For many clients, racism can be a deeply emotional topic. The experience of racism (and the scenes of racial injustice that occur far too often) can trigger a wave of painful emotions that threaten to shift clients into a state of reactivity and overwhelm. Shelly Harrell, PhD worked with a client who found herself in […]
A Body-Based Approach to Managing Difficult Emotions
When clients have a low threshold for tolerating difficult emotions, their lives can become extremely limited. Instead of working through the challenges that can lead to new opportunities, they may choose to stay with the relative “safety” of what they know – even if it’s dysfunctional. So in the video below, Bonnie Goldstein, PhD, walks […]
Questions That Can Help Your Clients Talk About Shame
Talking about shame can be a deeply uncomfortable experience . . . . . . and clients may go to great lengths to avoid discussing or admitting to feelings of shame. But as we know, shame that stays hidden will continue to grow more powerful, often bringing on even more shame. So in the video […]
A Time to Grieve
If you’re exhausted, drained, tired of it all, outraged, or numb, it’s understandable. Give yourself space and time to breathe and grieve. Rest and restore. – Thema Bryant-Davis, PhD Just over a year ago, our lives changed forever. When COVID hit and we were forced into lockdown, most of us were longing for the day […]
Challenging the Fear of Abandonment, with Pat Ogden, PhD
When a client fears abandonment, they may desperately reach out for emotional connection in their relationships . . . . . . only to feel pain and heartbreak when their behavior overwhelms the other person and drives them away. And this can especially be the case when it comes to romantic relationships. Over time, this […]
How Parents Can Create Impactful Moments of Joy for Their Children
For many parents, the daily stress of raising a family during the pandemic is leading to high levels of burnout. You might have a client, friend or family member who’s feeling overwhelmed – or maybe you’re feeling the strain yourself. So in the video below, Lynn Lyons, LICSW, shares some ideas for parents to help […]
How to Help Clients Transform Helplessness into Hopefulness
You might have some clients who are particularly struggling with despair this winter and at a loss on how to continue coping with the pandemic. So how can you help them rediscover some of their internal resources for getting through challenging times? In the video below, Miguel Gallardo, PsyD shares specific questions to do just […]
Feeling Stuck During the Pandemic: Specific Questions to Help Your Clients
You might have a client who is feeling “stuck” and beginning to despair as the pandemic drags on. And it can be difficult for them to see hope for the future when they feel bogged down in the present. So in the video below, Lynn Lyons, LICSW, shares how she’s working with clients who feel […]
An Exercise to Challenge Self-Doubt
When a client suffers from impostor syndrome, they can get locked in a cycle of questioning their abilities and downplaying their achievements. And instead of recognizing their success and building confidence to pursue their goals, they may shy away from opportunities and live in fear of being “found out.” So in the video below, Kelly […]
When Political Differences Hurt Relationships – an Exercise for Your Clients
You might have a client who keeps getting caught up in anger or fear about people on the “other side” . . . . . . especially coming out of a very tense and politically divided year. But Dennis Tirch, PhD has an exercise to help clients soothe their emotional distress and cultivate compassion – […]