Recently at a conference in Seattle, there was a very interesting and dynamic discussion about defining recovery in the mental health field. On a simple and tangible level, we look for remission from the primary symptoms being treated. Yet on a more complicated (and in my opinion, meaningful) level, we look for the quality of life to be significantly improved. While achieving a symptom-free life is a significant accomplishment, it does not in and of itself mean that life is enhanced. It does provide a more solid foundation for building a stronger life with greater value and meaning, and that can weather future storms. Keep this in mind when you are working so hard - that each day you are able to be symptom-free you are strengthening your life's foundation.

I have a very talented doctoral level practicum student working with me this summer. If you are in need of psychotherapy services but have limited financial resources, this may be a good option for you. Please contact me directly and we can discuss your situation further. Best wishes.

One of the decisions we make in life is how much change we choose. We can choose to have our lives go about in the manner that is familiar to us, or we can choose to do something different if the current state isn't satisfactory for one reason or another. Change can be uncomfortable because, by design, we are doing something different than that which is safe. Along those same lines, treatment should be uncomfortable because it signals that you are making changes, not repeating the same patterns. I'm reminded of Albert Einstein's definition of insanity, which is "doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome." If you don't want to be insane and want something to be different in your life, are you making the right changes to make that happen?

I went to an outstanding seminar yesterday, "Advances in the Integrated Treatment of Trauma," taught by international expert John Briere, PhD. He shared a wealth of important clinical conceptualizations and treatment paradigm shifts for all in the room.

Dr. Briere highlighted how important it is that when we are around those who have been traumatized (physically, sexually, and emotionally including emotional neglect), we understand how much traumatized people are hurting. He emphasized this point by talking about an invisible bear trap. If you are walking down the street and accidentally step on an invisible bear trap and its jaws snap around your ankle, you are going to be in tremendous pain. You might jump around, scream out loud, wave your arms in the air, try to grab someone walking by to help you, etc. But if this invisible bear trap is in fact invisible, others won't be able to see it. What they may see is a 'crazy' person and try to get away from you, leaving you alone in your suffering. If they can't see the bear trap, they aren't likely to understand your reactions and be able to empathize with you and help you when you're in so much pain. As difficult as it is to talk about painful and traumatic events, doing so helps the pain and suffering become visible and more understandable to others, thus boosting their ability to extend compassion, warmth, and assistance. Which trusted person in your life might need to know more about your invisible bear trap so they can better understand and help you?