How to Find the Strength to Say NO! Say NO – The simple word “no” carries remarkable power. For many people, however, using this power effectively remains one of life’s greatest challenges. The inability to say no—to unreasonable requests, invasive behaviors, or activities that don’t align with our values—creates patterns of overcommitment, resentment, and…
Believe – In an age characterized by unprecedented access to information, scientific advancement, and widespread questioning of traditional institutions, belief itself sometimes appears quaint or outdated. Skepticism and critical thinking are rightly valued, yet from a psychotherapeutic perspective—particularly through Gestalt and Somatic Experiencing lenses—the capacity to believe in something remains fundamentally important to psychological health,…
Brutal honesty. In a world where social niceties, diplomatic phrasing, and careful self-censorship often prevail, there exists a transformative force that many find both terrifying and liberating: brutal honesty. From a Gestalt therapy and Somatic Experiencing perspective, this raw, unfiltered truth-telling represents not merely communication but a profound pathway to psychological healing, authentic connection, and…
The phrase “betraying our parents” often evokes strong emotional reactions. It can sound harsh, even sacrilegious in cultures that deeply value filial piety and family loyalty. Yet, from a therapeutic perspective, particularly within Gestalt therapy and Somatic Experiencing frameworks, this psychological process represents not an act of disloyalty but a necessary developmental step toward authentic…
Self-Mistreatment Self-Mistreatment . In the quiet moments of self-reflection, many of us discover a harsh truth: we often treat ourselves in ways we would never treat others. The internal critic berates us for minor mistakes, we push our bodies beyond reasonable limits, deny ourselves rest, and engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that undermine our well-being and…
Anxiety – You Deserve a Life That Doesn’t Feel Like Survival Anxiety. The sensation is unmistakable—that persistent background tension, the feeling of always being slightly on alert, muscles never quite releasing their vigilance. Days blur together in endless responses to immediate demands. Your breathing stays shallow, never quite reaching your lower abdomen. Planning beyond immediate…
The pattern feels painfully familiar. You begin a new practice with enthusiasm—perhaps an exercise routine, a creative project, a meditation practice, or improved eating habits. The first days bring energy and commitment. Then, despite your genuine intentions, the consistency begins to waver. Days pass without engagement. The habit that seemed so important gradually fades from…
True self – How to Stop Abandoning Yourself in Relationships True self. The moment often happens so subtly you barely notice it—that slight internal flinch when your authentic response rises, followed by the automatic adjustment of your words, needs, or boundaries to maintain harmony in a relationship. Perhaps you find yourself agreeing with a perspective…
You notice it happening again. A conversation with a friend gradually shifts until you’re listening intently, asking thoughtful questions, creating space for their emotional process—while your own experience remains unexpressed. You feel the familiar sensation of fading slightly as your attention focuses completely on the other person. Your body settles into its accustomed position—perhaps leaning…
The Guilt of Choosing Yourself for the First Time Guilt. It arrives with unmistakable intensity—a wave of discomfort washing through your body when you finally say no to an unreasonable request. The tightness in your chest after booking a solo trip you’ve always wanted to take. The knot in your stomach when you set a…