Depression and the Inner Critic

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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 learned to recognize this critical voice and take my power back. The first step always was to identify the voice. Next was to observe the insanity of the critic’s voice. Only then could I talk back to the critic and begin to find my own voice.
I believe the first step is acceptance of the voice. Then experiencing it, not running from it. Mindfulness is vital even when the inner critic rages and roars.

If you need help dealing with depression and battling your inner critic, we’re here for you. Request an appointment below and start the work to better mental health today.

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Express More Gratitude to Experience Less Negativity

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7 Simple Tips To Strengthen Your Relationship

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. Then add to this 5 specific things you appreciate about each member of your family. You will feel the difference. Gratitude is a powerful tool.

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If you struggle to feel gratitude or overcome negativity in your life, we are here to help. Request an appointment today and we will help you overcome the challenges you are facing.

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Live From Your Values, Not Your Emotions to Battle Addiction

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Addicts pay attention to their feelings more than their values. If an addict can slow down and not make the impulsive choice in the moment then they have a chance to reflect on their values (what the cars about most) then they have a chance to not take the next fix but instead Make a healthy choice.

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Our team is here to help you battle and overcome your addictions. Request an appointment below and we will help you learn the skills necessary to overcome the challenges you face.

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Mindfulness and the Power of the Present

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I cannot stress loudly or strongly enough that learning to live mindfully in the moment and in touch with your body are key steps toward true mental health. Mental conditions such as depression,  anxiety, OCD, ADD, and others all share an underdeveloped ability to live in the present. When recovering from these conditions, if you develop a mindfulness practice, it will help you feel relaxed and get back “in” your body. Do this and you are on the road to real recovery and serenity.

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Get Help Learning Mindfulness Techniques

Our team is here to help you learn the skills and techniques necessary to improve your mental health. Request an appointment below and we will help you learn the skills necessary to overcome the challenges you face.

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Taking Calculated Risks in Therapy

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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.

Here’s what happened (I changed all names and details of the experience to ensure confidentiality):

She walked into our Salt Lake City based office and shared in detail a passage from a favorite book. She shared why she loved it. At that moment, I had a choice to make  — stay with this topic or move into usual “therapy talk”

My choices were:

1. Start the session with the usual questions like; How are you feeling? How was your week? What would you like to work on today?  — all very typical “therapist” questions — nothing wrong with these questions.

Or

2. Follow her lead and ask her to talk more about the book, ask her to pull up the scene on her phone and read parts of it to me, question her about what the book tells her about her life and life in general, etc.

So, by taking the second option good things happened. Her talk about the book led us directly into key fears and upsets that she had never shared before. It led her to compare here emotional life with pains and joys to the characters in her book.

Note to self: pay attention to what the client says in first five minutes of session. What may seem like idle conversation often will be the key to finding the emotional center of the therapy session.

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Request an appointment with one of our therapists today and begin your own journey to personal insights and emotional healing. We are here to help and support you on your journey to a better, happier life.

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