The Superwoman Syndrome Recently, a highly accomplished woman said to me, “I am absolutely overwhelmed.” She told me she cannot keep up with the responsibilities of three children of multiple ages and needs, graduate school classes, job, her family and in-laws, family pets, a recent move, health concerns, and lastly (very much last), self-care. She…
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Movies and Psychotherapy Recently, I’ve had the honor of being a consultant for a movie, currently in production, where a lead character is a clinical psychologist in a futuristic world. I was approached to provide some insight about what it’s like to do my work, and imbue the character with some of my personal traits.…
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Depression Is: Emotional: Your baseline enjoyment of life decreases. In other words, you start constantly feeling a sense of suffering, or emotional pain, for no clear reason. Your are more negatively impacted by set-backs, and find it harder to enjoy the things that bring you pleasure and joy. Physical : You have less energy. Just…
depression
Other than your closest friends and the family that matter, you don’t owe anyone anything. Just because you’re good at (fill in the blank), you don’t have to help somebody else with it. If they value your skill, they will offer to compensate you for your time, help, and energy. You are under no obligation…
Generalstrategies for self-care
We are wired to care, down to the neurochemical level. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide (hormone) that is produced in the brain (hypothalamus) and is then distributed through your body by your bloodstream. It’s commonly know that breastfeeding mothers release oxytocin, as do couples during intimacy and friends during a warm hug. It is also released…
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To live a full and connected life in the face of difficulty and even tragedy requires the capacity to feel and make use of our emotional experience. -Diana Fosha, The Transforming Power of Affect. I have clients who have asked me to teach them how not to cry. It’s seen as fake or a sign…
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Foundations of Wellbeing May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I am frequently asked by interviewers and websites about what defines mental health. I believe there are seven interrelated foundations that underlie mental health: Physical, Intellectual, Environmental, Vocational, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual health. Physical Wellbeing Move More. Eat Better. This dimension of wellbeing focuses on…
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High functioning ADHD can look like: Feeling like you have great ideas, but are unable to organize them or act on them. Hitting a wall or shutting down in the middle of the day, or after going for hours. Feeling not good enough or an imposter. Losing or misplacing things. Difficulty prioritizing when faced with…
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Your relationship with yourself is the most defining factor in shaping the kind of life you live, especially in interactions with your friends, colleagues, work, and family. Think of the people in your life that you love and respect. How do you treat them? Do you want to protect them when they are hurting? Do…
strategies for self-care
Gaslighting refers to when someone tries to overwrite your memories, experiences, or perceptions. Simultaneously, they may convince you that you are wrong if you attempt to question their “edited” version of reality. Over time, the individual being gaslighted starts doubting their own thoughts and memories. Most mental health professionals consider gaslighting to be a form…
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Combined with psychoeducational testing, it helps provide comprehensive information and recommendations to help children and teens six and up.
