Helping the vulnerable not just survive, but thrive I did it by following these six essential rules. Each type of family constellation creates a unique culture with expectations and unspoken rules. Narcissistic parents, for example, often set up a competitive environment and pitch siblings against one another. To these parents, maintaining the family’s good image […]
Category: Mental Health
My Shocking Discovery at 58 Years Old That I Have Autism
A common undiagnosed or misdiagnosed condition for many women Almost two weeks ago, someone challenged a fundamental assumption I’d held about myself. This revelation has upended my world. Suddenly I feel wobbly, tentative, and not quite sure who I am. I’m undergoing a massive shift in self-understanding. As a licensed psychologist with over twenty years […]
On Being an Echoist–the Opposite of a Narcissist
We avoid all forms of attention, even at the expense of our health Do you know what the opposite of a narcissist is? It’s not the empaths as some think. It’s the echoist. I know because I am one. I walked into my surgeon’s office today. Four days ago, I underwent a lower facelift to deal […]
My Loved One Abused Me with Invalidation
And probably you’ve done to someone you love too. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” my ex muttered, as if conceding. He quickly glanced sideways at me before looking back at the road. With one hand on the steering wheel, he slid his other into mine. I let my hand rest in his, limp and lifeless. […]
Never Again: Facing the Truth to Stop the Cycle
A closer look at the importance of introspection for lasting change This past week I’ve been flooded with memories. I’m sure it has to do with the date on the calendar. Later this month is my third wedding anniversary. And I think to myself never again. The flashbacks aren’t fond recollections, but snapshots of painful, disturbing, […]
My Private Battle With Poor Body Image
Passed on by the women who went before me and fueled by our culture It’s another hot day in Texas. I put on a bathing suit and head out to sit on the patio, where I can enjoy the poolside view. Looking sideways, I catch a glimpse of myself reflected in the sliding glass door. There […]
How Being Ghosted Improved My Life
Accept people will come and go. Five years ago, when I lost my husband to cancer, I never could have imagined my new life. I now live in a different state and write full-time instead of counseling clients. I knew his death would bring change, just not how or in what way. I especially could have […]
How to Reclaim Repressed Memories on Your Own
It took patience, determination, and gentleness I stared at the blinking cursor and drew a blank as I tried to recall what happened next. This morning I had opened my Word document to start the next chapter and discovered a significant gap in recall. The particulars of this time frame had gone missing. For several […]
7 Practical Ways to Combat the Stress
And it goes beyond the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a daily schedule. As I ended the video call with my online friends, it hit me how stressed we all are. The whole world is facing the likes of something several generations have never seen before. How are we supposed to combat […]
Social Distancing Isn’t New to Sexual Abuse Victims
A closer look at our uncomfortableness with trauma stories. I recently wrote about the personal details of being sexually abused. I felt terrified as I prepared to publish the article. How would others react to reading the brutal violence I experienced? The power of social pressure to silence Most of my life, I’ve carried a deep sense […]
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