OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a psychological condition that hijacks the brain, forcing us to think unwanted, “obsessive” thoughts and perform behaviors to reduce anxiety associated with these thoughts called “compulsions.” The obsessive thoughts are unpredictable and provoke extreme anxiety that leads us to believe we’ll never have control of our thoughts. To cope with …
Many people find recreational horseback riding pleasurable and relaxing. However, many individuals are unaware that there’s a therapeutic form of horseback riding [often integrated with psychotherapy] called “equine assisted therapy.” In recent years equine therapy has garnered attention as a potential intervention for the treatment of PTSD, troubled youth, and even autism spectrum disorders. From …
In the 1980s, a literature professor named Francine Shapiro had received a diagnosis of cancer, triggering significant psychological shock. Anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening condition like cancer may be unable to cope with the stress that accompanies the diagnosis. When the stress following an event (in the case of Francine it was a diagnosis) becomes …
In some cases, individuals may experience a traumatic event that triggers such a potent stress response via the sympathetic nervous system, that memory of the event becomes repressed. The potency of the stress-response exceeds their innate ability to cope and other coping resources. Emotions associated with the traumatic event are often overpowering, leading to intense …
Those knowledgeable about brain waves, know that the predominant brainwave signature as displayed by an EEG (electroencephalograph) provides a lot of information about a person’s state of consciousness. Individuals with slower brain waves during wakefulness may have difficulties paying attention, suffer from depression, or feel a significant degree of brain fog. Similarly those with too …
Delusions of persecution refer to false beliefs or perceptions in which a person believes that they are being treated with malicious intent, hostility, or harassment – despite significant evidence to suggest otherwise. Imagine waking up and thinking that your next-door neighbor was plotting to kill you, or that your spouse had sprinkled some poison in …
Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs held by an individual in which they believe with full conviction that they are a celebrity, person of high rank, omnipotent, and/or a powerful entity – despite significant evidence to the contrary. Imagine waking up one day thinking that you’re the president of the United States, despite the fact …