Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

Finding the good in ‘goodbye’

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Why do we avoid long goodbyes with those we love? What is so unbearable about saying goodbye that we keep our most heartfelt sentiments short and to the point? "Goodbye" is one of the most necessary and important words in our language, yet one we often toss aside, hoping it will just simply go away. Why? Perhaps goodbye reflects both our vulnerability and deepest connection with those we … [Read more...]

Summer’s here — so are the hotheads!

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Summer has finally arrived, conjuring up all manner of fun, relaxation and, of course, vacation adventures. In today's fast-paced world, people sometimes forget that the journey to our destination -- for our well-deserved and much-needed breaks -- is supposed to be part of the fun. But it doesn't always work out that way, does it?! Traveling, even for good times, often sets the stage for … [Read more...]

Failure: The downside … and the upside

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I remember watching with fascination and dread the ice skating championships at the Olympics at Sochi in 2014. Some of the most artistic, disciplined, skilled and graceful performers in the world took to the icy rink with bold courage. Taking enormous risks, they spun and twirled with big smiles and great passion -- speeding around the rink to loud music, from classical to rock to blues. I … [Read more...]

When grief is complicated

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Grief, we are often reminded, is a process, a journey that we are called to embark upon uninvited -- with the hope perhaps of accessing and integrating painful, sometimes agonizing and world-shattering feelings of loss. Grief comes even when loss is a choice, a conscious decision -- for example, the ending of a professional relationship that may have been positive or negative. Saying goodbye to … [Read more...]

Compassionate musings

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Some thoughts and resolutions centering on kindness and self-worth. Followed by the wisdom of others. ● I will treat myself with kindness and consideration. ● Because I treat myself this way, I wish to be treated with kindness and consideration, and treat others with kindness and consideration. ● When I am not being treated with respect and kindness, I will take measures to protect … [Read more...]