Forgiveness is, Really.”
What is the “Right Age” for Kids to Use Social Media?
5 rules for teaching young people use technology with dignity and respect What is the “right” age for youngsters to begin texting and using social media? As the Mom of two young daughters and an educator on bullying prevention, I field this question frequently. Truly, there is great debate on the subject among professionals, alongContinue reading “What is the “Right Age” for Kids to Use Social Media?”
How to Make Peace With Something You Cannot Control
Feeling safe when you’re not in control is a valuable skill Source: ibreakstock/Shutterstock Being in control feels safe, you can feel safe when you’re not in control too. The world is unpredictable and your power is limited, so feeling safe without control is a valuable skill. When the world disappoints your expectations, your brain releasesContinue reading “How to Make Peace With Something You Cannot Control”
My Brain Made Me Do It! Neuroscience for Kids Who Need It
How the basics of brain science can help kids change troubled behaviors Several weeks ago, I was sitting in the hallway of my school building talking with a student who was feeling distraught after her involvement in a heated conflict with several classmates. The young girl had lashed out verbally at a group of studentsContinue reading “My Brain Made Me Do It! Neuroscience for Kids Who Need It”
The Conveyor Belt
This is one of my favorite exercises to ease anxiety and start gaining control over emotions. Imagine a conveyor belt, and that your thoughts are coming down the belt. Name the thoughts and feelings to yourself as they come down the belt — “I am having a feeling of sadness. I am now having aContinue reading “The Conveyor Belt”
Teaching About Social Meanness In Middle School
Developmental insecurity in early adolescence can cause cruelty at school. Several books ago I wrote one, Why Good Kids Act Cruel, to help parents help their early adolescents in middle school deal with mistreatment from social cruelty in any of the five forms it commonly takes: teasing, exclusion, bullying, rumoring, and ganging up. Why isContinue reading “Teaching About Social Meanness In Middle School”
What Is Therapy? — The Complete Definition of Psychotherapy
Therapy [psychotherapy] is the process of working with a licensed therapist to develop positive thinking and coping skills and treat mental health issues such as mental illness and trauma. Answering the question of “What Is Therapy?,” however, goes far beyond this basic definition. The definition of psychotherapy depends on the therapist, type of therapy andContinue reading “What Is Therapy? — The Complete Definition of Psychotherapy”
Become engaged in your life again
Nearly everyone experiences periods of depression, anxiety, frustration, or feeling stuck, and deciding to seek help is the first, most audacious step in a person’s mental health journey. Licensed in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Iowa, New Mexico, and Washington, I specialize in the mental health and well-being of individuals and their families in theContinue reading “Become engaged in your life again”
Amplify Wellness with Meg Duke 