For eight months, I’ve navigated virtual counseling with a young client that showed up in person for the first time today. A Bath and Body Works scent hits my nose as we hug, “Well, don’t you smell good.” I say, pulling away to take in the real-life human standing before me. With the smirk, “Yeah,Continue reading “Will You Catch Me”
Category Archives: Mental Health Counseling
Feels For Reals
“I’m feeling anxious and stressed.” I nodded, stood, and walked to grab my “Mixed Emotions” card deck from a shelf in my office. “Anything else you’re feeling?” I asked in the midst of handing over the 77 images accompanied with various experiences, then directed him to make two piles, one affirming the emotion and theContinue reading “Feels For Reals”
Dance Magic
I’m still in disbelief over the progress between the mother and daughter I saw yesterday in session. I was so relieved and touched by their openness and vulnerability that I cried. Because just last week, they wouldn’t even look at each other. And after seeing their painful pattern of attacking and shutting down, I wasn’tContinue reading “Dance Magic”
Only The Lonely
We long for closeness and attachment in spite of our fears and insecurities about doing so. They lurk inside us – buying their time – until they strike and grab hold of us as suddenly as an alligator on its prey. I shared a concern with a client today; that they were coming to sessionsContinue reading “Only The Lonely”
Chitter Chatter
I’m fearful I’m going to fail the mother and daughter pair I am starting to work with. Mostly I’m afraid my emotions will steer the three of us straight into a concrete barrier. Which means I must bring all my self-care and soothing techniques to the big game. Deep breathing. Curiosity. Keep it light. IContinue reading “Chitter Chatter”
One Week
I’m not fond of my serious side, even though I know it’s an essential aspect of my identity. But like Barenaked Naked Ladies said, “I’m the kind of guy that laughs at a funeral,” so I suppose there are others out there like me. I remember the first client I ever saw, a woman freshlyContinue reading “One Week”
Lesson On Guilt
What’s the emotion you least like experiencing and why? Mine has always been guilt. I think it’s because guilt usually comes wrapped with fear and anxiety like bacon and cream cheese do in a jalapeno popper. Too much guilt is like weeds in a garden. A few are fine, but the more you have, theContinue reading “Lesson On Guilt”
You’re So Sensitive
Do you know when basketball or soccer players fall to the ground intentionally to try to draw a penalty? But, just like the Griswold’s turkey at Christmas, it can be so overdone that you can’t help shake your head at the display. We live in a hyper-sensitive time where the line between what’s ok andContinue reading “You’re So Sensitive”
Sweet Relief
I need to update you about on client from yesterday. They are alive and well and showed up right on time for their 3 pm appointment. So that’s a relief. Rule #1: Please don’t email me a message that leads me to believe that you might kill yourself and then turn your phone off. (BecauseContinue reading “Sweet Relief”
Cheers, To Me
Uh oh, this is what I feared; a blank mind. I need to have something to write about. Right? But shouldn’t this be a good thing, a time when all my inner voices have settled down and are finally taking a nice, long siesta? I recall a phone call with a good friend years ago,Continue reading “Cheers, To Me”
Going On 40 