Self Compassion is Not Selfish

Kristen Neff Ph.D www.selfcompassion.org is one of the world’s leading experts and researchers in Self Compassion. She tells us that Self Compassion includes Self Kindness- being gentle with yourself Recognizing your common humanity and connection to others and their...

Your Brain on Silence

We all know how much noise there is in the world today. It can be hard to find some real quiet where you can even hear the constant chatter in your own mind. As we explore the last frontier- the brain, the role that silence plays in changing the brain is evolving....

If This Old Couch Could Talk

It has been about a year since I  retired from my 40 year practice of clinical psychology. This cartoon was taped to the inside of my old roll top desk for many decades.Although it was not my first office couch and not everyone even sat on it, when I permanently ...

Compassion in Difficult Times

These are times of stress, strain and division in our country and the world.  It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of angry words, acts of hatred and violence and feel a sense of powerlessness about it all. It is vital to remember that despite the fear and...

Are You Living Your Values?

I attended a workshop for those challenged by their circumstances, health, and past traumas. One of the important “take aways” for me was  defining my values and how much I am living them in my daily life. So what are VALUES? Values are NOT goals. Goals are specific...

Find Your Song

I just heard about a study of the effects of music on surgery patients. Patients who listened to music of their choice either before, during or after surgery reported feeling less pain and needed less pain medication. Listening to music can stimulate the release of...