How Avoiding Painful Emotions Can Lead to a Smaller Life

“Being cut off from our own natural Self-compassion is one of the greatest impairments we can suffer.” ~Gabor Mate Most of us avoid experiences not necessarily because we don’t like them or want them, but because we don’t want to feel how we will feel when we go through that experience. Our lives become altered […]

Therapy Isn’t Something to Be Ashamed Of

As a therapist, as well as someone who goes to therapy, I can speak firsthand about the importance of attending therapy. Think of it this way: you are driving your car and suddenly you hear a funny noise. At first, you ignore it and hope it goes away. But over time, the noise starts to […]

The Benefits of Accepting Your Unwanted Emotions

Since it is difficult to accept unwanted emotions, it helps to understand the benefits of doing so. We need a helpful carrot, a reason for the pain. Being open to feeling emotional pain without purpose can feel reckless, masochistic, and devoid of Self-compassion. The first step in accepting our emotions is understanding that they serve […]

Surviving Election Night: 7 Tips to Manage Your Emotions

Election night can create a roller coaster of emotional stress as results come in. Pundits will debate, and if the last few weeks are any indication, misinformation and conspiracy theories will fly. No matter where you stand politically, it’s a high-stakes event, and that tension can feel overwhelming, making you vulnerable to manipulation that makes […]