For the first three decades of Julie Kraft’s life, every day was a struggle. “From the minute I woke up to the moment my head hit the pillow each night, my mind would spin with worries and fears—most of them irrational—about the past, present and the future,” Kraft said. “I
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Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger November 7, 2018
Below are four ways Trump’s presidency has evoked a sense of powerlessness: 1) Marginalization – when an individual or group minimizes or disavows the legitimacy, rights or privileges of others who are believed to be somehow different from the mainstream. 2) Internalizing external reality- themes of loss related to reduced
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Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger November 4, 2018
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
Read More Shared by Aaron Karmin, LCPC, Contributing Blogger November 4, 2018
This is what most people think obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) looks like: washing your hands excessively because you’re a germaphobe. Sometimes, people think it’s also needing to have a neat, orderly home, and checking to see if you locked the door way too many times. And while some of this is
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger November 2, 2018
There’s a prevailing belief that exploring your past in therapy is pointless. A complete waste of time. After all, talking about past circumstances doesn’t change them. It’s also self-indulgent and narcissistic, right? And it takes too darn long. You can talk about your childhood for years and not get anywhere.
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 31, 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
Anxiety seems like a simple, straightforward topic. After all, it’s a common emotion—everyone feels anxious from time to time. And it’s a common condition. In fact, it’s the most common mental illness in the U.S. Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of adults every year. And yet there are many,
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 13, 2018
Parenting is an amazing adventure. It is an honor and a privilege to raise a human being. It is fascinating, and wonderful to witness your kids evolve, and to grow alongside them. But parenting also has many annoying parts—frustrating, challenging, and sometimes downright maddening parts. And sometimes it’s these annoying
Read More Shared by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S., Contributing Blogger October 6, 2018