Thoughts from a Therapist

Psychology, Relationships, Meaning, and the Conditions that make Change

Thoughts From a Therapist

Philosophy & Theory

The ‘philosophy and theory’ category contains post which offer explanations of philosophical tenets and abstract and/or subjective offerings from the author.

  • Why Does My ADHD Make Me So Anxious? The Four Stages of a Trigger in a Branching Mind

    Why Does My ADHD Make Me So Anxious? The Four Stages of a Trigger in a Branching Mind

    ADHD anxiety is rarely one spike. A branching mind turns a single trigger into many, and the thinking meant to help blocks the contact…

  • How to Make Problems Navigable | Dialectic and Deconstruction Solutions

    How to Make Problems Navigable | Dialectic and Deconstruction Solutions

    We can solve today’s problems. The method: find the viable entry point, stay humble about every solution’s next problem, and divide the work accountably.

  • Using Immediacy in Therapy | Staying With Experience When the Mind Moves On

    Using Immediacy in Therapy | Staying With Experience When the Mind Moves On

    Immediacy in therapy brings attention back to the client’s present-moment experience—especially when the pull to move past emotion and into explanation begins to take…

  • Learning to See Clearly

    Learning to See Clearly

    A Workshop on Avoiding Misinformation and Psychological Manipulation We are living in an informational environment that places historically unfamiliar demands on the human nervous…

  • Emotional and Social Intelligence as a Living Balance | A Map for When You Want to Grow

    Emotional and Social Intelligence as a Living Balance | A Map for When You Want to Grow

    This content discusses the importance of emotional and social intelligence for personal growth, emphasizing the need for balance in various capacities such as self-awareness,…

  • The Fractal Field Model of Intelligence

    The Fractal Field Model of Intelligence

    The text redefines intelligence as a dynamic system integrating cognitive, emotional, and relational dimensions. It presents a Fractal Field Model emphasizing coherence as essential…

  • The Fractal Field of Mental Health

    The Fractal Field of Mental Health

    The text outlines a fluid and dynamic model of mental health, emphasizing that it encompasses multiple interdependent dimensions: Individual, Relational, Embodied, Integrity, Dialectical, Engaged,…

  • The Difference Between Fault and Responsibility

    The Difference Between Fault and Responsibility

    The content discusses the distinction between fault and responsibility, emphasizing that while injustices may not be our fault, finding solutions is our responsibility. It…

  • Dialectic and Deconstruction Solutions: summary/outline

    Dialectic and Deconstruction Solutions: summary/outline

    DDS is a collaborative platform that organizes and makes visible existing solutions to major human problems. By utilizing deconstruction, dialectics, and solution design, it…

  • Do the Ends Justify the Means?

    Do the Ends Justify the Means?

    This content emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with personal values while pursuing goals. It argues that compromising values can lead to internal…

  • Strength Is Contextual

    Strength Is Contextual

    Strength is not a singular trait but a contextual movement toward personal balance. It emerges differently for hyper-empowered individuals, who may need restraint, and…

  • Interviening with Extremism

    Interviening with Extremism

    This piece examines the emotional roots of extremist beliefs, highlighting trauma, shame, and the need for belonging as key drivers. It emphasizes that change…

  • Spiral Dynamics and Political Polarization: Why We Struggle to Govern Across Worldviews

    Spiral Dynamics and Political Polarization: Why We Struggle to Govern Across Worldviews

    How do we govern a nation when its citizens live in entirely different existential frameworks? This post explores Spiral Dynamics as a lens for…

  • Self of the Therapist: Core Dimensions

    Self of the Therapist: Core Dimensions

    The content explores various dimensions influencing therapeutic relationships, emphasizing the impact of personal relationships, attachment styles, communication, and cultural values. It highlights the integration…

  • The Building Blocks of Emotional and Social Intelligence

    The Building Blocks of Emotional and Social Intelligence

    The blog explores emotional and social intelligence, emphasizing their role in enhancing mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. It highlights essential capacities like empathy, self-awareness,…

  • The Dialectic of Courage

    The Dialectic of Courage

    Courage exists on a spectrum and requires balance, as both underdevelopment and overdevelopment can lead to issues. It is a crucial emotional capacity that…

  • Analysis vs Observation

    Analysis vs Observation

    This post contrasts sensation analysis with simple observation. Analysis categorizes and deducts, often distancing us from direct experience. In contrast, observation focuses on present…

  • Interventions in Relational Counseling

    Interventions in Relational Counseling

    Relational therapy utilizes various acronym-based models to guide therapists. It emphasizes the importance of integrating different theoretical approaches for effective interventions, highlighting key intervention…