Many of us find ourselves walking away from an intense conversation feeling the same way about the situation as the storyteller. We feel their disappointment or frustration. But why is it that we don't do the same when they share their excitement or appreciation?
Read MoreI'll often ask my clients, "What do you want?" Sounds simple, right? But the most honest answer to that question often takes deep thought, especially when it relates to your happiness. In the end, and (very) generally speaking, the answers fall under feeling relevant, mattering to someone, and being part of a larger purpose.
Read MoreThey say that love should be easy, but that’s a myth. The truth is, love is all about CHOICES, and the choice to love on a daily basis isn’t always easy. At the most basic level, you have the choice to stay or leave, but to stay often means choosing to set boundaries, push the envelope, hold strong, and so on.
Read MoreHave you ever heard the expression, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”? It means you shouldn’t throw out the good while getting rid of the bad. And whenever I see an internet meme that complains about how long January felt, I think of those wise words.
Read MoreFrom my group therapy sessions to couples counseling to individual therapy, I use tools like improv, roleplay, makeup, and puppets to help people get to the heart of what they're coping with. Drama Therapy is an immensely rewarding career, and I highly encourage anyone interested to look into it.
Read MoreThinking of things in terms of black and white can seriously hinder our personal growth and progress. The simple reason is because it's extremely limiting. When we're unsure about something, black or white thinking keeps us standing in place.
Read MoreTo become a more effective communicator, you first need to acknowledge that everybody is doing the best they can. No one is trying to be a horrible communicator, and everybody has a different style of communication. That means the secret is being a good listener.
Read MoreThe first thing you should know about drama therapy is that you should enter without any expectations. I know, I know. If the question is, "What can I expect from a drama therapy session?" the answer can't be: "Don't expect a thing." Right? But the truth is, every session is different depending on the folks in the room and the exercise that's presented.
Read MoreWhen you're feeling upset, forcing yourself to smile can actually make you feel better. It's true! That's because your brain recognizes the muscle movement and responds in kind. But this effect isn't limited to your face; it applies to your whole body. That's one of the many wonders of drama therapy, the ability to act in a way that you want to feel. And the result is feeling that way, even if for a short period of time.
Read MoreWith the new year comes resolutions. But I'm not talking about the over-commitment kind that lasts about a week. Big change often requires a process, and when you're struggling with an addiction of any kind, taking things one step at a time is key.
Read More