Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

The Law of Attraction: Another way through the looking glass

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The notion that we attract who we are and how we walk in the world perhaps has some merit, but the concept misses some important markers. Deep within us lies an abiding place: One full of creativity, joy, dreaming. But also with deep relational hopes, losses, pain and longings. Longings connected to the pain of lost relationships -- due to an early demise, rejection or an absence. The … [Read more...]

‘Tis the season for the little things

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Once again the joy and challenges of the holiday season have arrived -- accompanied by expectations, hopes and a sense perhaps of inventory taken at this time of year. We look back on the year with feelings of accomplishment, awe, sadness, happiness and insight. Perhaps with joy; perhaps with regret. For some, a year goes by quickly; for others it can feel like the longest journey of a … [Read more...]

Flirting, not straying — a question of balance

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Being in a committed relationship is a wonderful experience. Two people in a sacred union, sharing love, responsibilities, perhaps children … their lives. For some, nothing is more important in this life. But what about attractions to people outside the relationship -- from mild flirtations to overt emotional affairs? Even in the most committed relationships, there inevitably arise … [Read more...]

Confronting others but finding yourself

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A common misconception holds that confrontation is synonymous with aggression, hostility and rage, and therefore must be avoided all costs. That no good can come from confrontation and it will all end in "tears" or violence. This is far from the case; an important aspect of our wellness is the ability to confront others. And if we can do this in a reasonable and articulate way, confrontation … [Read more...]

Anxiety isn’t always a bad thing

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In the final decades of the 19th century, a young Sigmund Freud was hammering out his theories and exploring the dense and complex world of the human psyche. Over time Freud fine-tuned his work and pondered what was then known as "hysteria." He offered in a paper a new way of looking at anxiety. Freud felt there were aspects of anxiety that might be useful, and in turn he coined the term … [Read more...]