Self Help

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

-Nelson Mandela

Evidence-based self help

Therapists often recommend that clients work on their own between therapy visits, using evidence-based practices. But everyone is different. For best results, I recommend discussing your self-help work in detail with a licensed mental health professional.

The brain and the mind are trainable. Happiness is a skill set. Self-help practices help you prepare for strong emotions. Like a storm, we can feel our emotions building. Self-care practices help you prepare for the storm so you survive and move toward thriving. Restorative practices help you heal your body and mind after the storm.

General

Relationship Science

I believe that every person has areas of enduring vulnerability. For a marriage to succeed, these vulnerabilities need to be understood and honored.

John Gottman, gottman.com

Yoga

When I practice, I usually start by slowing down internally and setting aside my to-do list. When I’m able to drop in like this, I’m always thankful that I have a yoga practice.

Jason Crandell, JasonYoga.com

Mindfulness, Compassion, and Neuroscience

Most people are afraid of suffering. But suffering is a kind of mud to help the lotus flower of happiness grow. There can be no lotus flower without the mud …. The art of happiness is also the art of suffering as well. When we learn to acknowledge, embrace, and understand our suffering, we suffer much less.

Thich Nhat Hanh
No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, by Thich Nhat Hanh