Should couples in distress attempt to change their partner or themselves? Recent research discusses concerns about both of these strategies, and raises an interesting third option. Shreena Hira and Nickola Overall examined 160 couples attempting to change their partner or themselves. As they expected, attempts to change their partner didn’t make either their partner or themselves feel better. Surprisingly, however, a focus on self-change did not consistently help the relationship either. Instead, the researchers discovered that the most beneficial change…
John Arden on Brain-Based Therapy
The outspoken author of Brain-Based Therapy discusses the value of integrating therapeutic approaches, including neuropsychology, nutrition, exercise, CBT, motivational interviewing, and the therapeutic alliance.
Techniques, Therapeutic Relationship and the Importance of the Body
Throughout my career as a psychotherapist I struggled to find the right balance between using specific techniques and the importance of establishing a safe therapeutic relationship. Toward the end I veered more to the latter as I realised, rather belatedly I admit, that people sought therapy not necessarily to get better but often just to be heard. A safe haven and a sensitive, empathic and caring individual can be enough; specific techniques can get in the way. Of course this…
Nordstrom: Psychotherapy Lessons From The Cathedral Of Commerce
Let’s get something straight right from the get-go. I don’t work for Nordstrom, nor am I am affiliated with them in any way, shape, or form. I’ve never spent a dime there. Truth be told, the only time I ever set foot in a Nordstrom was to walk from the mall to the parking lot. (Elapsed time: one minute and forty-five seconds.) But I do know this. Nordstrom has become the darling of the customer service movement. If you are searching…
The Whole Truth: Coping Creatively with the Dark Side of Therapeutic Practice
A therapist reflects upon the dark side of the profession—stress, anxiety, and burnout—and offers helpful insights as well as activities for combating these negative states using professional community building and art making.
Eda Gorbis on Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A renowned expert on obsessive compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders discusses the nature of the little-understood diagnosis of BDD, successful treatment methods, and resources for therapists whose clients suffer from these often debilitating symptoms.
Conduct Therapy Sessions Like Ellis Or Rogers In 7 Days Or Your Money Back!
Okay Rosenthal, tell me something about psychotherapy I dont know. Fine: I will! If youve read all the textbooks, analyzed the classics, and been to enough workshops to receive frequent flyer miles, Ive got something new to teach you so put down the managed care forms, and pay attention. My secret weapon for improving your psychotherapy sessions comes from the field of copywriting. Thats correct, I said copywriting. Copywriting is the act of creating written documents that persuade customers to reach…
Ethical Guidelines: Do We Really Want What Is Best For Our Clients?
Most therapists are familiar with the affliction of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD impacts approximately seven million people each year in America, mainly women. At one point in my career I shared a private practice office with a psychiatrist. She would use the office on some days and I would use it on others. When I entered the office for the first time I was struck by the fact that she had a phototherapy apparatus in the room. It was physically…
How One Desperate St. Louis Psychotherapist Cured A Schizophrenic
Maggie began the session by telling me that she had been diagnosed by three different psychiatrists. The good news was that all three agreed on the diagnosis. The bad news was that each psychiatrist told her she was schizophrenic. “So, what brings you here today?” I asked. “Well, I saw something in the newspaper and it said you wrote some books on mental health and teach in the field so I thought you might know something these psychiatrists don’t.” (Wow. How refreshing. A…
Interrupting the Conversation: Gestalt Therapy Here and Now
Using a case study with a disconnected client, a contemporary Gestalt therapist debunks myths that have lingered from the heyday of Fritz Perls.