These days mark another season change. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the first day of spring. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the beginning of autumn. The first day of spring, the first day of summer, the first day of autumn, and the first day of winter are all significant and difficult days for many trauma survivors with Dissociative Identity … [Read more...]
Addressing Depression in Trauma Disorders
It is no secret that trauma survivors get depressed, and depression is the most commonly known and experienced mental health disorder. Typical depression symptoms include: Suicidal thoughts, recurring death thoughts, death wishes Suicidal behavior and suicide attempts Self destructive behavior, self injury, self harm Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self hatred, or not deserving to live Loss … [Read more...]
Overcoming Instability Issues and Unsuccessful Memory Work
Kerro commented: I have a question about stability. I accept that I need to be reliable, motivated, responsible and willing to delve into things I generally don't want to delve into. As for stability - I can see how a stable client is easier to work with for a therapist. However, what if the beginning stages of therapy have resurfaced old issues or retraumatised the client to the extent that … [Read more...]
10 Qualities a Therapist Recognizes in a Good Client, part 1
Most clients quickly think of the many qualities they want in their therapists. However, are those clients also thinking about whether or not they are presenting themselves as the type of client someone would want to work with? As an experienced psychotherapist, I am proposing that there are many criteria for clients to consider about themselves as well as about their prospective therapists. Many of the … [Read more...]