20 Rules to Live By

14. Be kind, not nice. 1. Bring your sense of humor with you at all times. Bring your friends with a sense of humor. If their friends have a sense of humor, invite them, too. Remember this when going to hospitals, weight-loss centers, and funerals, as well as when going to work, coming home, wakingContinue reading “20 Rules to Live By”

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”

Quote: Unconditional Love

Spend your time with people who love you unconditionally, not with people who want you to fulfill all their conditions. MegAnne Duke, LCSW

When changing careers isn’t a realistic option

Try to find some value in what you do. Even in some mundane jobs, you can often focus on how what you do helps others, for example, or provides a much needed product or service. Focus on aspects of the job that you do enjoy—even if it’s just chatting with your coworkers at lunch. ChangingContinue reading “When changing careers isn’t a realistic option”

How Therapy Can Help in the Golden Years

Marvin Tolkin was 83 when he decided that the unexamined life wasn’t worth living. Until then, it had never occurred to him that there might be emotional “issues” he wanted to explore with a counselor. “I don’t think I ever needed therapy,” said Mr. Tolkin, a retired manufacturer of women’s undergarments who lives in ManhattanContinue reading “How Therapy Can Help in the Golden Years”

Self-Esteem versus Narcissism

The distinction between self-esteem and narcissism is of great significance on a personal and societal level. Self-esteem differs from narcissism in that it represents an attitude built on accomplishments we’ve mastered, values we’ve adhered to, and care we’ve shown toward others. Narcissism, conversely, is often based on a fear of failure or weakness, a focusContinue reading “Self-Esteem versus Narcissism”

Confusing Non-Verbal Signals

Use nonverbal signals that match up with your words. Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it. If you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener will likely feel you’re being dishonest or the emotion is not very intense for you. For example, you saying “yes” whileContinue reading “Confusing Non-Verbal Signals”

Boredom Leads to Unhealthy Food Choices

Bored? Then you are more likely to reach for fatty and sugary foods. That’s something that we’ve all known for years, but now there is scientific data that proves it. That data was recently presented at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society by Dr. Sandi Mann from the University of Central Lancashire inContinue reading “Boredom Leads to Unhealthy Food Choices”

Changing (Stages of Change)

If you are struggling with an active addiction, you know what the shame feels like when you are not meeting other peoples’ expectations, you are losing relationships and jobs and health. Often, you feel extreme pressure to be changed but you may feel like you are drowning, instead. How do I get from here toContinue reading “Changing (Stages of Change)”

Five Ways to Overcome Feelings of Neediness

The biggest challenge needy people face is figuring out what they need. We’re only as needy as our unmet needs                                                                      Continue reading “Five Ways to Overcome Feelings of Neediness”