It's easier to stay the same...

...unless it's not. Anais Nin wrote, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful that the risk it took to blossom." In our work with our patients, those who are depressed or very anxious, we hear and we observe that change is hard. This is not news. What can I say, we all do a little risk/reward analysis whenever we take a different course of action. Is it worth it to try something different on the menu when I know I like the lasagne? What if the veal parmesan is not as good? Is it worth it to keep my feelings hidden so I do not make my wife mad? But what does that do to me? Like water, human beings follow the path of least resistance and that path is carved over time and becomes very entrenched. It often takes an earthquake to reroute a flowing body of water... and, to change the course of entrenched human behavior. Even if that behavior does not produce satisfying outcomes. Depression and anxiety are common negative outcomes for those whose emotions get stuck or follow along a pathway that no longer suits them.

If you are perplexed by your feelings or your behaviors, if you ask yourself why on earth do I put up with that? or why do I fail to do the thing I really want to do?... perhaps you are getting to a place where it is becoming easier to do something different. Change is hard, but sometimes it's easier than to stay the same.

-- A Therapy Moment -- from Dr. Robin

Welcome to your therapy moment...

We are two licensed Clinical Psychologists working in a private practice setting. In our work we emphasize understanding and accepting all parts of you. We find that most people suffer when they fail to accept or push away aspects of themselves that they judge as unworthy, unlovable, or shameful. These are things that many people tell themselves to stop pain but, paradoxically, this creates more suffering. We hope to inspire you through bringing you ideas to reflect upon for yourself, your life and your relationships.
Dr. Robin & Dr. Jill