American Psychological Association Resolution on Psychotherapy

“Be It Resolved that, as a healing practice and professional service, psychotherapy is effective and highly cost-effective. In controlled trials and in clinical practice, psychotherapy results in benefits that markedly exceed those experienced by individuals who need mental health services but do not receive psychotherapy. Consequently, psychotherapy should be included in the health care system as an established evidence-based practice.

Be It Further

Aromatherapy and the 5 Stages of Grief

Grief is a wise, mysterious and frightening healer. It has an elemental role in emotion and relationship, but it will not be controlled or befriended. Grief’s nature is watery. Powerful, slippery and unpredictable, it seems to fill every space. One moment it will allow a float in a moment of respite, then gently bring a sweet memory, to suddenly crash down with relentless and choking waves. Grief is organic and chaotic. It is a feeling that will visit everyone, and most of us dread it.

In her seminal book ‘On Death and Dying’ Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross first introduced her now-famous idea that

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

II. 28-29
If you engage earnestly in the various practices
of making yourself whole,
all your impurities will be destroyed;
and then you will gain the light of wisdom,
a revelation beyond even discrimination.
The eight limbs are self control, commitments,
the physical poses, control of the breath,
withdrawal of the senses,
focus, fixation, and perfect meditation.

– Yogasutras

Yoga is more then poses. It is an ongoing holistic practice of refinement and purification through which we may reduce suffering and come to know the peace of our true nature.

Thousands of years ago there lived an amazing Indian yogi, mystic, dancer, doctor and intellectual named Patanjali. He compiled centuries of yoga philosophy and technique, and brilliantly distilled them into one clear and poetic statement or darsana.

Leaning Into Discomfort

Brene Brown’s talks on vulnerability and shame have ignited many memories, thoughts and reflections for me. There have been countless times where I have numbed myself to vulnerability, many occasions when I have made myself vulnerable and been hurt and other times when I was open hearted and felt deeply connected. When I considered what I could write about today, this was the story that came to mind.

I was given Demerol and an epidural when delivering my first child. During that two days of protracted labour

Vulnerability Saved My Life

When I watched Brene Brown’s Ted Talk debut “The Power of Vulnerability” I felt a rush of excitement. Ms.Brown managed to condense with talent and wit something I consider to be a fundamental pillar of healing and awakening. The experience and gifts of vulnerability are at the core of our work at the Breakthrough Center for Coaching and Psychotherapy.  Vulnerability holds the golden key to our ultimate potential.

In my view the ability to be vulnerable is an essential ingredient to a happier life. I have corroborated this through personal experiences and through the relationships I share with each and every one of the people I love and work with. I know that when we are willing to embrace our most truthful and vulnerable aspects our creativity flourishes, our resilience increases and our capacity to love thrives, guided by compassion and inner-wisdom. In turn,  our relationships become more intimate, committed and deep.

If I had to choose one wish for all humanity it is this:

Coaching Exercise: What Do You Believe Right Now?

If you believe something long enough it becomes real to you.
What do you believe right now? Is what you believe actually true for you? Could you be carrying old beliefs that no longer apply, or beliefs that are not actually yours?
Try this exercise:

Take a few moments to finish these ‘sentence starters’ for yourself. Jot down your answers.

Life is . . .

I am . . .

People are . . .

Money is . . .

The most important thing to know about happiness is . . .

The answers you have written offer insight into to how you currently see and experience the world.
Read your answers carefully. Try reading out loud.
Do these statements feel ‘right’ to you?
Can you back up these answers with evidence and examples?
Are there any statements you do not believe upon reflection?
Is there any answer you can change, or would like to change?

Remember: Thoughts —————-> Emotions
When you change your thoughts, you change your experience.

“There is nothing either good or bad,
but thinking makes it so.”
– Shakespeare

Coaching Vs Therapy

Coaching Versus Therapy Notes

 At times some of the boundaries may not be or seem as clear as presented in the chart. It is more important to be aware when coaching is or soon will be inappropriately crossing over into therapy.
 There is an overlap between coaching and therapy in these areas: both rely heavily on a trusting relationship confidentially must be honored, personal agendas are kept to a minimum, and other disciplines are used in the process.

The Power of Vulnerability

Brene Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

What Is An Emergency or Crisis?

A crisis is a time of danger or great difficulty. Generally, you will know you are in crisis if you feel like you can’t cope and are not in control. For instance, you may be having difficulty sleeping, eating, paying attention or carrying on your normal routine at home, work or school. Or you may have had a serious setback or be wondering if you can keep going. Acting on thoughts of suicide–for example, cutting your wrists–is an emergency.

A crisis could result from losing your