The Divided Self: A Psychodynamic View of Neurotic Character Structure 

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In a world that often tells us to “just be ourselves,” what if we’ve spent most of our lives not knowing who that is?  For many people in emotional pain, especially those with longstanding patterns of self-doubt, perfectionism, or emotional withdrawal, the problem isn’t simply stress or low self-esteem—it’s that their whole personality has been […]

Why Chat GPT or Another Book Wont Fix You (But Therapy Might)

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We live in a world overflowing with information — books, podcasts, and even AI like ChatGPT — all promising answers to our emotional struggles. But real healing doesn’t come from insight alone. It comes from relationship. This article explores why therapy works not because of advice or education, but because it offers something far rarer: a space of deep human connection that transforms us from the inside out.

The Psychopathic Personality: A Deep Psychological Anatomy Through the Case of Bryan Kohberger

The psychopathic personality is often misunderstood, feared, and caricatured in pop culture. But beneath the clinical language and moral panic lies a structure of profound psychological pain. Not all psychopaths are serial killers—but some are. And when a crime shocks the conscience of a nation, understanding the perpetrator through the lens of personality structure offers […]

The Power of Sleep: Why Prioritizing Rest is Essential for Mental Health

Why Sleep is Crucial for Mental Health Sleep is the foundation of mental well-being. When we sleep, our brains undergo essential processes that regulate emotions, consolidate memories, and remove toxins that accumulate throughout the day. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and even long-term cognitive decline. Without adequate rest, our ability […]

Stress in Newport Beach

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What Are the Main Causes of Stress in Newport Beach? Have They Increased or Decreased? Stress is definitely on the rise, and there are several factors weighing heavily on individuals and families. On a macro level, the world feels increasingly uncertain. Humans are surprisingly resilient when facing clearly good or bad situations, but uncertainty — […]

Imagery: A Sports Psychology Hack To Use For Those New Year’s Resolutions

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Look Through the Turn: The Power of Mental Imagery When I was 19, I bought a salvage-title Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R. Risky? Absolutely. But packed with life lessons? No doubt. I didn’t have a motorcycle license yet, but I was determined to learn (I do not recommend this). I took it to the church parking lot […]

Object Relations Therapy: An Outline and Guide

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We will look at all the bits of glass—elements of a developing psyche—but when put into the end of the tube, they mix together, swirl, and create a world of patterns, colors, and shapes we have never seen before. Here, we will look at each pile of colored glass. Theory binds our confusion. It gives […]

Psychotherapy and The Wizard of Oz

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  An Excerpt from Even a Stone Can Be a Teacher by Sheldon Kopp(Edited and Published by Dr. Mitch Keil) In the original story, Dorothy, the young heroine, is an orphan who comes to live with her foster parents, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Their home is dull and gray, as is everything else in […]

Common Psychological Defense Mechanisms

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Common Psychological Defense Mechanisms Defense mechanisms are psychological habits we all develop to manage deeper, often unconscious anxieties. These anxieties typically originate in childhood, shaped by how we connected to important people early in life, how we coped with emotional difficulties, or even trauma. Defense mechanisms represent our psychological survival strategies and emotional resilience but […]

How to Process Your Emotions

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What Does It Mean to Process Your Feelings? You might have heard someone say, “I don’t know how I feel—I’m just processing my feelings about it all still.” Often, what they really mean is that they are ruminating—replaying the event over and over, interpreting motives, thoughts, and issues. They are usually reinforcing their familiar worldview […]