When I think of Vitality, I think of the body. I remember feeling somewhat trapped throughout school, sitting for classes, forced to pay attention to the teacher and except when they were particularly dynamic and entertaining, feeling like my life-force was slowly draining away. I suspect it's a similar feeling for people who are … Continue reading Vitality and Belonging
What is Somatic Imagination?
Somatic Imagination is inspired by Jung's Active Imagination, Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing, Melanie Klein's writings about Phantasy, the contemplative practice of Authentic Movement, the Feldenkrais Method and Eugene Gendlin's Focusing. It is a technique I use personally and often with clients, especially with my those in my Anger Management Group. In essence, the practice involves … Continue reading What is Somatic Imagination?
What is the “Here-and-Now?”
There's a story about a fish who went as a prophet among the fish folk, speaking of an almost mystical, all-pervasive substance called water. Of course she was scorned for her teachings, her piscine friends and family too busy with their swimming to entertain fantastical ideas. Talking about the Here-and-Now, I feel like a little … Continue reading What is the “Here-and-Now?”
The Brave You
Tracee Ellis Ros spoke at Glamour's 2017 Women of the Year Summit. She spoke about being a successful woman, owning her power and sexuality. She spoke about living for herself rather than trying to fulfill society and culture's expectations for her. It is an excellent, inspiring speech well worth the time to watch or read it. … Continue reading The Brave You
Just tell her the TRUTH!
In Disney's Aladdin, there is a scene I'm sure many of us can relate to. Aladdin has just flown his magic carpet to the Palace and is dressed as Prince Ali. He is hoping to convince Princess Jasmine to give him another chance after she was turned off by his ostentatious first impression. She is all … Continue reading Just tell her the TRUTH!
Santa Clause and the Narcissistic Defense
Have you seen the film, A Miracle on 34th Street? It hinges upon whether people will accept Kris Kringle's claim that he is in fact Santa Clause. What a strange preoccupation. Why does it matter so much whether or not people believe in the material existence of something that seems so clearly to be mythical? … Continue reading Santa Clause and the Narcissistic Defense
Sharing The Weight in Group
I had a conversation recently with a colleague who works with people who struggle with compulsive overeating and are considering or have had bariatric surgery. She told me how frequently the surgery doesn't help very much unless the underlying psychological issues are confronted. Which of course got me thinking about how issues related to food, … Continue reading Sharing The Weight in Group
Sense8 and Group Therapy
I just finished watching Season 1 of Sense8, a Netflix show about eight people who are telepathically connected, able to share experience, skills and perspectives instantly with each other, no matter where they are geographically. I thought about Group. For about a year and a half, I've been a member in a training group for … Continue reading Sense8 and Group Therapy
Help! I just can’t stand that person…
Help! I just can’t stand that person! Wonderful. What the hell do you mean, “wonderful?” You’re having a powerful experience in Group. You’re getting your money’s worth. What are you talking about? Someone in Group activates you. Their very presence stirs up a lot of emotion. This is a big opportunity for you to learn … Continue reading Help! I just can’t stand that person…
Why isn’t there a structure in Group?
Why isn’t there a structure or a theme or something in Group? It feels like there should be… A colleague of mine likes to joke that we try to avoid “shoulding all over ourselves.” Why should there be a structure? What kind of structure would you like? Some groups are more structured than others. In … Continue reading Why isn’t there a structure in Group?
