The Therapy Spot

Young or old, male or female, we have all lived through periods of discomfort. If you’re like me, even the word might make you cringe! The feeling often comes from change, loss, or other disruption to our comfort zone. So, what is productive discomfort? Shouldn’t we avoid that feeling as much as possible? According to Susan Reyland: absolutely not! For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

Don’t let the name fool you: just like all of your parts, your Self critic means well! Like a sheepdog, it “herds” you over to possible solutions by being critical and judgmental. Those little nips at your heels help keep you out of a rut, and moving forwards. Sometimes, however, this self-criticism is just too much. If your once-helpful sheepdog has become a bully, you might feel like it’s stopped herding you, and started knocking you down. That means it’s time to put down self-criticism and self-blame and seek out other ways to respond to your situation. For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

Have you ever pulled away from your partner out of fear they might leave you? Or maybe what you really fear is your partner getting too close. Both of these situations arise from insecurity, which can seriously wreak havoc on your relationship. If you’re going through something like this right now, never fear! Stan Tatkin has a lot of powerful insights to share on how to foster a sense of security and safety with your partner. After all, we often forget that the word “partner” implies that the other person is on your side. For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we hit a “bump” in our long term relationship that becomes a mountain. Every day, more and more extremes show up, making things harder instead of easier. Just like muscles, our relationships can become inflamed. When the relationship is inflamed, both parties are affected and often behave in ways that are out of character. For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

This episode looks at how you need to actively prioritise taking care of your Self. When you fail to notice that you are exhausted or depleted in some way, things can get out of control. On this week's show, I provide a framework just how to take better care of your Self and encourage you to be actively involved in showing up in your own life.  Released March 19, 2017 For show notes, ebooks and other resources, please visit bethrogerson.com  

Over time, Matt and Heather's relationship had gotten off course, and Heather’s attempts to “course correct” kept failing. Heather felt frustrated with Matt. “He doesn’t talk to me about important things, or even initiate conversation. Why even try?” Matt, however, felt defeated. “She always tells me what I’m doing wrong — but she doesn’t notice the good things I do. I guess what I’m doing isn’t good enough. I just can’t get it right.” Eventually, both Heather and Matt shut down and withdrew from each other. They still agreed on one thing, though: “Things aren’t getting any better. We act friendly to each other but that’s it. Nothing has changed.” For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

This week, I’d like to share a piece of wisdom with you. This little tidbit of information holds the key to finally changing behavior in your relationships that just isn't working. Are you ready? Here it is: you are not a rat. Let me explain. For more, visit: bethrogerson.com

Re-realeased February 27, 2017 Originally published September 8, 2015 This week’s episode of The Therapy Spot breaks down common misconceptions about the nature of anxiety and depression, and offers 12 ways you can alleviate depression – naturally. For show notes, visit: bethrogerson.com  

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “It’s just one of those days” as you look over your to-do list? No matter what you do, you just can’t seem to get started on those tasks you know you need to accomplish.  You don't feel this way because the tasks on your list are impossible — unless you’ve decided today is the day you single-handedly achieve world peace! I’m willing to bet that your list involves a solid dose of “adulting,” or putting your home in order. You know you’ll feel better once you cross them off your list, so what is stopping you? For more, visit: bethrogerson.com  

Hello and welcome back to the Therapy Spot, everyone! I’d like to wish each and every one of you a very happy Valentine’s Day. Whether you celebrate with your partner, friends, or your children, today is a wonderful day to express your love. Today, however, I’d like to talk about something a little unusual for Valentine’s Day: fighting. Unfortunately, no matter how much we love our partners, fights happen. In fact, arguments and misunderstandings with our partners can be the most upsetting and volatile fights we have. That’s why I interviewed Mona Barbera today of all days.