Self-love does not mean feeling the emotion love for oneself as an object, but rather reflects a state of wholeness and integration, where we accept the entire range of our emotions but feel driven by neither narcissistic defenses nor the demands of our superego.
Self-Love and the Sense of Well-Being Read More »
An example of dream interpretation with a client in psychotherapy, with some thoughts about Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams.
The Interpretation of a Dream Read More »
Good things about the superego, and how it came to have a bad rap.
Freud’s Theory of the Id, Ego and Superego: Lost in Translation Read More »
The healing of shame does not mean “triumphing” over it, but rather learning to bear that shame and not respond defensively to it, thereby earning feelings of pride and self-respect.
Pride and the Healing of Shame Read More »
A discussion of Amy Chua’s book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, some useful lessons to be drawn about realistic expectations for ourselves and our children, and how to meet them without resorting to cruelty and perfectionism.
Lessons from Amy Chua, the Tiger Mother Read More »
Some thoughts about how to silence the savage inner critic so that you can learn something from your experience, rather than simply beating yourself up.
Coping with that Savage Inner Voice Read More »
A discussion of the psychological cycle of crime and punishment in people who never seem to learn from their experience or grow in psychotherapy.
The Cycle of Crime and Punishment in Psychotherapy Read More »
Authentic self-esteem is not something that can be obtained through outside sources such as praise or compliments but rather grows from living up to our own standards and expectations so that we feel ourselves to be a person we esteem.
Narcissism vs. Authentic Self-Esteem Read More »
A discussion of the subtle role of envy in certain forms of self-sabotage, with clinical material to illustrate it.
Envy and Self-Sabotage Read More »
Apparent altruism and compassion may actually be a way to feel good about oneself rather than to express real generosity toward others.
Compassion, Altruism and the True Spirit of Generosity Read More »