Compassion means being able to recognize suffering and to be supportive of the pain. We can be compassionate for others as well as for self. Thupten Jinpa (the Dalai Lama’s principal English translator and author of the course Compassion Cultivation Training) suggests that compassion is a four-step process: 1. Awareness of suffering. 2. Sympathetic concern […]
Taking Off Our Masks — Being Your True Self
In Latin, persona originally meant a mask worn by actors to indicate the role they played. Carl Jung used the term to represent the ‘I’ that one presents to society. It is also the ‘I’ that society expects us to show. Like the theatrical mask, the persona gives an indication of what the person/character is like. It helps define […]
The Lasting Effects of Trauma & Childhood Adversity
Even though we might believe that we had a ‘normal’ childhood, most children experience some form of ‘adverse childhood experiences’ (aka ACE’s). Whether it was emotionally unavailable or controlling (e.g., everything had to be ‘fine’) parents, a chaotic household (due to addiction, mental illness, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, or divorce), neglect or abuse, children are […]
The Benefits of EMDR Psychotherapy
Why am I excited to be integrating EMDR into my practice? EMDR allows the client to access conscious and unconscious memories which are associated with negative cognitions/thoughts (E.g., I’m unlovable, I’m stupid, I’m a disappointment) and goes back to the origins of these in order to clear up both the (false) negative message/voice and the unpleasant […]
Towards Inner Peace
Most of us seek an increased sense of calmness, serenity and inner peace. We would like less chaos, stress and conflict with people, situations and our selves. At times we may feel restless, irritable and bothered by something we may not actually be able to name. What is this internal conflict about? This inner struggle […]
Making the Next Best Choice
What makes a decision better than others? Look at the intention behind making the decision. Is it based upon any fear? It is working from a place of abundance or scarcity (which is usually fear-based)? Who will benefit from your action? Further, look at what values are beneath the decision. Is it validating virtues of honesty, loyalty, […]
