Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

Stepping back into sunlight: a cautionary tale

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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...]

Social distancing. Not social isolating.

By

We all suffer in greater and lesser degrees from the coronavirus pandemic. Living in unknown territory has never been pleasant, even for the most fearless of us. We like certainty, predictability, routines, structure -- all of which provide a sense of control and efficacy in our daily lives. But THIS, this unseen silent hidden virus, which continues to show up just when things seem stable, … [Read more...]