In a memorable moment in graduate school, my professor said, "A good social worker needs to walk the walk, not just talk the talk." I knew instantly that it was true. It is helpful and necessary in my job to say things, make suggestions, offer observations, provide...
In elementary school, our art teacher would coax us into making some unintended dribble or scribble into a "happy mistake." I was not receptive. I would rather have started over so that I might have some pristine piece of art when I was done. A quarter of a century...
I get excited when clients make breakthroughs. They are also really excited, and so we both feel terrific. This week, a client pointed out that not every session contains a breakthrough. "That's true," I admitted. It got me thinking about the importance of having a...
I try not to take offense, but it seems that scientists are obsessed with eliminating my job. Some want to see machines replace trained therapists to help you with your emotional problems. That seems a little weird, since emotions are the only thing a computer cannot...
It's dreary today here in Maine. The cold and dark is beginning to wear on everyone. It is especially hard for those diagnosed with depression. Depression is a serious diagnosis that requires treatment. For more information on depression, check out the National...
It's really cool when my clients help others better understand how and why therapy is helpful. I'm especially impressed with my teen clients. They are really great about sharing the news that therapy can be effective and you don't have to be "crazy" to go. People of...
I have the opportunity everyday to learn so much about the human experience. Not many people get to sit and talk about important topics with others for a living. I’ve decided that it might be helpful for me to reflect on some of the themes that come up again and again...
I’m really glad you asked. Okay, maybe it was me who posed the question, but it’s still a good one. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Yes, that does sound quite sci-fi. What can I say? It was discovered when Star Trek: The Next Generation...
I recently came across some very good articles in the mainstream media about mental health issues. I'm particularly impressed with a series called, "Lives Restored" from The New York Times. It is a series featuring people who have struggled with serious mental health...