Recently I watched a YouTube clip of Phil McGraw (Dr. Phil) counseling a 79-pound woman with anorexia, and it was a sad sight indeed. My sadness was felt both for the plight of the woman and for the plight of all people who get only shallow psychological knowledge from so-called … [Read more...] about Understanding Anorexia
Guilt and Shame
O Shame, Where is Thy Secret Source?
Shame is a powerful and self-damaging emotion, and many books in recent years have tackled the subject in search of its roots. Some experts say shame is “the quintessential negative emotion” because it influences so many different moods and behaviors. While shame can saturate … [Read more...] about O Shame, Where is Thy Secret Source?
Easing Tension and Stress at Family Gatherings
Lingering emotional wounds from our family of origin are like riptides in our psyche. At times, most of us in childhood experienced betrayal, rejection, and other painful hurts. As adults, many of us, swept along by emotional undercurrents, are unable to enjoy our time together … [Read more...] about Easing Tension and Stress at Family Gatherings
The Secret Allures of Pornography
Lots of people, men in particular, are addicted to pornography. They are sexually aroused by the visual stimulation, and they return compulsively to the activity, looking for that pleasure. However, it’s often a pleasure that comes with a price. Many feel shame after feasting on … [Read more...] about The Secret Allures of Pornography
How Deeper Awareness Can Eliminate Shame
Shame is largely a mystery to those people who suffer from the painful affliction. It’s even a mystery to psychological experts who struggle to define it. However, we can get clarity and understanding about it when we go deep into our psyche. Better yet, with deep awareness we … [Read more...] about How Deeper Awareness Can Eliminate Shame