Let me preface this post by saying that, unlike many of my articles, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily grounded in scientific data. Rather, they find their roots in my own experience and that of my clients and peers, as well as religious and spiritual teachings. Why Redemption Matters What exactly is redemption and
Trauma & Recovery
When Coping Strategies Fail: Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and Recovery
What is Trauma? The word trauma is thrown around a lot these days. For example, you may have heard a friend refer to their family reunion as “absolutely traumatizing.” But what exactly is trauma, and what differentiates it from simply a stressful situation? Also, What makes the same event traumatizing for one person and not
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Grief & Loss
Letting Go Everyday: The Challenge and Gift of Grief
Running From Grief Losing someone you love can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. It can feel as if a part of you is literally being ripped away and your heart trampled despite your greatest protests. The hole left behind can be excruciatingly painful and leave you feeling empty and utterly alone. Because
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Relationships
Why Are We Still Fighting? Two Invaluable Keys to Overcoming Conflict in Relationship
Relationships Are Tough If you are a human being (which is quite likely if you are reading this), then chances are that at some point you have struggled in an intimate relationship. You may have asked yourself questions like, “Why doesn’t he/she listen to me?” and “Why don’t I feel loved, appreciated, or acknowledged the
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Psychology & Spirit
Why Isn’t My Life Changing After My Spiritual Retreat!? Overcoming the Integration Challenge to Transform Your Life
If you’ve ever gone on a spiritual retreat or done anything where you had a profound shift in consciousness, you might be wondering how it’s possible to so easily go from the peace, calm, and serenity of these expansive states right back to the chaos and confusion of everyday life? If so, you are not
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Mindfulness
Treating PTSD with Mindfulness
Mindfulness has become a big buzzword in psychology these days. From working with borderline personality disorder to depression and anxiety, researchers are finding that its uses range far and wide. Given this, it is no wonder that research is starting to show that mindfulness can also help in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Chronic Pain & Illness
How to Transform Chronic Pain: From Resistance to Compassion
Why Don’t They Get It? If you or someone you love is experiencing chronic pain from illness or injury, you know first hand how extremely difficult and debilitating it can be. Many physicians know and understand how chronic pain may affect your physical body, however they tend to overlook or downplay the psychological effects that can
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Behavioral Addiction
Technology Addiction: How the Internet is Turning Us All Into Addicts
We are the Lab Rats . . . Do you find yourself obsessively checking your email, Facebook, or surfing the web, when you know your time would be better spent doing actual work or spending time with friends and family? If so, you are now a part of the majority of Americans. We are in the
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Behavioral Addiction
Pornography Addiction 101
The Brain of an Addict Pornography addiction falls under the broader category of a process, or behavioral, addiction. With recent advances in medical technology, such as fMRI, researchers are discovering that the addictive patterns found in the brain of a substance addict, are in fact the same as someone addicted to a behavior, such as