In the language of Freud, defense mechanisms are the unconscious things we do to deal with difficult emotion or stress. They are kind of like absent-minded coping skills, and we all use them. They’re natural and normal. They help us deal with life struggles. But, just like coping skills, defense mechanisms come in different flavors. […]
Behavioral Therapy: why you shouldn’t drive by your ex’s house
When was the last time you did something you regret? Like drive by that old boyfriend’s house just “because.” It starts out innocently enough. There’s that old yearning and a little curiosity, and you hope by God you see him. He’ll have gained weight, have an enormous beer belly, and his hair will be filthy […]
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The Psychiatric Evaluation
You’ve arranged an appointment with a shrink, you’re not sure why, and your mind is astir with anxiety over the visit. You’ve never seen a psychiatrist before. The questions keep you awake at night. Can they read minds? Will they judge you right away? Will seeing someone even make a difference? The short answers: No, […]
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DBT: help for borderline personality disorder (BPD)
“You are so good. So good. You’re always feeling so much. And sometimes it feels like you’re gonna bust wide open from all the feeling, doesn’t it? People like you are the best in the world, but you sure do suffer for it.” — Silas House.
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Psychoanalysis vs Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Or something about Freud and his followers… Most people remember Freud from his teachings on childhood “psychosexual stages,” unconscious conflict based on sexual and aggressive urges, and his infamous terms “penis envy” and “Oedipal Complex.” Most of it’s controversial, right? Maybe, but it turns out there’s more to Freud than penis envy and the Oedipal […]
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Cognitive therapy: mind conquers mood
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” — Oprah Winfrey Cognitive therapy (CT) is a powerful technique therapists use to help their clients deal with life’s tougher moments. It’s used worldwide to help individuals overcome psychiatric problems like phobias, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, […]
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Defense Mechanisms: What would you do?
Picture this scenario: You’re a college student. You’ve been working very hard on a paper for class when Don, another student, steals the paper and presents it to the professor himself. The professor is impressed with Don and gives him an A, then dings you for copying him. You can’t prove that you’re the original […]
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So you want to learn about psychotherapy?
Maybe you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, or some existential question, and you’re thinking about seeing someone about it. Or maybe a friend or colleague recommended psychotherapy to you. But what is psychotherapy? Sure, you’ve watched the movies and seen that same old image: the wise guru sitting calmly taking notes as the neurotic […]
