Occasionally, it becomes clear that a client is having some trouble decompressing or transitioning after distance psychotherapy sessions. The fact that telehealth can occur anywhere that is secure and private, means that sometimes it gets squeezed right into a tight schedule--a schedule that then demands for time to sprint on, like nothing just happened. Or, sometimes the session takes place...[ read more ]
In the past couple years or so, I have found much fascination in the moviemaking documentary: Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau. This documentary is, I think, useful viewing for today, in addition to being intriguing. What happens when a sensitive, earnest, somewhat odd, true artist without guile, is met with a ‘red in...[ read more ]
Have you ever had someone important to you simply not answer one of the biggest questions you ever had? So long as they truly cared for you and did not make up a quick answer, give you a well-worn chestnut, or pressure you into accepting their rigid, fossilized answer…not answering was the best option they had. Possibilities: They did not...[ read more ]
Mentally / Emotionally, What 'Is' Depends on What 'Is Not'. Real thinking ability develops from changes in how we cope with “lack” (‘what I expected / wanted is not there!’). Similarly, the concept of ‘who or what I am’ develops out of wrestling with, or trying to fill up, ‘who or what I am not’. The struggle to organize a...[ read more ]
Sometimes I hear apologists for bullies, their allies, or, if they finally get in trouble, bullies themselves, claim that they are simply being good rule-followers for everyone, or are just hard-headed, task-oriented and not very good at 'feelings' and social nuance. If the person is truly a bully, those statements are sneakily effective because they are socially plausible to bystanders,...[ read more ]
Who has a streak or main aspect of Self-Confident? Do you know someone who believes, no matter what happens, that they are exceptional? When treated unceremoniously, do they openly or silently protest until they get recognition? Is their desire for accomplishment and success almost brazen? Often, they are tough climbers, good at utilizing the strengths of others, and seasoned interpersonal...[ read more ]
Predominantly Self-Sacrificing individuals are what many would call the ‘salt of the earth’. For a first set of easily visible qualities, we can see in the Self-Sacrificing a giving nature, honesty, helpfulness, acceptance of others, loyalty, humbleness, patience, and willingness to tolerate discomfort for progress and for others. However, Self-sacrificing folks have a tendency not to suspect the dark or deceptive...[ read more ]
Who has a streak or main aspect of Dramatic? That friend, coworker, partner, or relation of yours who runs on emotion, is expressive, affectionate, and changeable? They function best when everyone is watching. They ensure their appearance will be known and often charm others. They respond with easy enthusiasm to new things and ideas, trust (sometimes too much), and can...[ read more ]
Who has a streak or main aspect of Sensitive? That friend, coworker, or relation of yours who loves doing familiar things, is mortified when they make a minor faux pas, is cautious and thoughtful, usually controlled-seeming? The one who performs admirably when prepared and briefed, worries quite a bit, took a few months to share private thoughts? Later you discover...[ read more ]
I am a self-rediscovered fan of a book and system I again ran into. It was from my earliest psychology days and written by John Oldham, M.D. and Lois Morris: The New Personality Self-Portrait. The book is a straightforward, realistic way to look at the personality styles, strengths, and challenges of individuals, while not getting into pathological aspects. Looking at...[ read more ]