Author Archives: Laura Pearl, LCSW

Therapists are fond of referring to “boundaries.” It might sometimes seem like we think that boundaries are at the root of every relationship issue! While obviously good boundaries cannot fix every problem, here are a few examples where they could really help: Saying “yes” to an invitation when you would really prefer to say “no.”Continue reading “Boundaries”

Clients often tell me that they “think too much.” In fact, this idea can make therapy itself seem unappealing; why would you want to work with a therapist and spend even more time thinking about your problems when you already drive yourself crazy thinking about them? If this sounds like you, you may be surprisedContinue reading “Ruminating vs. Processing”

Clients sometimes say that they want their negative feelings to disappear. Anxiety, anger, sadness, loneliness, fear, shame….whichever is present, they simply want it gone. Unfortunately, however, it isn’t really possible to change your feelings. In Gestalt therapy, we say, “what you resist, persists.” If you resist a feeling, you are pushing it down inside youContinue reading “Putting your feelings in a “container””