Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

Corralling the Four Horsemen

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Some days, it feels like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have arrived. But wait! Just who are these unwelcome and mysterious figures? The Four Horsemen originally documented in the book of Revelation represented the “end of days.” They were Death, Famine, War and Conquest. Setting aside the literal end-of-days scenario, what if we consider that we carry within us similar archetypal … [Read more...]

Stepping back into sunlight: a cautionary tale

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Some of the most difficult experiences we can encounter come after we've been injured and begin the prospect of healing. Regardless of whether our injuries are physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, the journey back always seems daunting. Yet we're full of hope, empowered by a desire to move forward. After more than a year of Covid-19 lockdown, some states are reopening indoor dining, … [Read more...]

Life during wartime: the coronavirus psychology

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We are engaged in a war. Not a typical war where an enemy is clearly identifiable. We're up against an invisible enemy: the Covid-19 virus. The conflict requires something unique and brutally wrenching from its civilians: isolation and physical disconnection. The collective life force has been stopped dead in its tracks now for over a year. Society's mental wellness clearly has declined, … [Read more...]

Agoraphobia on the pandemic home front

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We are told to stay at home. This is not only an order. These are the wisest of words of caution, as the coronavirus continues to ravage our planet. A stay-at-home order certainly is bearable for a period of time. But here we are in 2021: The weeks have turned into months and now we're at the one-year mark. Still cooped up. Tensions are rising in our homes. Moods have become unstable; … [Read more...]

Christmas in the time of Covid

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Well there isn't much to say that hasn’t already been said about the state of our union at this time with regard to Covid-19 ... and yet, is there still a little more? For this time of year always has been, and always will be, as Charles Dickens' wonderful ghosts reminded Ebenezer Scrooge, "a time of giving." A time to step outside of ourselves just a little more than usual and turn our gaze … [Read more...]