Advice is cheap. Advice puts the onus on the listener and not the speaker. Advice is often a quick fix—a mere Band-Aid on a wound that needs more persistent care. I can usually detect someone’s frustration when, as their therapist, I pointedly do not offer advice. One of the skills therapists learn early in their […]
What Is Your Therapist Listening For? Read More »
As young children, we innately think we’re the best, most deserving, wildly captivating humans on the planet! When do we stop becoming our own biggest fans?
Why Being Kind To Yourself After Failure Is So Important Read More »
She was frustrated by her immobility and chronic pain. In her mind, she felt like she could simply stand up and walk wherever she wanted. But in reality, her body was stuck in a wheelchair. “I’m in a funk,” she declared in my clinic office. “I don’t want to do anything anymore.” This sort of
Music as Medicine: 3 Ways Your Favorite Tunes Improve Your Well-Being Read More »
We all have a victim story. Blame can be laid upon not only strangers, but frequently upon parents, partners, friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, and even the government for whatever situation brings discomfort.
As a therapist, many of the people I sit with have a story to tell. Often that story boils down to being victimized in some way.
What Story Are You Telling Yourself? Read More »
If I had a nickel for every time someone struggling with depression told me they don’t “believe” in antidepressants… Let’s face it. Even with all of the information swirling around us about depression being an illness and not a weakness, even in our current and more progressive age of acknowledging how swiftly and how often
Thinking About Taking Antidepressants? 5 Tips You Should Know Read More »
Originally published on December 19, 2016 • By Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT, Topic Expert for GoodTherapy.org All people, at some point, experience one or more of the symptoms of depression. It is normal for our moods to cycle moderately while we balance demands at work and at home, while coping with short- or long-term illness,
Is It Winter Blues or Major Depression? Read More »
Originally published on July 6, 2016 • By Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT, GoodTherapy.org Topic Expert Contributor For many people, going to therapy is a hot-button issue. The idea somehow implies that a person in therapy is weak, unable to manage their problems, downright crazy, or just seeking attention. But regardless of where you live, you
4 Myths About Psychotherapy You Should Know Before You Go Read More »
This book, which had felt so spacious as a place for me to come and rest, was closing in on me. It was becoming a roiling frenzy, consuming my downtime and my thoughts, permeating my dreams when I slept.
Being Content With Intent Read More »
I had fantasies of her joining us for a late dinner or coffee, and telling me all about her trajectory in the business, offering advice and guidance. But instead she said we could walk her to her car.
Why Everything You Do Matters Read More »
It was quite a shock for me to take my first yoga class, and truth be told, I didn’t appreciate it much.
Where were the mirrors? How would I know if I was doing the poses right? Without my body to look at, and my voice to listen to, how would I know my place in this practice?
Truth Is A Quiet Thing Read More »
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