…n friendships. In any relationship, we can cultivate asking questions that draw the person out or allow them to tell their story, and this is scientifically proven to strengthen the relationship. 2. Pause When we do ask our partner to open up about themselves, we must also take time to hear the answer. A polite “how was your day?” while we’re simultaneously throwing a load of laundry in the wash or checking Instagram is not going to have much of a…
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…this, they need to find the right kind of treatment. Unfortunately, when a person does seek help, a lack of OCD training for health professionals can sometimes lead to a wrong or missed diagnosis. The good news is extremely effective, very specific treatments for OCD exist. These treatments differ from traditional talk therapy and can be life-changing for people affected by this disorder. Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP ) is a type of Co…
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…se of friendly, sympathetic and unselfish understanding. Charity means you drop your personal feelings and substitute comprehension and understanding. Suppose someone has been arousing your hostility. Above all, you cannot escape, and you cannot black out his/her aggressions. In this case, you can diminish your hostility and resultant anxiety by understanding the aggressor. In other words, you become a psychotherapist. Try to understand how that p…
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…l. Developed by Andrew Leeds, it is a protocol for therapists trained in EMDR to help those who struggle to accept positive feelings or beliefs about themselves. It is especially helpful for many survivors of childhood trauma who learned to suppress or avoid positive emotional states to cope with neglect or abuse. The Importance of the Trauma-Informed Approach Trauma-informed therapy is an indispensable approach for all therapy. It is so important…
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…erson’s journey is their own, including your child’s. So what can we do to help our children/teenagers grow into adults with a strong sense of self—knowing who they are and confident about being in the world? After working with kids and teens for the past 15 years at over five schools here are 7 tips I can give around helping support your child/teen develop a clear sense of self, which can also create stronger parent-child communication, respect,…
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…rity. Sometimes silent, empathic support—whether a shoulder to cry on or a person to vent to—is more helpful than advice. While practical support is often appreciated, emotional support can be just as helpful. Do your part to destigmatize. The biggest fear I had in opening up to close ones was the fear that people would look at me differently. By reassuring them that you still see them as who they truly are, under the occasional mask of anxiety, t…
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…em get through this experience? There are some “do’s and don’ts” that will help you help your partner. These are derived from a training manual used by counselors treating rape survivors, but they are equally relevant in caring for other sufferers of tragedy. When reaching out to someone who is suffering from the trauma of tragedy: DO show affection and warmth. DO NOT feel rejected if they avoid physical contact or need to move slowly with intimac…
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…ice: $49 On-Demand Webinars In this Webinar: This online workshop with Dr. Lisa Firestone will provide tools to help people heal insecure attachment, resolve trauma, integrate their… Learn More How does an anxious attachment manifest in adulthood? Children who have an anxious attachment often grow up to have preoccupied attachment patterns. As adults, they tend to be self-critical and insecure. They seek approval and reassurance from others, y…
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…nny It may sound simple, but this is actually something psychologists like Dr. Lisa Firestone advise people to try when they’re experiencing symptoms of depression. The very act of smiling or laughing can improve our mood. One study even showed that forcing a smile can genuinely reduce stress and increase positive feelings. “Play your favorite sitcom, watch a funny movie or read a comical writer,” said Dr. Firestone. “Don’t think of this exercise…
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