Authentic Engagement

Identity

How Our Identity Changes Throughout Our Life

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on November 12, 2024

Our identity may seem static. However, you can modify your identity to one that is more fulfilling. This is not an easy task. It takes courage, time, and commitment.

Our identity may seem static. However, you can modify your identity to one that is more fulfilling. This is not an easy task. It takes courage, time, and commitment.

Aging

The Gift and Challenge of Aging

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on July 25, 2024

The aging process includes contrasting feelings: sadness that we can't go back in time and gratitude for the wisdom we have gained. Navigating this paradox is a challenge.

The aging process includes contrasting feelings: sadness that we can't go back in time and gratitude for the wisdom we have gained. Navigating this paradox is a challenge.

Therapy

To Be or Not to Be: Engage with Life or Retreat from It

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on March 13, 2024

Contemplating Hamlet's question is essential to the everyday choices we make in our lives.

Contemplating Hamlet's question is essential to the everyday choices we make in our lives.

Spirituality

The Value of Integrating Existentialism and Spirituality

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on December 13, 2023

A Personal Perspective: The integration of existentialism and spirituality helps us discover a life meaning that is filled with wonder, responsibility, choice, and awe.

A Personal Perspective: The integration of existentialism and spirituality helps us discover a life meaning that is filled with wonder, responsibility, choice, and awe.

Decision-Making

Effective Decision-Making Through Inward Searching

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on August 28, 2023

Our culture emphasizes making quick decisions. Hesitation is considered weak. Taking the time for the inward searching process will reveal what works best for you.

Our culture emphasizes making quick decisions. Hesitation is considered weak. Taking the time for the inward searching process will reveal what works best for you.

Therapy

Inside an Existential-Humanistic Therapy Session

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on May 23, 2023

Understanding that the existential-humanistic process can support a successful therapeutic journey.

Understanding that the existential-humanistic process can support a successful therapeutic journey.

Therapy

On Presence: Engaging Deeply With Life

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on February 14, 2023

How can we immerse ourselves in every moment? Being present opens us up to the whole-body experience of being alive.

How can we immerse ourselves in every moment? Being present opens us up to the whole-body experience of being alive.

Guilt

The Value of Existential Guilt

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on November 15, 2022

Guilt is inherent to being human. How you engage with your guilt determines whether it is constructive or inhibiting.

Guilt is inherent to being human. How you engage with your guilt determines whether it is constructive or inhibiting.

Relationships

The I-Thou Relationship and Unconditional Positive Regard

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on August 21, 2022

The cultivation of an I-Thou relationship and an attitude of unconditional positive regard leads to inherent self-worth and authentic connection.

The cultivation of an I-Thou relationship and an attitude of unconditional positive regard leads to inherent self-worth and authentic connection.

Intuition

3 Key Processes to Live an Actualized Life

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on May 17, 2022

What does an actualized life mean to you, and how do you achieve it?

What does an actualized life mean to you, and how do you achieve it?

Alcoholism

Drug and Alcohol Addiction and Recovery

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on February 8, 2022

How do you move from drug and alcohol addiction to a healthy recovery and a fulfilled life?

How do you move from drug and alcohol addiction to a healthy recovery and a fulfilled life?

Grief

Navigating Loss by Embracing Emptiness

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on November 2, 2021

The emptiness of grief can feel dreadful. However, being with your emptiness is essential in order to find your way forward.

The emptiness of grief can feel dreadful. However, being with your emptiness is essential in order to find your way forward.

Attention

On Living Fully: A Guide for Client and Therapist

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on June 29, 2021

Are you searching for meaning? Examining four specific areas of your existence can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Are you searching for meaning? Examining four specific areas of your existence can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Openness

Using Authentic Dialogue to Create a More Caring World

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on February 2, 2021

The current crisis is a call to use authentic dialogue, from family encounters to the global stage.

The current crisis is a call to use authentic dialogue, from family encounters to the global stage.

Resilience

Regret as a Path to Resilience

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on October 31, 2020

We all have regrets. But there's a way to respond that is resilient and leads to a fuller life.

We all have regrets. But there's a way to respond that is resilient and leads to a fuller life.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

We Are Always Connected and We Are Always Alone

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on August 4, 2020

The pandemic is shining a light on a fundamental existential paradox of being human. How do we integrate this paradox in relationship to COVID-19?

The pandemic is shining a light on a fundamental existential paradox of being human. How do we integrate this paradox in relationship to COVID-19?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Facing My Death: Embracing My Life

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on April 30, 2020

By acknowledging our mortality in the face of this pandemic, we are called to reflect on what we truly value.

By acknowledging our mortality in the face of this pandemic, we are called to reflect on what we truly value.

Philosophy

How to Engage Life's Deeper Questions

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on January 30, 2020

Embracing our human limits and our human potential is vital to living an authentic life. Humanistic and existential psychology weigh in.

Embracing our human limits and our human potential is vital to living an authentic life. Humanistic and existential psychology weigh in.

Friends

A Lie Our Culture Tells Us

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on October 22, 2019

The cultural wound that you are "unlovable" is so pervasive it can impact your view of yourself regardless of how much your parents, friends, and teachers value you.

The cultural wound that you are "unlovable" is so pervasive it can impact your view of yourself regardless of how much your parents, friends, and teachers value you.

Identity

The Search for Meaning and the Drive to Self-Actualize

Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T on July 23, 2019

Meaning and self-actualization are essential to creating a rich and fulfilling life. Working with an Existential-Humanistic therapist can help you discover what this is for you.

Meaning and self-actualization are essential to creating a rich and fulfilling life. Working with an Existential-Humanistic therapist can help you discover what this is for you.