Mike Fatula MS, LMFT 
Certainly, we couple for the purpose of procreation; out of romantic love; for protection; to feel a sense of family; for financial and emotional security; for companionship; and out of sexual attraction. But it may be that we also couple to learn something from one another, This possibility is posited in the monograph article “The … …
The “What if?” question is the question that people who are creative and people who are obsessive ask—just in different directions… Creative people, such as writers, ask “What if?” but the question can go in positive and negative directions. For example, even in a clichéd version of a romantic comedy, the screenwriter might ask … …
Most of us are experiencing some type of loss during this time of the coronavirus. If we can experience the feelings associated with loss, we can grieve and emerge with peaceful acceptance. If we suppress our feelings, we might withdraw into depression or discharge in anger. The losses during covid-19 can include tragic loss of … …
In this time of “social distancing,” we don’t have to sacrifice emotional closeness. It is unfortunate the term “social distancing” is being used to describe what is actually physical distancing. We can still socialize without touch or physical proximity because we have social media at the time we need it most.
Begin by asking yourself, “Who am I rebelling against?” Is there a particular authority figure in your current life? Linked to them, is there a caretaker/authority figure from your childhood? A parent, coach, or teacher whom you experienced as a taskmaster…
Anxiety and depression are the two most common symptoms people who come to psychotherapy say they are coming to treat. Anxiety can take many forms including muscle tightness; heart palpitations; and shallow, rapid breathing. It can affect balance, thinking, and memory. It can exacerbate physical health conditions such as migraines, acid reflux…
When anxiety is experienced at night and prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, it is often…
The way to stop procrastinating is to challenge the faulty beliefs that make up your own unique brand of perfectionism. Realize who the beliefs came from in childhood or young adulthood (from whom did you experience a message you had to be perfect…