My new book
A pill a day, but don’t keep the doctor away
Medicine alone is simply not enough to ensure wellness when treating depression, anxiety and many other mental health ailments.
Psychotherapy, in the form of talking sessions with a qualified professional, is essential to recovery, researchers have found.
We are created as social human beings. We did not come to this earth to be alone. Our connections — emotionally, intellectually and psychologically — are both critical and natural. That’s why combining psychotherapy with medicine proves so effective in treating depression and other mental health problems.
Millions of Americans take mood-lifting prescription drugs every day, yet they often continue to feel depressed or anxious.
Part of the blame goes to the myth that humans should cope with uncomfortable feelings and thoughts on their own. That people should “tough things out.” That seeking help and support shows weakness.
This way of thinking is both a tragedy and a fallacy.
Seeking help is courageous, necessary and organic to our natures.
The adage two heads are better than one rings true.
Sharing our sorrows, joys, fears and pain makes us feel better. When we lean on a caring other person and gain support, we don’t feel so alone in this great big world. Basically it’s a win-win situation.
So next time you’re thinking this little pill alone will do the trick, think again. While prescription medicine may help in the short- and sometimes long-term, healing will be minimized without the support of a trusted empathic professional who provides insight and guidance.
We need one another.
Reach out.
Dr. Katrina Wood’s practice is in Southern California. Learn more about her psychotherapy centers.
‘That’s Not Love, This Is’ video, part 1
Here’s some help with your most important relationships. Dr. Katrina offers advice based on her book “That’s Not Love, This Is” (first of two parts).
Dr. Kat says we must learn to express feelings as we did as a child, before “shaming voices” bottled up our emotions. “It’s a treacherous, courageous journey back to that place,” she says. “And a very necessary one if relationships are going to endure.”
View part 2 of Dr. Katrina’s relationship talk.
View more of Dr. Katrina’s psychotherapy videos on YouTube.
Related content:
Old pain, new relationships: a solution
Sexual healing for your relationship
In defense of being ‘touchy feely’
‘That’s Not Love, This Is’ video part 2
More help with relationships. Dr. Katrina continues the two-part video talk based on her book “That’s Not Love, This Is.”
(View part 1.)
In part 2, Dr. Kat covers: How to avoid the “You” trap … Keeping the past out of present conversations … Subjective experience and relationships … Quieting “all those voices” from within … The urgency of expressing feelings … and the myth of “touchy feely.”
View more of Dr. Katrina’s psychotherapy videos on YouTube.
Related content:
The Mystery of You: Helping Your Love Solve It
‘I can see how you would feel that way’
Show Your Fear, Not Your Anger
CDs to soothe the soul
My Relaxation Reverie CD collection offers meditation, guided-imagery and relaxation audio. My new website, Cozy Children, is the place for children's audio stories.
Here are three audio samples:
Fall Reverie
Magic Forest
Toy Store