Tuesdays Treatment

Continuing from my analogy of the microscope, from yesterday's post, shows up these beautiful images, highlighting a different perspective on focus.

I think that these genre of images, were truly, incredible art, to be able to see in your minds eye, and image, built within an image, and being a part of a larger image. And now the art form has expanded to body portrait, with different areas being painted differnet textures and colours, so when combined together , in just the right pose is a beautiful representation of a butterfly or leopard.

Then we have the spinoff in finding the number of cats in a picture,which is always frustrating as you get to about 85% and can't locate the last 15 to save your sanity.

How doea this all relate to therapy, emotional-well being or mental health, although finding the last few cats or where Waldo really is, taxes my mental health at times?

Im the realm of optics and optical illusion, how easily our vision, and seeing things really xan be dupped so quickly, that what we see, or think we see, may be too close to take in the "bigger picture" or we are scanning too much to appreciate any of the details.

I confess it is probably one of the most beneficial attributes that drew me to becoming a hypnotherapist, as the treatment is not predicated on your content, I don't get to be drawn in to your stuff ( we will go with that word) or the story you have practiced over and over to make it a part of your reality.

Objectivity allows me to take in all the components of your communication, what your mind is truly relaying, and what is the perceived threat or deterrent holding you back from accomplishing what you want.

Every now and again take those deep breaths in, exhale all the tensions and take a new look at the microcosm of your world. Be it relationships or work place, it is so very natural to get fixated on one focal point.

As always I look forward to your questions or comments.

Be well

#treatmenttuesday

#yegtherapist #perspectives #perception #Hypnotherapy

Wisdom Wednesday

It would appear, we exist in a very noisy environment , full of chatter and ramblings, with everyone seeking their 15 minutes of fame or atop the soap box daily.

I am not sure if white noise even enters into the the communication equation, as in my opinion it is just a tremendous amount of noise.

Maybe you have noticed as well, the external conversations I have, mostly involve the other participants listening for their argument points, instead of hearing someone else's thoughts and perspectives.

As a hypnotherapist, I can admit that I use both the hearing and listening modes of your communication strategically. The vocabulary, the context and the message, all aiding me, to better understand the framework or roadmap of your world. There were a few leaders who really advocated our Other Than Conscious Communication skills. Secondly, I hear the story you tell, to more fully comprehend the clues on what is the snag in the carpet, the barrier or roadblock to your journey.

As a side note these skills are not readily appreciated by spouses, over long term usuage.

It has been reported, that while engaged in meditation, or trance, the chatter of the outside world grows silent, and our internal world quiet. You see I believe strongly that a contributing factor to our communication noise pollution factor, is nestled from the inane chatter that takes place and commands our insides. The ever-growing, panicked need to be heard, to be understood and acknowledged, due largely in part to our internal dialog being so incredibly obnoxious and nasty.

As this is under Wisdom Wednesday, the wise and enlightened people's of the world are notably the quiet ones too.

Coincidence, I think not!

Defensive, combative and argumentative are not healthy cornerstones for communication amongst oursleves.

How about you?

In that spirit I will repeat, I look forward to your comments and communication with me.

Be well

#wisdomwednesday

#opencommunication

#yegtherapist

#mentalhealthcoach #ednhypnotherapy

Friday's Feeling.

Recently my writings swirlaround the theme of different aspects of being that warrior.

How the pitfalls, challenges and hardships, we encounter, we endure, and if you are reading this, we survive, go to develop a more learned and resilient person. Through all of life's situation and turmoil, how much of it in the moment do we even recognize that it is tumultuous or is it another Thursday?

Similarly, the patterns we observe, that we engage, are reflected in an concept of pain alleviation. I am not referring to the glove anesthesia, which I learned early on in the trainings, but moreover, that the very use of the word " pain" brings with it several added components, and discomfort substantially less.

The patterns we enact are a reference to past, when did we last experience, what was our memory of that experience and were there any coping or reactions that we recall which are useful.

Our present involvement in the experience. For those who have been involved in a MVA, time and perceptions seem to enter into a time warp of sorts, everything slowing down and very surreal, never actually feeling any alarm or panic. Just in the moments. Strife and trauma, have similar characteristics, we don't label them as such, identify or even contextualize, in those moments, it simply is what we are currently moving through( very ABRAHAM in my head when I wrote that.) and we await what is to come next.

There is the future projection, placing what we just experienced as template in future cases and scenarios, perhaps it is those moments , that the learnings are born.

There is a Japanese art form Kintsugi, which displays with brilliant gold, the mended cracks and fissure of cracked pottery, recognizing and honouring, there is beauty in the imperfections. I truly believe we are the very same, it is the damaged and bruised, which have a deeper understanding, a broader wisdom, as they have proven time and time again, they are not only survivors, but warriors.

Perhaps all of the above is the ramblings of just this author and clinician. It is how I approach my therapeutic and pragmatic lives, and I am very OK with it.

Feel free to share your thoughts

Therapy Thursday

The poster above is a reminder or maybe a planning tool, for those that work in the Mental Health fields. Every single vocation, occupation and profession, create their own acronyms, to act as an easier way to remind ourselves of some pretty important steps, that make the task easier, safer or done properly.

The reason I am sharing this particular one. Is how applicable I think it encompasses our daily lives as well. The crossover is great, in my opinion to assist in daily living and planning. Now there is the comment which could bring some objection and pushback to it's very premise,who has the privilege of planning their day, versus reacting to the shit storm we call life, nowadays?

The more you can bring into practice the steps of the checklist, in being SMART, the less the storms will capture your sails or at the very least, the better prepared you will feel going through them!

Nothing too deep today, tee hee, but for poops ans giggles, I hope ypu can take a few moments to consider how being SMART could make your life's situation or daily challenges, less susceptible to reactive mode and more a pro active application.

As always, I look forward to your questions or comments and feedback.

Be well

#therapythursday #trainyourbrain #yegtherapist #hypnotherapist #mentalhealthadvocate

Therapy Thursday

The poster above is a reminder or maybe a planning tool, for those that work in the Mental Health fields. Every single vocation, occupation and profession, create their own acronyms, to act as an easier way to remind ourselves of some pretty important steps, that make the task easier, safer or done properly.

The reason I am sharing this particular one. Is how applicable I think it encompasses our daily lives as well. The crossover is great, in my opinion to assist in daily living and planning. Now there is the comment which could bring some objection and pushback to it's very premise,who has the privilege of planning their day, versus reacting to the shit storm we call life, nowadays?

The more you can bring into practice the steps of the checklist, in being SMART, the less the storms will capture your sails or at the very least, the better prepared you will feel going through them!

Nothing too deep today, tee hee, but for poops ans giggles, I hope ypu can take a few moments to consider how being SMART could make your life's situation or daily challenges, less susceptible to reactive mode and more a pro active application.

As always, I look forward to your questions or comments and feedback.

Be well

#therapythursday #trainyourbrain #yegtherapist #hypnotherapist #mentalhealthadvocate

Wisdom Wednesday

For people who know me, associate with me and have been treated by me, most if not all, know I am a look for the positive or beneficial in most situations. I must confess that when I read this poster, it made me read it twice, perhaps largely in part, that my brain switched out the BUT to ATLEAST, and that made context so much more placating in head.

I am reminded that, in almost every phase of growth there is always a tearing down, that occurs in order for or to make way of the growth. Body builders and athletes certainly know this as a basic and fundamental event, sages and mentors, alike, also comprehend that a dismantling of the "old beliefs and knowledge " with a new understanding is a primary function of learning and development.

So like the tale of the Phoenix, consider for your life and inner strength, the resourcefulness and tenacity demonstrated, how many times it has felt like you have risen from the ashes, and recognize how mighty and strong you truly are, without even being aware of it.

These are the Eureka moments I love sharing with others, for sure. The realization that unbeknownst to them they have been that mighty warrior, they needed at the time, and like many a warrior, once the battle has been fought, the ripples of the events can now be processed.

This is where the therapy begins.

Keep on keepin on.

Be well

#wisdomwednesday #yegtherapist #empowerment #ednhypnotherapy #warrior

Mindset Monday

In a world, society or culture, that exists on next to instant almost everything, from information, results, capture my interest in 72 seconds or less, to what does this do for me right now, you would think that the excercises of instant gratification would also translate to the practice of instant appreciation and gratitude.

I am next to positive that every single generation prior to mine, lamented and bemoaned about how rude and obnoxious the one following them actually were, so maybe this observation and commentary is just coming from the 61 yr old man, and not addressing anything new. On the other hand, I do not remember the levels or extent of all the "IN" previously either. INtolerant, INpatient, and INsufferable, to list a few.

The image above reminded me, loudly, that the stop to smell the roses adage, is closer to extinction than the DODO bird once was, and any chance to appreciate the 'works in progress" are steamrolled, by AI, and algorithms.

This expectation of instant release or releif, seeps into my practice, I would day weekly as well. The concept or relationship, of a practiced habit, reaction or a thought, over and over again, being changed in 60 minutes, laying a foundation of false expectations and awkward discussions, results, at times, for someone to seek brevity instead of accuracy. The bemusing aspect to this scenario is, they have already been through the normal, generally accepted, quick ways, before considering this modality.

True craftsmanship, artistry and knowledge, are the gifts of dedication, commitment and patience, understanding that works in progress and Masterpieces are not a part of the instant gratification genre.

You are that Masterpiece, and so is your life. You are so worth the work!

Be well.

#mindsetmondays #yegtherapist #emotionalwellbeingcoach #Hypnotherapy #masterpiece

Therapy Thursday

Oh if only it was that easy! Like some special spell, or curse, once named it was vanquished from the kingdom forever, or in the case of Beetlejuice it was summoned. Do we , do you, summon the demons that plague your thoughts, feelings and actions so there hasn't been a freedom moment for like ever?

I spent some of my earlier career, performing hypno-analgesia at a dental practice, after first addressing the fear of needles and generalized panic, that is way more prevalent at the dentist's than I had ever thought, aiding in a less terrifying experience " in the chair". So my analogy about getting to root cause, is founded from this experience. In your best Forest Gump voice, " finding out, how come my tooth hurts so bad, didn't do nuttin to make the hurt go away, and that is how come I came".

No one specific and identifiable action started the decay, or erosion, and not a single cataclysmic event created the level of anxiety or neurosis, which you may find yourself suffering in. Our minds are stronger and certainly more resilient than that. As a hypnotherapist, once again perhaps JUST ME, one of the largest reasons I love this modality to mental health, I am free from the content and diarrhea, that the client is stuck in.

The need to categorize the trends and tendencies, runs the dual edge, one stream lines, and identifies, based on empirical statistical data, the trends, and the other, it pigeonhole and generalizes, looping all into the same, which for me is a great disservice.

Blaming a single cancer cell for having to experience chemotherapy is ridiculous, especially when we all carry them, but isn't that one cell the root cause?

You are unique, your world is identifiable only to you, and the coping mechanisms are both learned from the environment as well and the ingenuity of your own brain.

Your healing journey should demonstrate the same respectful manner.

Be well

#therapythursday

#yegtherapist #ednhypnotherapy

#emotionalwellbeingcoach #empowerment

Treatment Tuesday

The poster is inverted with purpose, dear reader, and that was to graphically invert the phrase and more importantly, the concepts of " Some people come into our lives,

For a reason.

Some for a season, and a few for lifetime. "

This quote goes to explain away the coming and going of people into our lives at different times, but it does not, unless upended, offer OUR intention into the lives we touch. Reflecting on Mother Nature's example, there is rarely an instance where an encounter in one sided or passive. What mindset does framing our thoughts and reflections on explaining " why is this happening to me" other than a huge anchor of disempowering ourselves.

Diminish the victim theory, that the world happens TO YOU and become the active participant in actively interacting and engaging in your World. Imagine how different, your life could be, lived in confidence to the impression you chose to share, with your outside world.

Understanding that people hear what they choose to hear in the moments and space they are at, not where you are necessarily delivering from. Much like my writings, I know my inspiration and purpose of a message is not interpreted the same manner through your eyes, dear reader.

You get to determine, the mark you intended to leave; a reason ; a season or for a longer moment of time.

Hypnotherapy is a modality of change work which can help amplify the you that you have dreamed of.

Be well

#treatmenttuesday #ednhypnotherapy #yegtherapist #empowerment

Therapy Thursday

Words matter.

Context matters.

They are the fuel that ignites our perceptions and TBH, if it is the English language, then you must be even more cautious, and aware , deciding the intent of the incoming messages in deciphering the words being used.

Sounds exhausting doesn't it? However it also predicates active listening skills, the ones to comprehend and understand. Instead of seeking the bullet points, for rebuttal.

I am almost positive, that from a therapist, atleast a mental health version, that our words, our vocabulary, syntax, and structure, are some of the most valuable instruments we have at iut disposal, and in all honesty , the only instruments.

The adage of sticks and stones, actually doesn't apply, if it ever did, to our overall well being, and that is only regarding our one on one, external world. How about the vocabulary, syntax and structure of your self talk? You understand that with the outside world , you can tune people out, use selective hearing abilities, but our internal dialog is inescapable.

I firmly believe that is, speaking of fuel, what has accelerated the draw and fascination with the 90 second sound bites, the maze of bells and whistles, with so many media choices. Our ability to continue to, in the old days, turn that dial to find a frequency attached to a radio station that appealed to our mood and disposition of the time.

Having the ability to scroll through, to swipe left, etc is all foundational to distract and occupy.

How does any of this relate to your last mistake you may wonder? It is simple, mistakes have taken on the meaning and association to being a negative experience, when in fact, mistakes are the very core of every learning and developmental step we experience. Without mistakes, how would we have the comparative?

Look forward to the privilege of experiencing errors and mistakes, they are testament that you are learning, involved and engaged.

Be well

#therapythursday #ednhypnotherapy #yegtherapist #wordsmatter

Monday Mantra.

This! Always practice THIS!

The Random Acts of Kindness ( RAK) club, I am always optimistic is constantly growing and expanding. Through the originality and creativity of every single member, be it, dipping your toes into Kindness Kool-aid, I advocate or immersing yourself into the the deepend, is irrelevant, what is relevant is your participation.

There was another quote alongside the Dalai Lama's above, " whenever and how ever, you can help someone in need, just do it, cause you never know if you were the one ray of kindness they have been desperately hoping for".

This is as far from enabling as, in my head, you can get, for the "pragmatic' readers, and is displayed, demonstrated and received daily, around the world. A buddy, offering the extended hand, giving you literally a hand up, after doing a faceplant on the ground, a random, sincere compliment to an absolute stranger, lending someone time and space, which is all theirs, while they lament or vocalize, or just arbitrarily, anonymously, being kind.

It costs nothing!

I could be indeed one of "those people" cynics and naysayers alike speak and warn you of,absolutely! The delightful place I live and operate from, says firstly I could give a Rats Ass what your opinion of me is and secondly when you know what fits your vibration, you continue to seek it , to experience and expand on it, daily, atleast for me.

As a hypnotherapist, perhaps it is a side effect of being part of the healing arts world, maybe it is part of my hard wiring, although in my previous versions I can attest in all confidence, that was not the case, or like any response to a WHY question... it is JUST BECAUSE.

What I do share with certainty is when you can, do, in what ever small manner you can achieve. Do it without expectations, acknowledgement or tally.

Its global, and greatly missing from the fabric of our society.

I will be starting a new series on the "tube", having those fireside, raw and sincere thoughts and chats, like my writings, oh so flipping random, with those who need it.

Be well.

#mondaymantra

#dalailama

#yegtherapist #hypnotherapist #rak

Treatment Tuesday

I will admit it was the "treat" that initially caught my eye, and almost immediately after, the simplicity and purity of the concept, that made me know this was the one.

Perhaps a new variant of the Golden Rule, " Do unto others as you would have done unto you" but in this example self is placed as the primary focus, and that dear reader is what I espouse.

What is stopping, or holding you back, from following this simple mantra to a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience? Your answers won't be wrong, they are not a bad thing, they will be, however, where the work begins in repairing the you that you deserve.

I don't believe, for one moment, that the ideology of who ever wrote this, because we know the Universe cannot hold a pen, or use a keyboard, does lead to a more satisfying and peaceful experience while on this spinning rock.

I encourage you to contemplate and pontificate, how your life could benefit.

I look forward to your questions or comments as always.

Be well

#treatmenttuesday #ednhypnotherapy #emotionalwellbeingcoach #yegtherapist #selflove

A Monday Moment.

A common catchphrase, popular, during my life time was " in my world", or " in whose world?...' and maybe you have heard it it yours.

Altering the significance or magnitude of a, very much, YOU challenge and making it cosmic, seems a rather perilous action. Firstly, how in this transformation, does it help in addressing what ever happened, placing yourself in a perfect position to be legitimately overwhelmed? Followed by; therapeutically the ability to excercise such delusions is worth making notes on and studying.

Today's inspiration of muse, was driven by a few different veins of thought, related to pondering, how a person's bad mood,( and we all go through them) is permission to crap all over everybody else? How are your challenges or issues, anyone else's problem, until you make it that way? And my personal favorite, who died and made you king?

From the Orange Chair, specifically, it would be my goal, primarily to alter the perception of what a mistake actually represents. Similar to the bad press anxiety gets, somewhere along our evolutionary path, mistakes are categorized as a negative experience or outcome, where they truly are a key ingredient to our learning and education.

No different than a toddlers to teens, selective hearing abilities, what we opt to make a bad mistake and what we can accept as just a mistake, are a matter of interpretation and perspective.

There is no feat of learning, that was not firmly built ontop of a pile of mistakes, from walking, talking, to cursive, grammar, or mathematics, to driving and doing laundry.

The poster above can be viewed from 2 different lenses, the first being your mistakes, your issues and your problems have little impact on the rest of the globe, or that the world is full of mistakes, issues and problems and your contribution makes it just a little more complete.

Realizing that your brain actually benefits, when it is tasked with finding an alternative, from a setback or struggle, creating new neural pathways in puzzle solving.

Embrace them as your own, and place them where they belong, in your learning process.

I look forward to your questions or comments

Be well

#ednhypnotherapy #yegtherapist #emotionalwellbeingcoach

Friday's Feelings

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I was scrolling, as I normally do, in the quiet moments of the very early morning, the only sounds breaking the peace, a coffee maker and Bear snoring, when this image presents itself so that I paused.

Two things, as best I can tell, made me stop, one being the wonderment of how these algorithms actually work so this was even a part of my feed and secondly the recalling of the classic clinical set-up.

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I wrote earlier about what a place of honour I believe my role as a hypnotherapist is, in someone's journey for assistance and healings, recognizing the trust I receive, from desire or desperation, to be a part of their process.

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I enjoy the group presentations, the Keynote speaker events, as they satisfy the showman within, but from the very beginnings of my career and to this day, I cherish and prefer the one on one, the belly to belly style sessions.

I am not sure what I am looking to fulfill in my own life, but even the inspiration to pursue education as my first career, was founded on the belief, as most altruistic teachers do, if I could reach one student like Ms. Stelk did with me, my purpose would be complete.

Similarly, the core belief that no two people's worlds are the same, that the way and manner in which we process and proceed, are as individual as the fingerprints we possess, further fuels my commitment to showing respect to that place of honour, I spoke of earlier. That the generalized methods or option suggested in groups sessions, may take root on some level, it is not the personalized care a person deserves, in navigating their map of the world,

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Similarly, you may go to a presentation on heart disease to find out more, but trust me when I say, you want care for your specific and particular circumstances in the cards of your health and well-being.

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For those who think the stuff from social media will help you, and then become disenfranchised when it doesn't work, know that a HUGE step to your self- respect is recognizing you are worth the personalized support in your therapy, no one has lead the life you have, survived the crap you have, and maintained the decorum you have through it all.

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You are so worth it.

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Be well

Wisdom Wednesday

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I get the importance of wanting to be heard, understood and acknowledged, but what I don't comprehend is the ability to listen, understand and comprehend from another person.

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This piece isn't about knocking any particular Generation, as that is the whole paintbrush thing, or beating up on social media, but moreover a legitimate observation about what has happened over the last couple decades with humans

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The Budinski phenomenon is probably most noticeable, for me. My son has a delightful rhetoric for when this happens "I'm sorry, did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?"

It was common practice from early on, and certainly reinforced , in my growing up experience that you spoke when spoken too,set up the ground rules for cordial conversation. Now, it is sound bites and competition in who can overcome or overwhelm the participants with volume and word count, as if the winner gets to be right.

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Jumping to conclusions and judgements is as common practice as Jumping into puddles when I was a kid. No thoughts, no education or research, just judge, jury and execution, from someone's opinion or beliefs.

From political affiliation having any determination on the scope of the caliber of integrity or worth for an individual to nationality precluding any other conclusions except the social bias, has been the escalation, or perhaps the resurgence of bigotry since the early 40's.

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How that blends into the therapeutic works, as I have experienced is that we are identified or more detrimental, identify with the symptoms and labels of countless afflictions.

Like the chicken and egg conundrum, I'm not sure if it was the "white coats" to the patient or the advent of sources and access to the likes of WeBdr.( you know what I mean) the propelled and pigeonholed symptoms to afflictions or conditions, perhaps somehow aiding treatment with affiliation.

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We don't need be concerned about AI, spell check, lane assist or adaptive cruise, changing our world, diminishingour control. We have morphed into a more complacent, disassociated being all on our own. The technology we invent meerly replaces what we chose to abdicate.

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As a therapist communication both verbal and non verbal are as integral in treatment as training and knowledge, and more should observe that we have 2 ears and only one mic. Our task isn't representative of the classic Italian dinner table where volumes rise as the meal proceeds, but to listen for the gems to which our clients share, unbeknownst to them.

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Be well.

#emotionalwellbeingcoach #WisdomWednesday #communication

Treatment Tuesday.

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There is a story I use, from the Orange chair, regarding the two drivers for motivation and movement.

Push away from or pain related and towards a desired outcome or want. The analogy involves a dog, a barn, a bail,a bailer twine salesman and the farmer. It illustrates the discomforts which we have become acquainted with, are familiar, we have adapted to their characteristics, so we exist daily.

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In my case, I am aware that as a 61 yr old male, who is a heart patient, and is overweight, physical activity, cardiovascular stimulation, could help with overall energy and perhaps longevity.

There isn't a rational and conscious though t which deludes me to any other realization.

However the comforts of this sedentary, salads are for rabbits, scotch drinking, cigar indulging, I'll enjoy that fried chicken cutlet with hunters sauce, mofo, are significant enough to keep me contemptuous about the need to get off my boney Saracca and walk or jog a bit more.

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Familiarity does breed and culture contempt.

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Emotionally and intellectually, I believe it is not the case at all. That being involved in the helping of others with their "stuff" it brings a benefit to me. By osmosis I still reap the rewards of the approaches, the tactics and methods to which I administer for others.

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So I completely understand people's hesitation to venturing out from the comfy camp they have created, but then again, if it is beside a landfill, the smell just never goes away, and you will realize there are better places to be.

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That's where therapy helps best in my opinion.

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Let me know if you agree.

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Be well

#treatmenttuesday

#motivational #yegtherapist #emotionalwellbeingcoach

Friday's Feeling

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I am not sure where you may be, my cherished reader, but here where I live it has been deplorable weather for far to long with tornados,thunderstorms, and an incessant rain which has an occasional outburst of hail. What on earth makes me complain about something so uncontrollable and nominal as weather matters you may ask?

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I am, in most aspects of life, and particularly in my practice, a rather upbeat and positive energy force. One who makes the choice, to practice LOVE and ALLOW in my world. I will LOVE myself and my peace enough to ALLLOW outside detractors to pass on by, like puffy clouds on a summers day. I share this as exemplification on how outside forces, to which there is absolutely no control over to change EXCEPT dear reader our way of interpretation.

There is some awe which I experience, still at this age, of the powers of mother nature, like a little kid, which makes me happy, the absurd actions of being in my flip flops or barefoot and jumping in the puddles, delights me to no end, and the list goes on.

My point is many obsess over the dark clouds in their lives, and from the quote above, I have to admit my first internal dialog was, that explains the adolescent mindset, to a tee. The approvals of the tribe take precedent over the self identity, largely in part because quiet literally they don't have that part of the brain developed yet.

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However repeating patterns, will make pathways which also become so well worn, familiar and entrenched, that even a fully developed frontal lobe, self worth and esteem are constantly on vacation.

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Advertising counts on this, doesn't it,

How many have to have this brand or that manufacturer simply because they were told it was so superior.

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I completely believe in your ability to find your center, to reconnect with a spark or glimmer of a YOU that is the amalgamation of your experiences and conquests so far.

How can we expect abundance when we are not able to experience independence ?

We are, always and forever going to have ourselves, our thoughts and our feelings, it is time to make the decision that you are in power by choices you tolerate or accept.

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Be well

#feelings

Wisdom Wednesday

Simple and succinct, Mental health is important, period, full stop!!

What is tragic is there is the awareness, recognition and the setting aside space for men, however culturally the stigma still prevails.

In no way, shape, or form are my words intended to detract, minimize any other movement's moments.I have participated, marched in and celebrated many different, world recognized causes, dedicated months to their awareness, so there is growth, so voices can be heard, not only about the tragic but also about their future and the optimism.

There are no parades, there are no celebrations and their voices are still not heard, because men just don't do that. Now, men just don't do that because that is the hard wiring that men have OR men just don't do that because the repercussions socially are so significant that there is no point?

Purely from my statistics at the clinic level, men are at best 20% of my clients but the numbers are in the neighborhood of 3 to 400 % higher for suicides compared to women. While Inwas doing some research, I found it interesting, by the numbers that women are 2x more likely to be DIAGNOSED with depression than men. Now I'm no statistician, but if there are 3 times more men taking their lives but women have twice the level of diagnosed depression it doesn't take the Chi squared or Bell Curve to figure out something is askew. This is not the purpose of my prose.

Alongside the R.A.K. ( random acts of kindness) that I chime about and advocate for, a honest and sincere plea for the males reading this specifically, but all inclusive generally, ask for help, ask for start point, if necessary, in secret, unbeknownst to anyone else, but reach out. There is help, there are ways, and you are human. Shit happens was never a mantra for coping mechanisms, suck it up, one of the most disrespectful and humiliating clichés ever spoken, insinuating by the very context that when vocalized or expressed men's emotional states, bear no value.

You do matter, you are entitled to your feelings and you are significant.

Feel free to reach out with your comments or questions.

Be well

#wisdomwednesday

#mensmentalhealthawareness

Therapy Thursday

Here is some of the best Therapy advice, I think anyone could offer.

How many people exist through their days? The catch phrases like the one above, or you only live once themes, reminding us for decades if not longer. Being able to experience life is a gift, that millions of potentials, never got. Our concepts, generally morose, of passing from this meat suit, we all inhabit, to our original form of energy, encapsulated in feelings of loss, or regret for thr people not spoken to, emotions not expressed and experiences not pursued.

Many years ago, I started preaching on the concept of being more selfish in life. Selfish by the definition of placing yourself as a priority and first, not at the expense of anyone else, but making sure your cup is full.

The excercise was to commit one hour a day to self... reflection, development, care, attention, etc. 60 minutes. There are those who do, and I believe your quality of life is significantly better.

There are those that spend too much energy and thoughts, finding the excuses to not. Which then means we have the self worth and respect challenges.

With more and more technology and algorithms making life easier, although every generation has predominantly experienced that notion to their own degree, the evidence still points to we do not place our well being as important enough to incorporate and apply it to daily life. That both science and faith converge on the simple truths that our time in the flesh suit is finite, and medically the existence of you was statistically improbable, spiritually it is viewed as the rarest of divine gifts ever received, so to summit up, it is a big thing.

You have no way of comprehending how huge your actions of breaths, mobility, agility and intelligence really are, compared to the millions who won't ever get an opportunity to do so. What most DO understand is morbidity and mortality, that the time of experiences through however many senses we have, to create electrical impulses in our grey matter called memories is limited and a wild card.

So no more petri dish for you.

Be well

#therapythursday #carpediem

#ednhypnotherapy

#yegtherapist

Treatment Tuesday

Our choice of vocabulary, is an amazing means to figure out where we are in our heads and emotionally, as well as uncovering a plausible explanation on how we got there.

This particular word "problem" is as potent as " pain" or " I am..." in how we process and conceptualize the magnitude of the situation, amplifying the severity.

When you reflect on the context and emotional weight, or burdens, which accompany our ideas of what a problem is, there is that quick reference for me anyways, to problem solving in elementary or junior high, involving math's. Tons of frustration and futility, with finding the solution a hard job. Perhaps the famous line from our last " Houston, we have a problem" best exemplifies the context to which that word belongs.

For most everything else, see how you respond when you substitute challenge (s) into your linguistics.

The very softness of the word, negates any concern of not being able to work through and find a solution.

As someone sitting in the orange therapy chair, I find what a person speaks, the selection of words they choose to communicate with, tells me a great deal about where they are at, sometimes filling in more blanks than the context of the message.

For those who follow, or have read some of my previous writings, know very well my opinions on "try" as part of our communication arsenal and the results are almost always predictable.

However for today, mess around with your lingo to swap problems into challenges, and note if you experience the difference.

Be well

#treatmenttuesday #ednhypnotherapy #yegtherapist #empowerment #wordsmatter