Among the buzzwords in psychology these days is the word “trigger.” We hear it everywhere. People say, “That triggered me,” or “I felt really triggered by what happened.” And in therapy, when a client recognizes that a particular interaction, another person’s behavior or even a seemingly ordinary situation has become a trigger, this awareness can be an important beginning. But sometimes it … [Read more...]
Tossed on the high seas without a paddle
There are times when turbulence feels like the norm. Life loses its predictability. What we see as the certainties of everyday life are not as certain as we’d like. Opening the daily paper or doomscrolling the news sites and social media, we’re confronted with one traumatic piece of information after another. Such moments can be scary, leading to unexpected irritation and edginess. Maybe we … [Read more...]
A house divided, trying to stand
Matthew 12:25 states, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and no city or household divided against itself will stand." While this Biblical wisdom may also be said of family systems, perhaps even more poignantly today it serves as a reminder of the stressful and disheartening state of conflict between our "houses" and "states" within the United States. A grave tear in … [Read more...]
Couples intensive therapy: risks and rewards
Couples intensive therapy is for the courageous. For those who admit they've done all they can do on their own. It’s a brave, bold step for both parties struggling in an endangered relationship. The willingness to seek help is a core positive value, especially in such an intimate part of our lives. Therapists know only too well that those turning to intensive interventions are in a lot of pain … [Read more...]
Trauma on the world stage
Israel. Gaza. Ukraine. Violent divisive protests across the globe. Rising antisemitism. A killer hurricane on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Threats of nuclear war. Of late, the world has seen an unprecedented series of events evoking trauma states within individuals. These traumas manifest in various ways. Some overtly. Others subtle or hidden. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not only … [Read more...]
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