What Does Your Attachment Style Say About You?
Your attachment style doesn’t explain everything about your relationships, but it may help explain why your relationships have succeeded or failed in the way that they did, why you’re attracted to certain people, and why certain relationship problems keep coming up. Continue reading What Does Your Attachment Style Say About You?
Untold Stories of Addiction: Opioids
It’s my privilege to discuss the following topics: the “opioid epidemic,” effects of opioids & common precursors to addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), how methadone works, and lessons I’ve learned as a MAT counselor. I hope this post provides you with a sense of what individuals who struggle with opioid dependence may experience. Continue reading Untold Stories of Addiction: Opioids
Untold Stories of Addiction: Hallucinogens
With the growing legalization of marijuana, its health and wellness claims, and its ever-present controversy, I hope to present you with a different perspective altogether. This is the story of a man who was in recovery from heroin use yet still faced criticism for marijuana use to treat his anxiety. This is a story of self-determination, embracing ambiguity, and being brutally honest with oneself. Continue reading Untold Stories of Addiction: Hallucinogens
Untold Stories of Addiction: Depressants
Working with people who used CNS depressants, I’ve seen how easily benzodiazepines can be abused in treating anxiety. This is the story of a woman who self-medicated her anxiety and learned to associate feeling numb with feeling “okay.” This is a story of survival. Continue reading Untold Stories of Addiction: Depressants
Untold Stories of Addiction: Stimulants
In my experience of working with people who used stimulant drugs, the most common drugs of abuse have been cocaine and methamphetamine. The following is a story of a man who struggled with cocaine addiction, used it to self-medicate his ADHD, and began to rediscover himself in recovery. Continue reading Untold Stories of Addiction: Stimulants
Untold Stories of Addiction: Intro
What comes to mind when you hear the words “addiction” or “junkie”? The story that American culture tells about drug use is typically one of drama, glamour, and moral flaws. The media also tends to profile certain “types” of people who struggle with addiction. I hope to provide insight on some of the hidden narratives behind drug addiction, and to dispel myths that our sociopolitical culture perpetuates. Continue reading Untold Stories of Addiction: Intro
2019: Seven Lessons Learned
How was your year? What changes did you experience and what did you learn? As I reflect on 2019 I realize how much has changed in my life. Seven lessons I’ve learned this past year: It’s not my job to … Continue reading 2019: Seven Lessons Learned
“I Want a Therapist of Color”: Exploring the Desire to be Understood
This post explores ethnic identity in the context of psychotherapy, worldview similarity, and the human desire to be understood. Using social psychology as a guide, it discusses the assumptions we make about others in our pursuit to feel seen. Continue reading “I Want a Therapist of Color”: Exploring the Desire to be Understood
Thanksgiving 2019: Honor Your Limits
Thanksgiving is tomorrow! 🥧 This American holiday can mean different things for those who celebrate it, and may be tied to different emotions, both positive and negative. It’s a day of gratitude and expressing gratitude in our own ways. Whether … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2019: Honor Your Limits
I Never Thought I’d Become a Therapist
I never thought I’d become a therapist. My parents encouraged me to “help others” in whatever profession I chose. I was lucky to not be indoctrinated with the mantra to become either a “doctor, lawyer, or engineer” as most of … Continue reading I Never Thought I’d Become a Therapist
