Befriending Bipolar
Bipolar Disorder has its ups and downs. Actually, that is the definition of the disorder. Clinically speaking, it is a disorder of the Hippocampus in the brain, which is the center of our wake/sleep cycle. The Hippocampus impacts the body by releasing adrenaline into the system. When the valve opens, it bathes the body with adrenaline and perks us up, however, this valve may stay open too...Learn More
The Benefits of Slowing Down
Have you ever made those rash decisions, blurted out something, and then later regretted it? Have you ever talked over someone else when they were speaking because you were impatient or defensive? Then this article was written for you. The cerebral cortex is the main area in the brain that processes information. When stressed out, angry, or intoxicated, this part of the brain goes offline and...Learn More
Have I Lost It?
I can’t believe it, but I began writing another book. Even though I am in the middle of professionally recording my music, you would think that I didn’t have much time to do anything else. All I know is that for the last few days, I’ve had this nagging voice inside of me that had another agenda, writing another book. Over 20 years ago, I came up with a process called Opposite Hand Play. It...Learn More
Holiday Greetings
Basic Steps Mental Health is about to enter our seventh year of providing services to people in the Mukilteo and surrounding areas. We wanted to take this time to thank you for being a valued client and sharing the valuable information you have learned with loved ones. The holidays are a special time to share your heart with yourself, family, and wonderful friends. We hope that our time...Learn More
Expectations
Relationships are complex. Two people from two different backgrounds and two different life experiences are suddenly thrust into each other’s world and if you don’t know how to be in close quarters with somebody, things can get out of hand. Now, if you suffered trauma in the past, intimacy can be very difficult because it is natural for a part inside of you to be on guard, fearing that it...Learn More
The Benefits of Group Therapy
I read an article years ago about the top 50 therapy approaches for treatment and could kick myself for not saving it. What I recall was group therapy was in the top five, family therapy in the top ten, number 7 was aversion therapy – like Schick Shadel used to offer before their recent close, individual therapy was around 15, and around 47 was the 12 steps. Group therapy will be the focus of...Learn More
The Foundation of Our Relationships
You would think that relationships were all about sharing love and having amazing moments together, well, yes, that is true but to Spiritual Psychology, a relationship entails each partner healing old wounds that have been suppressed in the subconsciousness. This baggage, if not given an outlet can wreak havoc. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me is simply...Learn More
Fix-It Time
While driving to work this week my car developed a problem, now it is in the shop and getting worked on. Such is life. It seems like I have had my share of fix-its recently, including changing the internet provider for a faster network and getting a new computer because the old one was bogging down. Though, I am not the only one. Many clients have also been experiencing problems with...Learn More
Relationships 101
Psychology is basically the science of relationships. One of my licenses is for Marriage, Family Therapy. As you can see it deals with the relationships between two or more people, however, our relationships with others is a reflection of how we are with ourselves. Therefore, we need to improve our relationship with ourselves to see improvements with other people in our life. Let’s face...Learn More