Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

Taming the resentful mother

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There is something startling about a mother demonstrating bitter and resentful behaviors toward her daughter. Something unnatural, confusing and disquieting. This dynamic should not exist in a normal mother-daughter relationship. Yet it occurs more than we would like to admit. But why -- and what impact does this have on a child who looks to a mother as all-encompassing protector, mentor, … [Read more...]

Finding ‘me’: A guide to self-discovery

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When someone asks “What do you want” from a situation or a relationship, it’s sometimes so hard to know. Why do we struggle with that question? Perhaps we wrestle with the notion that what we want is selfish or uncaring. That we’re acting entitled. Could it be that these thoughts are absorbed voices from some unkind person that took root long ago. And caused us to be unsure of ourselves — and … [Read more...]

Finding ‘me’: Getting back to innocence

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“Finding me” can be exciting, yet painful for the parts of us that were lost. Here are some ways to stay in touch with the precious part of the innocence that exists within you -- from supportive self-talk to simple behaviors that help in small ways every day. Take a day trip to the beach, lake or river with someone you care for and who cares for you. Or enjoy on your own. Take time to watch … [Read more...]

Easing back to the new normal in the workplace

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2022 brought with it some real hope and change as businesses began to inch back into life. Employers and employees are operating in the "new normal," mostly freed from the constraints imposed by Covid-19. While some employers continue to permit work from home -- remote staffing appears here to stay -- many others have required their employees to return to a single nuclear base. Ideally, … [Read more...]

A child, a man and a moment of violence

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Around the globe, millions witnessed what appeared to be a case of unresolved childhood trauma. A comedian slights an actor’s family member and -- in the blink of an eye -- shame, rage and guilt erupt. Violence ensues. The trance-like state that bound Will Smith in that moment at the Oscars spoke of decades of complex emotions and unconscious thoughts. All landing in one destructive action. … [Read more...]