We all run into negative thought “loops” at times that are difficult to shake. Sometimes these negative thought loops can contribute to our suffering because the way we think affects the way we feel. For instance, incessantly thinking about a romantic relationship that went south can lead to strong feelings of sadness, anger, regret, and jealously (if …Read More
Mindfulness in My Work as a Therapist
Oct 15, 2009
In my previous blog, I list three ways therapists can use mindfulness in their work (from the book, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy.) In my work as a therapist, all three of their examples have informed my work in some way. As a starting point, my formal and informal mindfulness practice helps me to be more present …Read More
Coping with Distressing Thoughts – Part 3
Jun 12, 2009
Now more on how to cope with distressing thoughts. Here is one simple but powerful technique that you might want to give a try. This technique works particularly well when something “bad” has happened and you begin to think negative thoughts and feelings about that situation. Oftentimes, we “make mountains out of mole hills” and …Read More
Coping With Distressing Thoughts – Part 2
Jun 11, 2009
Dr. William Glasser is a psychiatrist who has had a substantial impact on the field of psychotherapy. Interestingly, he never prescribed medication in his career as a psychiatrist and instead focused on what he called “reality therapy” and “choice theory” to help people work through psychological pain. I’m not going to give the overview of …Read More
Coping with Distressing Thoughts – Part 1
May 28, 2009
In my last post, I talked about how not all daydreaming is good…how our thoughts can drift into negative content, which provides the fuel for negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. What do we do about this problem? As you might guess, this is a really BIG topic. There’s no way to quickly and …Read More
Power of Words & Self-Talk
Jul 31, 2008
Words can be tremendously powerful. Very subtle changes in choice of words, voice inflection, etc. can totally change the impact our words have on others. Importantly, our words cannot control others, only influence them. Other people could choose to ignore what we say altogether. However, to a great extent, the words we choose can have …Read More
Windows of Illumination
Jul 14, 2008
I had to go take care of a traffic ticket today at a precinct office – not a favorite task, but I try to take a flexible approach to life and see situations from different perspectives. It’s very challenging to do this with some things, but it works well with many others. The Dalai Lama …Read More
Self-Liberation Through Mindfulness
May 6, 2008
Now we’ve arrived at potentially the most powerful way to break out of a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. It is through mindfulness, which is really a way of changing our being more than just our doing or thinking. It is the transformation of consciousness. As a refresher, mindfulness is the term used in …Read More
Self-Liberation Through Thoughts
Apr 24, 2008
So, changing our behavior is one way of improving our sense of well-being. I’m referring to this as a form of self-liberation because we do not have to be shackled to our feelings. We can rise above these in a number of ways. Another way of gaining self-liberation is through changing our thoughts. According to …Read More
Self Liberation
Apr 20, 2008
Now, I’m on the same journey as everyone else, so I grow and learn just as you do. Thus, I expect my views to change some over time. Still, I’m very interested in finding some core truths that everyone can use to improve their lives. I’m comfortable saying that what I’m about to list here …Read More