In the last years of my mother’s life, when she developed vascular dementia, I found myself wondering about my ability to cope. Caregiving is exhausting work and even though I loved my mother dearly, I was still triggered by her decline. Also, since we were so alike, I could see how aging might affect me, [...]
I grew up in Australia where I remember the Christmas and New Year holiday season as a delightful time with warmth and laughter; playing along the beach with cousins for the six-week holiday break, everyone arrived back home refreshed. And of course, there were fewer holidays those days- no Halloween and no Thanksgiving. And [...]
I had been hearing of Brainspotting technique from some colleagues who feel it is very effective for their clients, even though it is a relatively new technique. One said “it's kind of mystical” and there is not a lot of research yet. In 2003, David Grand Ph.D. developed a synthesis of Somatic Sensing and [...]
Recently a colleague introduced me to a very valuable book, “Suicide; the Forever Decision” by Paul Quinnette PhD. In his forthright way, he addresses the reader very directly about the choices folks make (including the ones reading his book) and the Pros and Cons of taking one’s life. Since I have seen the number of [...]
These days I often find myself discussing with clients, how the current political or media ‘spins’ are affecting them emotionally. Coincidentally, the newest edition of “Psychology Today” has an excellent article about “Emotional Contagion” and how we influence each other as social beings. Since much of our anxiety and depression stems neurologically from our Sympathetic [...]
Since it has been such a rainy and cool Spring in Colorado, I was curious whether others felt their emotions and general mood was being affected. We usually have many days of sun for relief, even in Winter. Having grown up in a sunny country for at least half my life, I do notice that [...]
This morning a group of my friends was discussing over breakfast, how we deal with major changes in our lives. We all agreed that there does not seem much control in most situations; and stress is unavoidable, even if it’s good stress (“eustress”, as in when you get married or have a baby). So the [...]
I love Spring; the crocuses and daffodils blossoming brighten my mood and lift my anxiety. There is the hope of expansion, sunshine and the promise of life in all its beauty. I feel more open hearted, wanting to hike or visit with friends after the colder ‘cocooning’ winter. When I read an article on the [...]
Lately I have had some clients who have been struggling with the backlash of keeping secrets- either their own, or finding out that a close friend or spouse has been lying. These days, the Social Media and mobile phone technology have added another layer of ‘outing’ these secrets; although this can be useful, this has [...]
The word “trigger” in the popular psychology vocabulary means one’s spontaneous reaction to a situation, either outside you, or to an internal memory or stimulus. As the word implies, it can happen very quickly like firing a gun…the only problem is, the gun is your emotions firing- sometimes inappropriately- and often with no control. Anger [...]
New dates will be released in 2021.
