Values
Inequality plagues many societies. Our resident psychologist looks at how putting others down, or being put down ourselves, contributes to society’s malaise. When we think of inequality, we might tend to think of “big” examples such as the fight for civil rights in the United States, apartheid in South Africa, or the subjugation of…
Here’s a simple but effective way of thinking about which direction you are travelling in, with each choice you make. It comes from “The Weight Escape” by Ciarrochi, Bailey and Harris (2014), a book I use a lot with clients who have difficulties with food, but this diagram can used with any decision. Download the…
“Well, I just feel confused. I’m not sure where to go from here. Last week we had such a hopeful session and this week has left me feeling stuck.” This is a direct quote from a client at the end of a session with me in the last couple of months. I used to be…
While it’s easy to have the best of intentions when it comes to changing behaviour, sticking at it can be tough. Sue hates flying. She commonly feels fearful from the moment she is seated on the plane and doesn’t fully relax until the moment the plane touches down at the other end. Because of her…
Developing a healthy relationship with food When I used to give seminars on how to develop a healthy relationship with food, I would often take in a packet of chips and some chocolate and place them at the front of the room. Comments from the participants would start: “Don’t let me see that chocolate,” “Oh…
I recently came across “10 guideposts for wholehearted living” in the book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Dr. Brené Brown. Brown researches connection and has found that the people who have the courage to be imperfect end up with love, connection and…
The difference between living by goals vs. values At Change it psychology, we are currently loving a relatively new model of therapy called ACT – acceptance and commitment therapy. The best and most accessible books on ACT come from Russ Harris, ACT is a relative to CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and focuses on how we…
We spend our lives looking for contentment – but is it even possible? Understanding what satisfaction is and how we should respond when we feel as though it’s slipping away can help us navigate a path to greater happiness. I didn’t think my life would turn out like this,” 39-year-old Maggie said. “I should have…