Try These Psychological Tools
Do you know how to calm yourself naturally? We live in a fast-paced society and want quick results but the quick fix may not be that beneficial for you. I knew I was doing damage to myself when using substances, but somehow I forced myself to make a stand and fundamentally heal. To be honest, this was probably the greatest gift I ever gave to myself and I readily share what I have learned...Learn More
Managing a Crisis
When situations are too much to handle, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, shut down, panic, and regress to a childish state. If you ever have felt like this before you are not alone – one out of five people suffer from conditions that warrant serious treatment, but how many actually get the help they need? I worked at the first Mental Health Urgent Care center in this country, where...Learn More
Out of Control
We have no control over anything. Not our children, the dog, people at work, or the neighbors that are driving you crazy. This is because each person is in control of themselves. We have a very powerful mind and our mind determines our actions “and” nobody has access to another person’s inner workings but themselves. Let’s imagine your best mate does something upsetting. “You are making...Learn More
Limiting Beliefs
Just before I began writing, something upsetting happened that got me upset. This happened because my expectations weren’t met. It’s hard to admit that I reacted like a spoiled child, but it is true. I had just gotten back from a great week of recovery work in Los Angeles, due to all the fires, and as the plane landed in SeaTac I guess all my maturity was left on the tarmac. And thus, as...Learn More
Feelings of the Wildfires
I really don’t know what to say about how shocked I have been to see the devastation playing out in Los Angeles. I grew up, lived, and worked in the Santa Monica / Pacific Palisades area, and my last home was literally a mile south of all the devastation. This past week I have found myself trying to sort out my feelings before traveling there to see the devastation firsthand. One of my...Learn More
Are You Enlightened?
If you think you are enlightened, go home for the holidays. Well, at least that was the joke they told us in grad school. Family has a way of pushing our buttons even if you believe you are an ascended master. After years and years of personal growth, I recently went home for the holidays and had a great time! Am I enlightened? No, far from it. I still had my anxieties, hurt, and shame. Now,...Learn More
Special Memory #5
The most humbling experience I have ever had in my career was with an 18-year-old woman who attended my residential treatment program and we just did not connect. It happens, not every person is going to get along with me. She was there, not of her own choice but her family insisted that she clean herself up and was forced to be there. From the start, whatever I did always went clunk. I had...Learn More
The Psychology of Music
When I was in graduate school, we were asked to write a Master’s Thesis on any subject we desired and I chose Rock Band. Actually, my paper was written on the psychological aspects of creating and performing in a rock and roll band. To be honest, I had the time of my life! I never knew that school could be so much fun! I was born with the gift of music and love playing the guitar and...Learn More
Continuing Education
Continuing coursework is crucial for people working in the mental health field. For me personally, I get bored presenting the same information over and over again, so I am always in search of information and techniques that grab my attention. To be honest, I get pretty giddy when something comes along that intuitively I know will be of great help. Sometimes I review approaches or periodicals...Learn More