There’s an important aspect of psychotherapy that can best be explained by referring to the physical phenomenon of quantum entanglement (I can imagine some readers here thinking, “Wait….what?”). Let me explain. Quantum entanglement refers to a well demonstrated process in which two particles in close proximity become mysteriously linked, so that a change in one simultaneously brings about the same...[ read more ]
With patients who are interested in doing so, I often recommend meditation as an adjunct to the work we are doing in therapy. Yesterday I tried to explain to a patient, the difference between using meditation to strengthen the ego, and the much deeper form of meditation that actually removes all attachment to the ego. As I watched her start...[ read more ]
In order to better serve the entire Denver area, I have been in the process of moving my practice from Lakewood to Southeast Denver. Effective immediately, my new address and contact information will be: 4770 E. Iliff Ave., #108 Denver, CO 80222 Telephone: (720) 381-4883 Fax: (303) 757-7994 This new office is easy to access, and is a very unique...[ read more ]
As mentioned in the previous post on July 11th, 2017, meditation can be helpful when the focus in psychotherapy includes or is primarily aimed at transcending the ego or the conventional sense of self. Patients often have some familiarity with one or more forms of meditation and may have an existing practice when psychotherapy begins. In that case, the therapist’s role is to try...[ read more ]
In it’s healthy form, the ego is a great asset. It is the part of the mind that allows us to use good judgment, balance instinctual urges with any excessive restrictions of a harsh conscience, perceive reality accurately, exert proper impulse control, monitor healthy boundaries, and think clearly. These are all skillful means for getting on in the world. In...[ read more ]
At first glance, it may seem odd to think about silence in psychotherapy, which is sometimes called “the talking cure”. One might think there wouldn’t be much silence in the process, and sometimes there’s not. However, there can be productive periods of silence, especially in contemplative psychotherapy, and in in-depth traditional psychotherapy. This type of silence has a specific feel...[ read more ]
What does it mean to say that the True Self is accurately seen and empathically mirrored? This refers to one person being able to reflect another’s essential or spiritual nature. It could be said that we are doing this to and for each other constantly, with or without the awareness of both people involved. In Contemplative Psychotherapy, the intention of the therapist is to explicitly...[ read more ]