Entries by Ed Peterson

Depression and the Inner Critic

When I have been the most depressed one constant was a brutally critical interior conversation. This inner critic was loud and menacing, usually communicating to me that I was worthless and weak, not worthy of love, and that getting out of the depression was unlikely. Over many years of cognitive and spiritual work I have […]

Express More Gratitude to Experience Less Negativity

I am convinced that the best antidote to negativity is gratitude. We all know how good it feels to be full of gratitude. Try this as a daily practice; before you get out of bed think of 5 specific things you are grateful for. It will change your feelings your energy level and your attitude. […]

Taking Calculated Risks in Therapy

Recently a patient showed me how and when to take a calculated risk during an individual therapy session (of course never ever do anything unethical or inappropriate or potentially damaging  — “first, do no harm”). In this moment she led me out of my comfort zone and into new and important emotional territory for her. […]