The Pursuit for Meaning in Loss
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. He is the author of six books and has co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. David leads one of the most respected grief educator certification programs, is the founder of Grief.com, and also offers an online model of grief support entitled “Tender Hearts” […]
Gratitude and Mental Health
True gratitude is a mindset, an attitude, as well as a practice of living with a deep appreciation for the goodness in life. A grateful person recognizes that positive things come from sources outside of themselves, whether it be other people, nature, or a higher power. This appreciative mindset acknowledges life’s gifts, connects us to […]
Therapy, Anyone?
The decision to seek therapy is a personal one but very much a sign of strength and a desire to improve one’s quality of life. Therapy can help you navigate confusing emotions while developing coping mechanisms in the struggle. What I find most interesting about the process is the insight gained into your thoughts and […]
The Power of Connection
I would like to share an initiative founded by Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatry professor, entitled “Friendship Bench Zimbabwe”. The approach involves setting up benches in quiet, discreet corners of the community, near churches, poor neighborhoods and universities. In Zimbabwe, grandmothers were the go-to people for wisdom in rough times. While the approach was previously abandoned […]
Glimmers
Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors. Deb developed the Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series which is “the science of feeling safe enough to fall in love with life and take the risks of living”. She brings the polyvagal perspective to the ordinary […]
The Rearview Mirror of Life: The Importance of Chronology in Psychotherapy
Becoming Unglued With the intense and relentless summer heat, my rearview mirror became unglued and fell from its usual position on the inner windshield. It plopped right onto the floor, seemingly exhausted from trying to hold on in 101-degree weather. Weren’t we all as well?! Until I could rectify the problem, I was left to […]
Parenting & Grief: Helping Children Cope with Loss & Death
Primrose Pink Wildflowers, a.k.a. Cat Heaven This time of year brings vibrant patches of primrose pink wildflowers in abundance scattered about our city. My mind quickly revisits a bittersweet experience of managing the loss of a beloved cat with the help of my mother. She was driving our car, and I was holding a box […]
New Goals for 2023
It’s a new year, a new chapter. Yes – we have turned a page, have a fresh canvas, and a new beginning has arrived. It is notable that many resolutions are focused on abstinence. I have personally found greater success in achieving new goals if they are grounded in a positive light, in a forward […]
“The Betweens” and Feeling Stuck in Grief
I have come to see that life is a continuum of losses, with many interjected seasons of joy along its sometimes painful journey. Such respites can be called “the betweens”. These are celebrated and can bring much needed balance to our wounded spirits. The respites enable us to deeply appreciate the best in truly living. […]