The Second Noble Truth

Ghosting

Don't Let Being Ghosted Haunt You

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on October 27, 2021

Living with the ambiguity of being ghosted may be a step toward growth.

Living with the ambiguity of being ghosted may be a step toward growth.

Gaslighting

Not Every Disagreement About Reality Is Gaslighting

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on September 13, 2021

Gaslighting is a common term identifying malicious intent. At the core is a questioning of reality, and if used correctly, that can be the beginning of enlightenment.

Gaslighting is a common term identifying malicious intent. At the core is a questioning of reality, and if used correctly, that can be the beginning of enlightenment.

Free Will

Fighting to Create a True Self

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on August 21, 2021

Are you unhappy with who you are? For some being more authentic could help. But for others, the creation of a more desired self is the best option.

Are you unhappy with who you are? For some being more authentic could help. But for others, the creation of a more desired self is the best option.

Unconscious

Science Can Build Compassion

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on July 22, 2021

Disguised evolutionary needs influences behavior. Understanding this can foster compassion for others and oneself.

Disguised evolutionary needs influences behavior. Understanding this can foster compassion for others and oneself.

Narcissism

Are There Really So Many Narcissists?

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on June 18, 2021

The common idea that narcissists are everywhere hurting everyone is likely exaggerated—and may be a product of normal selfishness being given a psychiatric label.

The common idea that narcissists are everywhere hurting everyone is likely exaggerated—and may be a product of normal selfishness being given a psychiatric label.

Relationships

Understanding the Alchemy of Love for Better Relationships

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on May 19, 2021

Many experts agree that what is called love often is actually unhealthy. To be truly loving requires overcoming the default workings of the mind.

Many experts agree that what is called love often is actually unhealthy. To be truly loving requires overcoming the default workings of the mind.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

The Psychology of Complaining

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on April 21, 2021

Complaining is often viewed as negative but it remains prevalent in our culture. There are several purposes complaining serves, but also drawbacks that can be incurred.

Complaining is often viewed as negative but it remains prevalent in our culture. There are several purposes complaining serves, but also drawbacks that can be incurred.

Empathy

Disagree, But Understand Why

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on March 10, 2021

Many people avoid conflict or find it aversive. Most cling to beliefs and perceptions and see challenges as threats. Understanding common biases and cognitive empathy can help.

Many people avoid conflict or find it aversive. Most cling to beliefs and perceptions and see challenges as threats. Understanding common biases and cognitive empathy can help.

Relationships

Existential Isolation Is Key to Healthy Relationships

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on February 14, 2021

The idea that we are ultimately alone is unsettling at best, terrifying at worst. But to have truly loving relationships, one must face this fact.

The idea that we are ultimately alone is unsettling at best, terrifying at worst. But to have truly loving relationships, one must face this fact.

Relationships

Civility Is Overrated

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on January 20, 2021

People are taught to be civil. In the current political climate of this country, that may be discouraging discourse. The solution may be to be less offensive and less offended.

People are taught to be civil. In the current political climate of this country, that may be discouraging discourse. The solution may be to be less offensive and less offended.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

The Human, Lion, and Multi-Headed Beast Inside

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on December 20, 2020

Popular culture is beginning to accept that within each of us, multitudes exist, and we needn't worry about it. In fact, accepting it can foster well-being.

Popular culture is beginning to accept that within each of us, multitudes exist, and we needn't worry about it. In fact, accepting it can foster well-being.

Self-Control

The Psychology of "Just Do It"

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on November 21, 2020

"Just Do It" can be harmful or helpful, depending on the context in which it is used. This post helps you make the most of it for yourself.

"Just Do It" can be harmful or helpful, depending on the context in which it is used. This post helps you make the most of it for yourself.

Happiness

Pillars: The Behaviors That Lead to Stability

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on October 16, 2020

Are you aware of the self-care behaviors that keep you stable? Utilizing these behaviors regularly enriches life and helps combat burnout, as well as feeling like life is only tasks.

Are you aware of the self-care behaviors that keep you stable? Utilizing these behaviors regularly enriches life and helps combat burnout, as well as feeling like life is only tasks.

Grief

Handling Grief

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on September 20, 2020

Grief is one of the most painful emotions that everyone will experience, and it has many facets.

Grief is one of the most painful emotions that everyone will experience, and it has many facets.

Gratitude

Life Is Hard

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on August 20, 2020

It is undeniable that life is hard. But even as amenities have made life easier, the perception that life is hard persists. Some of this is perception and can be tweaked.

It is undeniable that life is hard. But even as amenities have made life easier, the perception that life is hard persists. Some of this is perception and can be tweaked.

Mindfulness

8 Ways to Stop Thinking

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on July 19, 2020

Science supports meditation and mindfulness. Yet many find it difficult and have unrealistic expectations for what it is and how to do it.

Science supports meditation and mindfulness. Yet many find it difficult and have unrealistic expectations for what it is and how to do it.

Personality

Is Your Personality Congruent?

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on June 21, 2020

There are three levels of personality: Basic traits, characteristic adaptations, and the story of you. Creating congruence (through adversity) leads to better mental health.

There are three levels of personality: Basic traits, characteristic adaptations, and the story of you. Creating congruence (through adversity) leads to better mental health.

Career

How to Control Your Mind

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on May 19, 2020

Change is difficult. The part of the brain that controls most drives and motivation is old and well-tested. But you can make changing easier with some understanding of the mind.

Change is difficult. The part of the brain that controls most drives and motivation is old and well-tested. But you can make changing easier with some understanding of the mind.

Therapy

The Existential Crisis You Are (or Should Be) Having

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on April 22, 2020

The pandemic is, and should be, causing an existential crisis for millions. But crises needn't be bad. Facing one's existential angst can lead to a more fulfilling life.

The pandemic is, and should be, causing an existential crisis for millions. But crises needn't be bad. Facing one's existential angst can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Bias

What Is Your COVID-19 Story?

William Berry, LMHC., CAP. on April 14, 2020

COVID-19 may be a defining moment in our history. While this is happening, cognitive distortions have affected how the event is perceived. Yet we can decide how it will define us.

COVID-19 may be a defining moment in our history. While this is happening, cognitive distortions have affected how the event is perceived. Yet we can decide how it will define us.