The pessimist sees what’s happening today, but expects only an eventual drop-off. After all, the glass is already half empty, so it’s bound to develop a crack, with the contents eventually leaking out all over the place. The future is only going to get worse. […]
Fear that we experience day-to-day is most often imagined. This is because in the mostly civilized society in which we live and function, we’re not often confronted by imminent danger and threat – mobilizing the flight-or-flight response. So when fear arises in non-dangerous situations, the emotional sensations that result are perception-driven and not governed by any objective reality, as we’re not actually in harm’s way. […]
One of the most common problems I encounter when consulting with people about their psychiatric medications is the utter lack of clear rationale for what they’ve been prescribed. The more medications I see on a client’s profile, the more inclined I am to believe that the prescriber has taken a reactive approach to pharmacologically treating this individual. The problem lies in thinking and believing that identifying a patient’s symptoms means having to […]
There are essentially two types of help that we're able to offer people -- unsolicited and solicited. Offering unsolicited help often falls on deaf ears because, by definition, it was unwanted in the first place; thus it's often eschewed by those receiving it. And it only benefits those offering the help -- some of whom are bent on insinuating themselves into the lives of others. Then there's solicited help. That is, help people ask you for -- whether it be [...]
The DSM-5 was in development for more than 10 years. Its official release was announced in May, 2013 at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California. New diagnoses have been added and others have been amended or combined. Some proposed criteria considered for inclusion stirred up so much public and professional ire they were eventually eliminated from the final draft. […]
Or… maybe 20 minutes, tops. This by far, is the #1 complaint that I hear from my clients when it comes to working with their psychiatrist. […]
At the risk of assaulting a few egos, improving your client’s presenting condition – the only thing that counts in the business of psychotherapy and counseling – will not result from how much you know or think you know, how many workshops you’ve attended, how many letters you string behind your name or how many certifications you’ve earned. What matters most is your ability and capacity to develop rapport. And the only way to do this is to be fully [...]
For far too many folks, it’s acceptable to not get what they want rather than be disappointed. Down here in south Louisiana, we have a term for reneging on something or dancing around an announcement of what we want – “crawfishing.” Crawfishing statements are never really clear – “I’ll see what I can do about losing 10 pounds this year;” “I’m considering stopping by a few fitness centers and checking out what they have to offer;” “I’m wondering if now [...]
Ordinarily, I am not a fan of unsolicited feedback. But if you’re soliciting it, or for that matter seeking coaching or counsel, defending your current position or even worse, assuming a defensive posture isn’t going to help you. Defending your ideas or ways of doing something will preclude you from listening intently for the messages put forth by those you’ve chosen to help you change your current situation. And being defensive means that you not only won’t listen to the [...]
Anyone who has either recently started or is contemplating the use of antidepressants or benzodiazepine anti-anxiety agents should ask themselves: what is it I am asking of the drug and for how long do I envision availing myself of its services. […]
