Aside from reasons you were given growing up, why tell the truth?   Over the many years of being a therapist, I’ve been witness to many explanations justifying not telling the truth but much fewer rationales for truth-telling.  Truth be told, honesty can be tough.  It doesn’t make us look good all the time.  There can be some downright uncomfortable consequences from it.  We can lose things and people we want because of it.  But, in the long run, it’s our ally and through it, we grow into ourselves and relationships.

From a relationship perspective, the benefit of truth-telling is fairly obvious.  Truth and transparency foster intimacy and understanding.  If a partner withholds the truth, there is less known about them by their partner and distance intercedes.  Intimacy isn’t always warm, soft and comfortable.  (more…)

Filed under: San Diego Therapist Blog by Sylvia

People seek therapy for a variety of issues, but a leading reason is when someone’s world takes an unexpected turn and they find themselves facing some form of loss.  Pain and anxiety may be triggered by the loss of a relationship, person, job, health and more.  This shift in reality leads many to doubt what they thought they could depend on and can breed distrust towards self, others and the future.  Depression and anxiety may become central while confidence and hope diminish.  It is normal to be sad and scared during periods of loss and change but be careful not to lose sight of the promise which these experiences afford. Pain and loss are always the precursor to growth, wisdom and dare I say gratitude if handled with patience, humility and an open mind. (more…)

Filed under: San Diego Therapist Blog by admin

I have yet to meet someone in my private practice or personal life who said they were not honest.  I think most everyone says they’re an honest person.  But, my observation is that most of us are honest when it’s convenient for us… when it serves us and helps us feel better about who we are in the midst of the situation we find ourselves.  Time and time again I see people choosing to conceal or partially disclose truth, deceive a person they love or outright lie when they are at the crossroads of serving others or serving themselves when faced with a difficult decision.  (more…)

Filed under: San Diego Therapist Blog by admin

At the beginning of any new year, many people are making resolutions for self-improvement. Working with a therapist can be an extremely effective way to help prioritize and meet your goals for the new year.  Most people consider the immediate gain and success they hope to achieve but often don’t consider the unintended benefits that can reveal themselves personally, physically and interpersonally as a result of counseling. Below is non-exhaustive list of how a therapist can help you start 2017 on the right foot, whether you are looking for a San Diego therapist or one in another area. (more…)

Filed under: San Diego Therapist Blog by admin

The new year brings about a time when many of us pause for self reflection. Resolutions aren’t for everyone, but most of us have a desire for change, growth or movement in certain areas of life. When I reflect on the majority of my clients, the main stress or complaint I hear about is the lack of time they feel in their life which leads to difficulty tending to relationships… with self, friends and/or family. Most people feel a squeeze in their life as lack of time forces us to make cuts often leaving self-care at the bottom of the list. But, at the end of the day there really isn’t a (more…)

Filed under: San Diego Therapist Blog by Sylvia