To become emotionally strong, we might need to understand the inner dynamics of emotional weakness. There’s no need to feel bad about having a weakness. A man who aspires, for instance, to become a good tennis player is simply being sensible when he takes steps to overcome a weak … [Read more...] about We Get Stronger by Seeing Our Weakness
psychological defenses
Our Compulsion to Self-Punish
For many of us, a steady stream of emotional self-punishment can feel as natural as breathing. The process of punishing oneself can operate so subtly that people don’t detect its pernicious nature. This is not a discussion of physical self-injury or self-harm such as skin … [Read more...] about Our Compulsion to Self-Punish
Breaking Free of Inner Passivity
Inner passivity is an unconscious realm of our psyche that’s very much “in our face” emotionally. I write a great deal about inner passivity, and I keep trying to bring this psychological aspect into better focus. My readers keep asking me how, exactly, can they eliminate … [Read more...] about Breaking Free of Inner Passivity
How to Recognize Good Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be very helpful—and, in some cases, essential—for success, self-fulfillment, and future happiness. But it can also be a waste of time and money if you don’t have a good therapist. Regretfully, a majority of psychotherapists practice superficial methods that … [Read more...] about How to Recognize Good Psychotherapy
Unconscious Factors Fuel Abortion Fight
The abortion fight won’t go away. This month the United States Senate failed to create a fund for victims of sexual trafficking because an abortion provision had been inserted into the bill. Meanwhile, legal challenges are proceeding in many states over recent legislation that … [Read more...] about Unconscious Factors Fuel Abortion Fight