I decided to ask an open question on my Instagram story to see why the men who followed me were afraid/reluctant to seek therapy. The responses surprised me in comparison to much of the research that I’ve come across. I noticed a lot of toxic masculinity was a common theme and shame was super prevalent. … Continue reading Why The Men In Our Lives Aren’t Sprinting to Therapy (Guest Blog by Gwynaedd Howdyshell)
Pulling Back The Veil
To our beautiful AVOS community, This is the time to be unequivocal. This is the time to pull back the veil on our blind spots and sit in discomfort. We at AVOS are committed to equity, inclusion, diversity and to practicing and becoming an Anti-racist organization. We cannot claim to be a trauma-informed practice without … Continue reading Pulling Back The Veil
Hello Self-Sabotage, My Old Friend GUEST BLOG BY KRISTEN MCGEEHON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQwoUMt_Co&authuser=0 Self-sabotage, or self defeating behaviors, is essentially any behavior or action that gets in the way of your plans, intentions, or goals - this behavior actually moves you away from your goals and into, more or less, a shame spiral. This looks different for everyone but, generally, it tends to be behaviors such as … Continue reading Hello Self-Sabotage, My Old Friend GUEST BLOG BY KRISTEN MCGEEHON
“Everything Happens for a Reason,” “This too shall pass,” “Just Let it Go” and other forms of Spiritual Bypassing that Actually do More Harm Than Good.
https://youtu.be/QwSUf8th1_c Many of us (myself included) have often said these well-meaning phrases. Things like “Let go and Let God,” “They’re (your loved ones who have died) are in a better place now,” “God doesn’t give you anymore than you can handle” are intended to “make people feel better,” but when they are in place of … Continue reading “Everything Happens for a Reason,” “This too shall pass,” “Just Let it Go” and other forms of Spiritual Bypassing that Actually do More Harm Than Good.
Hate To Tell You “Do-Gooders” But….People Pleasing is Just Another Form of Manipulation
Perhaps we have someone in our lives that we would consider a “bulldozer.” They seem to always get what they want and have a very hard time accepting “no” for an answer. They are extremely convincing or downright dishonest and/or they only call us when they want something. These are the characteristics that we generally … Continue reading Hate To Tell You “Do-Gooders” But….People Pleasing is Just Another Form of Manipulation
Why Your Relationship Might Be At The Root of You Not Ever Feeling Good Enough: Top 10 Signs of Narcissistic Abuse.
Some people may have narcissistic parents or are in romantic relationships or friendships with narcissists. If you recognize some of these signs, it is likely that this person will have very little self-awareness. Of course, I am in the business of believing that people can change, but remember- you can’t change others. They will likely … Continue reading Why Your Relationship Might Be At The Root of You Not Ever Feeling Good Enough: Top 10 Signs of Narcissistic Abuse.
When you’re running on an empty bucket
Ideally, we are supposed to grow up with loving and protective parents that are curious about who we really are, they nurture and support us, they teach us how to protect ourselves and take care of ourselves. Our caregivers’ voices become our internal voice. We internalize the way they spoke to us as a way … Continue reading When you’re running on an empty bucket
The Introvert’s Holiday Survival Guide by Kristen McGeehon
https://youtu.be/hJy3JQhQ_dQ Do the holidays have you feeling anxious and exhausted already? All the chit chat and small talk and having to be cheerful and joyous - I feel exhausted just thinking about it! While it can be tempting to forgo all of the holiday events, connection and relationships are very important to our wellbeing; so, … Continue reading The Introvert’s Holiday Survival Guide by Kristen McGeehon
Want to turn down that worry? Get Outside!
The laundry is piling high, you’re behind at work, you’re worried about your kid’s performance in school, your boss is a jerk, and you and your partner haven’t had a date in two months. Anxiety is kicking in! Perhaps it’s a steady stream of just constant worry or periodic freak outs. Whatever your relationship with … Continue reading Want to turn down that worry? Get Outside!
Are You The Toxic One?
In my latest contribution to good therapy.org, I explore ten questions to ask if you are a toxic person? Do you shame people or try to compete with them when they are struggling or celebrating? Maybe you indulge in attention-seeking behaviors on social media for some "snatch and grab" validation? It is my belief that … Continue reading Are You The Toxic One?
A.V.O.S. Counseling 