Therapist: “Do you want to learn more about yourself as a person?” Client: “I guess, but I probably won’t like it.” Therapist: “I didn’t say you had to like it. But, if you do it right, it only hurts for a little while. One thing I’d like you to do
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Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger November 4, 2018
Therapist: “It must have made you very angry when your father yelled and criticized you in front of your boyfriend.” Client: “I’m not angry anymore.” Therapist: “That’s true. You don’t feel angry. Your anger has been down there so long you’ve lost touch with it. But it’s an obstacle to
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 23, 2018
When people are upset, the words they use rarely convey the issues and needs at the heart of the problem. When we listen for what is felt as well as said, we connect more deeply to our own needs and emotions, and to those of other people. · Listen to
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 20, 2018
Managing and resolving conflict requires emotional maturity, self-control, and empathy. It can be tricky, frustrating, and even frightening. You can ensure that the process is as positive as possible by sticking to the following conflict resolution guidelines: · Make the relationship your priority. Maintaining and strengthening the relationship, rather than
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 15, 2018
I wonder if others think about apathy and personal experiences related to the bystander effect. Guest blogger, Laura Brownstone, LCSW has been a therapist for over 15 years. In this post, she shares her experiences with the impact of apathy on her community and the value of contributing to the common
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 6, 2018
Conflict triggers strong emotions and can lead to hurt feelings, disappointment, and discomfort. When handled in an unhealthy manner, it can cause irreparable rifts, resentments, and breakups. But when conflict is resolved in a healthy way, it increases our understanding of one another, builds trust, and strengthens our relationship bonds.
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger October 2, 2018
Having a connection is like cooking a meal. All the parts combine to create something new and distinct. No different then all the flavors that make meal, all the traits two people share, combine to build a connection. For example, even if you don’t like eggs, you may enjoy cake.
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger September 9, 2018
Stereotypically, women are thought of as emotional and men as logical, but biology says this is false. Scientists have discovered that men have a larger part of their brain devoted to emotional responses and a smaller region for logical thinking than women. This makes sense if you consider the energy
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger September 9, 2018
When we understand our anger, we understand ourselves. When something happens in the present that reminds us of feelings from the past, our emotions become exaggerated and we get angrier then the reality of the current situation requires. Our anger from the past compounds the feelings in the present and
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger September 9, 2018
(Therapist) “What has to happen before you can ask for help?” (Client) “I don’t know?” (Therapist) ”You have to trust the person you are asking.” (Client) “I don’t trust many people.” (Therapist)”What has to happen before you can trust people?” (Client) “They have to earn my trust.” (Therapist) “Or you
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger August 23, 2018