A Pandemic, Social Crises, Trauma, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
2020 has been a challenging year. COVID-19, longstanding racial inequities coming to a head, political divisions, and economic upheaval have collectively fomented into one of the most unique years I have witnessed in this nation across my lifespan. Daily reminders of these experiences figuratively and literally come crashing into our lives, and not a single life has escaped unaltered by these forces.
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The Art of Acceptance
People often come into therapy seeking change, whether a change in their circumstances, their relationships, or more broadly change in their overall emotional and mental well being. But in some form or fashion, the pursuit often is change, and rarely acceptance. In fact, the idea of acceptance alone may sound like it is in conflict with the hope of change. Even at its best, acceptance can come across to some as trite advice, and at its worst it may sound like an invitation to admit defeat. However, I have come to believe that when we learn the value of accepting where we are at and we develop the skills to give acceptance its proper space in our journey towards growth and change, it can actually sound less like giving up and more like freedom.
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Is Antiracism the new Black?
Typically, when people say *anything* is the new black, they are usually inferring that something has become suddenly popular or fashionable.
Signature prints are the new black.
iPhones are the new black.
And yes, even the color orange is the new black.
But what about antiracist ideology and behavior? In the wake of the tragic murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others, terminology related to police brutality, institutional racism, and anti-blackness are being introduced to the lexicon of white people. You’ve probably seen an increase in public statements from your favorite brand showing solidarity with the Black community. But, how can we be sure these companies are practicing antiracist behavior behind the scenes as opposed to joining a popular trend?
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Art Therapy: Using Visual Expression for Personal Healing
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that integrates art-making and the creative process with psychotherapy. This therapeutic method is rooted in the belief that individuals can enhance their mental health and personal awareness through the self-expression of art.
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Introduction to EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been growing in popularity since its creation in the late 1980s as a leading treatment for traumas of all kinds. I often get raised eyebrows from people when I tell them what the acronym stands for. I get it; it’s long and doesn’t easily explain itself. But, hang in there, because it is truly incredible and unique.
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Finding Awe in the Mundane: Making the Normal Extraordinary
For children, everything is amazing. This phenomenon is readily observable in the way they move from one thing to the next in a sort of open-mouthed wonder. For them, life is still fresh and exciting, with something new to discover around every corner. This unbridled curiosity is why we cover up electrical sockets, gate our staircases, and hide small, tasty-looking objects whenever these gullible little creatures come around. What if all of our appetites for life could be as ravenous as theirs? What if I said it can?
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Coping with COVID-19
These are definitely unusual circumstances our world is facing. Many things are changing and altering our daily lives as a result of COVID-19, and the word “home” has a whole new meaning for many people as they follow Shelter-In orders. Some of the more frequent emotional responses to this have been grief, fear, frustration, restlessness, and anxiety. Grief seems to be the most common theme associated with the impacts of Coronavirus and social distancing. Whether you’ve experienced changes to a job, a special event, social life, etc., it is important to know that you are allowed to grieve, feel disappointed, and even angry.
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