Codependency, or Addiction involving relationships, is just as much a part of Addiction as drug use, alcohol use, gambling, or other manifestations. Yet, it often gets a bad wrap, is consistently misunderstood and not placed in the Addiction category. Today, I am here to tell you that Addiction involving relationships is just as much a […]
Relapsing in Codependency Read More »
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and more cities are recommending self-isolating as a precaution, it struck me that people who are normally busy and living an extraverted life are being forced by circumstance to live as an introvert. Introversion and extraversion are personality typing classifications that stem from the work of psychoanalyst Carl Jung. These
Living as an Introvert Read More »
When you look up lists of feelings, they are often categorized as good vs. bad. This gives us the impression that some feelings are wanted, encouraged, and welcomed, whereas others are unwanted, discouraged, and, therefore, need to be avoided, shut off, and/or disregarded. From an emotional health and intelligence perspective, this sets up a problem.
From ‘Good vs. Bad’ Feelings to Just ‘Feelings’ Read More »
I have been enjoying some hilarious, sardonic comedies as of late (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Difficult People) are the notable ones that come to mind. All of these shows feature characters going to therapy and the depiction of the therapist and therapeutic process. Now I get that these are comedies and
The Portrayal of Therapy in Popular Media Read More »
As a psychologist I spend a lot of time talking. I have also taken it upon myself over the years to do videos, blog posts, articles, and podcasts to share information related to Addiction and mental health. Sometimes I hit a wall with what I can say. I feel like I’ve “been there, done that,”
What to Say When You’ve Run Out of Things to Say Read More »
We are all pretty aware of the essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy, even if you’re not a nutritionist, is somewhat clear; physical activity; down time; balance; moderation or no substance use; and probably some other components that you have picked up over time. We all know this intellectually, yet how come it
The Solutions are Simple, But Not Easy Read More »
I have struggled with anxiety throughout my life. Anxiety related to people, situations, performance, approval, not being good enough, safety, etc. It recently flared up in a deep freeze that happened as my brain was consistently on the prowl looking for possibilities of what could go wrong. Of course, there’s many. Furnace could break. Car
Anxiety: Our Fear Reflex on Overdrive Read More »
Yes, here it is, that uncomfortable but commonly thought about but rarely discussed topic of sex. We will also push the bar a little bit further and talk specifically about sex in the context of recovery from Addiction and mental health issues. Okay, maybe I’ve set my sights a bit high here as this is
Sexual Health in Recovery Read More »
One of my main pet peeves is new years resolutions. As a Registered Psychologist, I deal with change on a regular basis and setting an arbitrary start point like the start of a new year is not an effective way to kickstart the major life changes you have been hoping to make. Let’s face it,
New Year, New Goals? Read More »
People can be so diligent about their boundary and intention setting during the year, yet a lot of that work seems to take a back seat during the holiday season. Boundaries are replaced by the automatic patterns of people-pleasing, image management, appeasement, obligation, expectation, and shoulds. (As a quick tip, none of the latter are
Boundaries During the Holidays by Paige Abbott, Registered Psychologist Read More »
