Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life

Rethinking “Stinking Thinking”

Gordon Shippey — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:38:40 +0000

Beginning in the 1950s, Albert Ellis laid the foundations for a major portion of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with his colorful descriptions of negative thought patterns, descriptions that remain useful to the present day. Yet these venerable tools also have their limitations and misuses.

Tags: CBT, emotions, in practice, mindful awareness, society, therapy

Searching for What Forged the Iron Lady

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:29:19 +0000

The Iron Lady, the new movie about Margaret Thatcher, did not live up to its potential. Perhaps if they had focused on what it was like for her to be both a mother and a woman in power they might have made a more interesting movie.

Tags: parenting and children, reviews, women

The Moving Target of Technical Literacy

Gordon Shippey — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:11:29 +0000

In the eighties, I made it a point to become 'computer literate'. In today's world of tablets and smart phones, 'computer literacy' begins to take on a new and shifting definition.

Tags: history, intelligence, technology

The Meaning of ‘Life’

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:27:03 +0000

Although popular culture is often banal, there is worthwhile meaning embedded in this television show, including some Zen lessons on letting go of resentment, seeking justice instead of revenge, managing anger, achieving acceptance when times seem dark, and recognizing our connection with others.

Tags: anger, emotions, meaning, mindful awareness, society, zen

Psychopathy: Is It Really Everywhere?

Dr George Simon, PhD — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:37:50 +0000

The term character disturbance describes a continuum of disturbed personality types. Psychopathy, or sociopathy, is the severest form of personality disorder at one extreme end of the range. Not everyone with a character disturbance is a psychopath.

Tags: character disturbance, personality disorders, society

Lessons from the Film ‘Limitless’

Gordon Shippey — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:10:14 +0000

Although film critics have given Limitless tepid praise, I found this movie to be deeply meaningful as a therapist. Understand Limitless and you understand many of the dreams and nightmares that haunt modern life.

Tags: addiction, ADHD, drug abuse, intelligence, medications, motivation, society, therapy

Alcohol and Endorphins: ‘Feel Good’ Chemical Key to Problem Drinking?

Dr George Simon, PhD — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:54:46 +0000

'Feel good' endorphins may be activated differently in the brains of social drinkers as compared to problem drinkers, according to recent neuroscience research. These insights may lead one day to finding more effective drugs to treat problem drinking.

Tags: addiction, alcohol, brain, neuroscience, news and research, public health

Why Resolutions are Not Enough

Gordon Shippey — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:15:13 +0000

Early in the new year many people resist making New Year's resolutions because of past disappointments or lack of confidence in their own abilities. If we could understand 'resolutions' in their larger context, we could use them for their proper purpose as tools to achieve what we most desire.

Tags: decision making, emotions, in practice, meaning, motivation, tools

4 Tips for a Toxic Workplace: When Your Boss is a Covert-Aggressor

Dr George Simon, PhD — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:50:09 +0000

Dealing with someone who is covertly aggressive is always a challenge -- and especially so in the workplace, where we can feel trapped. Here are four tips to help cope with this kind of manipulative behavior.

Tags: aggression, boundaries, bullying, character disturbance, power, relationships, social skills, work-life

New Year Celebrations — Harking Back to Old Values

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:33:30 +0000

New Year's Eve celebrations seem to have gotten smaller in scope. Let's align ourselves more with the traditional intent of the celebration, and make a radical shift back to the values of repairing relationships and promising good behavior.

Tags: existentialism, history, meaning, relationships, society