Here at CI, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of empathy. Here’s some recent research to back it up. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Bryn Mawr College examined empathy in 156 couples. In particular they were interested if people needed to be accurate in their attempts at empathy (i.e., really know how their partner was feeling) in order to Read more…
I recently received a wonderful gift: The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage by Brené Brown. I’ve been listening to it while I’m driving in my car. In the most recent segment that I was listening to, she quoted work done by Lisa Hartling that lists three reactions that we usually fall to when experiencing shame: move away, Read more…
I have spent too much of my life apologizing for various things: I’m sorry, but I have a question… I’m sorry, but I feel… I’m sorry, but I can’t do that… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t say sorry so much. I threw around the word “sorry” carelessly instead of reserving it for actions or words that necessitated a need for forgiveness Read more…
I am sitting in Starbucks (a regular occurrence for me this summer) trying to get some work done on this beautiful Thursday afternoon (mild 70s weather meant for September). Halfway across the room, a man is sitting at his laptop with a sign taped to the back of his screen that says, “Tell me your story. I’ll buy you a Read more…
Two years ago, I was attending a workshop for play therapy when a profound statement reached my ears: “What you give as a therapist is what you always needed.” It struck me on different levels and in all of my different roles- therapist, sibling, daughter, friend, and human. I thought about my “style” or “theory” of therapy. Nearing the end Read more…
