Last Updated: June 2022 Part of human nature is to be understood, feel wanted and needed. Learning to validate our feelings and those of others builds emotional bridges. Establishing these basic connections lays the foundation for emotional safety. It is this safety that allows us to go out into the world and accomplish our daily […]
Craving and Temptations, Part of our Human Experience Part of being human is to have cravings and temptations. The brain likes the feel-good feelings that are released through dopamine and the other happy chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins which are released when a person consumes substances like drugs and alcohol and engages in behaviors […]
Can We Force Someone to Love Us? In my practice as a marriage therapist, I have come to see many common themes present themselves within intimate partner relationships. One of these themes is something I have come to call the ‘Love Gun’ analogy. “Love Gun” Analogy This metaphorical weapon comes into the relationship when, out […]
The Opposite of Addiction is Connection As recovering addicts, we tend to spend a lot of time and energy counting the number of days we have been sober. We often look at sobriety as the opposite of addiction, but in actuality, the opposite of addiction is human connection. Regardless of the form our addiction might […]
“Sex is such a chore.” “Why do I dread it sometimes when he starts to touch me?” “Am I broken?” These are some of the statements that I hear from women in my profession as a sex and marriage therapist. Often what lies beneath these statements are feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, and fear. Many […]
“She never initiates sex.” “She always says she’s too tired.” “She says I only touch her when I want sex.” These are some typical complaints I hear as a certified sex and relationship therapist. Often what lies beneath these complaints is a raw sense of fear, sadness, and hopelessness. “Is my wife not attracted to […]
Tunnel Vision for Behavior or a Substance One of the difficulties in regaining control and reducing compulsive behaviors is the brain becomes fixated on getting the high or pleasure brought on by the behavior or substance. This leaves little to no time for the brain to be aware of emotions, physiological changes, sensations, mental status, […]
Dr. Mark Chamberlain’s PowerPoint Presentation at AMCAP on September 29, 2016. Please click the link below to see the PowerPoint Presentation. connect-to-thrive
As a “Kids’ Movie,” Inside Out is extraordinary. As an educational tool for parents, teachers and behaviorists, it is essential. Sadness, Anger, Disgust, Joy, and Fear are simple, everyday emotions with which we all must learn to cope as our individual personalities develop. Too often, emotions we regard as “unpleasant” or “negative” are pariah feelings. We either suppress […]
