I'm seeing an increasing number of clients whose lives are overshadowed by a profound sense of unease and dissatisfaction, largely driven by an outdated and harmful notion of what happiness should be.

Our society's conventional definition of happiness often revolves around superficial achievements: money, fame, perfection, and winning at all costs.

This old paradigm, which I'll call Limbic Happy, sets us up for failure. It promises fulfillment but delivers emptiness, leaving us chasing an illusion.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of behaviors and traits that are unique to each individual.

Recognizing these traits can help foster better understanding and support.

Here are seven key traits that might suggest someone is on the autism spectrum, along with strategies to support and accommodate these characteristics.

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that folks use to protect themselves from anxiety, unacceptable thoughts, and feelings.

These mechanisms often operate unconsciously and can significantly influence behavior and emotional responses.

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychiatry, has made substantial contributions to understanding defense mechanisms, particularly in the context of personality disorders.

This post considers Masterson's insights on defense mechanisms, exploring how they manifest and affect human lives impacted by “personality disorders.”

Milton H. Erickson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychotherapy, significantly influenced science-based couples therapy with his innovative approaches and techniques.

Renowned for his work in medical hypnosis and family therapy, Erickson’s contributions laid the groundwork for many modern therapeutic practices, particularly in couples therapy.

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychoanalysis and personality disorders, introduced the concept of Self-Activation as a critical component in understanding and treating personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

As a marriage and family therapist, it’s helpful to grasp Masterson’s ideas on self-activation to effectively support clients struggling on the continuum of these complex conditions.

What is Self-Activation?

Who knew that simple joys like munching on popcorn, sipping water, or watching videos could be transformed into extraordinary adventures?

Buckle up, because we're about to dive into some zany, research-backed ways to inject a hefty dose of fun into your family routine!

Recent research reveals that experiencing significant stress over a lifetime is linked to decreased functionality of key brain cells.

This study highlights a biological connection between our life experiences and physical changes in the brain, specifically focusing on the impact of psychosocial stress on brain cell mitochondria.

This is how neurosciences describe Developmental Trauma.

As a marriage and family therapist, I've just seen parents grappling with a question I’ve never heard before in session; "How many swim lessons does a kid need?"

I decided, as I often do, to write a blog post about the question after researching it.

Swimming is not just a fun activity; it’s a useful, if not essential, life skill that offers numerous benefits for children.

From physical health to social and cognitive development, swimming plays a significant role.

Let’s examine the benefits of swimming and answer this important question from a neuroscience perspective.

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychotherapy, left an indelible mark on the treatment of personality disorders.

His innovative theories, particularly concerning Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), have significantly influenced contemporary psychotherapeutic practices.

Masterson's contributions are widely recognized, yet his professional journey was not without controversy, notably his conflict with Jay Haley, another influential figure in psychotherapy.

This post considers Masterson's legacy, exploring his groundbreaking theories and his infamous clash with Jay Haley.

Unaddressed trauma often resurfaces when folks with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) start pursuing their authentic goals.

These painful emotions, coupled with a lack of coping skills, lead them to revert to maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, and binge eating.

This unconscious self-protection mechanism manifests as procrastination, preventing them from completing their tasks.

Contrary to common misconceptions, folks with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can experience meaningful change through dedicated therapy, according to Dr. Elinor Greenberg.

Elinor says that while it’s a challenging process requiring an extensive, long-term commitment, effective treatments do exist.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 stages involved in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorders, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation in her model.

Elinor Greenberg’s Borderline, Narcissistic, and Schizoid Adaptations: The Pursuit of Love, Admiration, and Safety is a seminal work that delves deeply into the adaptive strategies individuals develop in response to their early emotional environments.

Greenberg’s approach is unique in its empathetic and non-pathologizing perspective, seeing these adaptations not as immutable disorders but as dynamic responses to specific developmental contexts.

Elinor is changing how we think about personality disorders at a time when we sorely need a new paradigm.