Really Useful Therapy: Another way to look at things

Often when we hit an obstacle we think it's a sign that says - "this wasn't meant to be!" What if instead, we thought of this as normal; that obstacles are expected; and that they simply create another way to look at things.  In this episode Nancy and Tamara discuss the key ingredients that may help in weathering through life's "speed bumps" that have the potential to slow us down, but with a spla...

On this episode we talk about one example of lifelong learning. As we come to see using Tamara's example, lifelong learning isn’t about perfection. It’s about staying open, staying curious, and giving yourself permission to grow.

Pausing and taking in the significance of reaching milestones in life provides an opportunity to experience self-validation, self-acknowledgement and a sense of accomplishment whether that means graduating from high school or college, getting a new job or promotion or just getting through a particularly challenging year.   

Grieving the inevitable losses we do and will experience in life can occur in a variety of forms.  Sadness is only one facet of how grief expresses itself.  Grief can also come in the form of anger meant to transform or clear a way for something else to be there. And grief can  help us articulate feelings of loss for things we yearn for but never had. . . a lost childhood, lost innocence, lost opp...

Playfulness is often seen as something children do. Somehow during the business and seriousness of adult life, playfulness seems to go by the wayside. In this episode, Tamara and Nancy discuss the benefits of playfulness throughout our lives. 

People often wonder when they begin therapy things like "how long will it take until I feel better" or "how will I know if therapy is working" which are understandable questions.  This episode focuses on how therapy isn't necessarily finding answers as much as it is about "asking better questions."  

In this episode, Tamara and Nancy focus on the internal "noise" that is present and often linked to external events outside the realm of our control.

What makes change so hard? In this episode, Nancy and Tamara discuss some of the components of change that make is so uncomfortable, as well as some of the strengths we develop through changes we make. 

Peace at the moment may feel elusive and hard to come by right about now.  We discuss ways to create both external and internal peace amidst global and local events that are always changing.  

Tamara and Nancy have a discussion about how anger can be not only useful, but also transformative.

More on creating connection with others.

As the year comes to a close, Tamara and Nancy reflect on the importance of pausing and reviewing what ended and what is yet to begin.

We all have some experience in "pushing through" uncomfortable feelings when we are ill or out of sorts, but what do we do with a more chronic situation like depression?   

Most everyone longs for connection and a sense of belonging. If that's the case, why are so many people feeling lonely? What makes building friendships and relationships so hard? This episode explores some of the barriers to creating connection with others.

Tamara and Nancy answer your questions.

Tamara and Nancy answer more of the questions you've submitted. This episode explores the emotions clients experience in therapy, including the tender, sometimes surprising feelings of love toward their therapist.

Discussion about EMDR.  Thoughts on who it might be useful for and the reasons for doing attachment and identity work prior to doing EMDR to improve the results.

Self-care is the practice of intentionally taking action to maintain or improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  

Creativity and transformation are deeply intertwined. Creativity fuels transformation by imagining new possibilities, reshaping ideas, and redefining boundaries. Whether in art, science, personal growth, or societal change, creativity is the spark that initiates transformation.

Understanding how alleviating depression may be less focusing on "figuring out" what is bothering us and more on creating energy, action and self-expression as an antidote for healing.     

Happiness and depression might seem like polar opposites, but emotions are more complex than just being on opposite ends of a spectrum.  Someone struggling with depression doesn’t necessarily feel sad all the time; they might feel numb, empty, or disconnected from things they once enjoyed. And happiness isn’t just the absence of sadness. The discussion centers around ways to understand and nurture...

Setting boundaries can be tough, especially when others resist or when it stirs up discomfort. But it’s also a vital part of self-care.  The challenge often comes from guilt or fear of conflict, but remember: boundaries are not about controlling others, they're about taking care of yourself. Whether it's saying "no" without over-explaining, limiting energy-draining interactions, or protecting your...

In a follow up to Episode 10, Tamara and Nancy talk about applying grit to larger life issues which requires a different type of courage; being scared, but doing it anyway.  

Taking unknown risks means stepping into uncertainty with courage, embracing the possibility of failure while trusting in growth, adventure, and the potential for success. It's about choosing to move forward despite not having all the answers.     This simple act—buying a ticket, stepping onto the train—is more than movement; it’s a doorway to possibility. What do you intend to create?            

Would it surprise you to know doing hard things involves the paradox of having both strength and the willingness to not look strong? Join Tamara and Nancy as they discuss how persistence, grit and vulnerability can work together.