Praise for Psychotherapy

"I've seen psychiatrists in my time, so songwriting hasn't always worked. It's not a bad idea to have someone to talk to." ~ Sir Paul McCartney

"Counselling saved Bill and me." ~ Hillary Clinton

"Talk therapy and antidepressants jump-started me out of my blackness." ~ Sheryl Crow

"Talking matters." ~ George Stephanopoulos

"I love being in therapy. It's just constantly fulfilling for me. " ~ Jennifer Jason Leigh

"You know, I think that going into therapy is a very positive thing, and talking about it is really helpful, because the more you talk the more your fears fade, because you get it out. " ~ Fran Drescher

"Therapy saved my life. It was either therapy or die. "    ~ Mickey Rourke

“I’m big on therapy." ~ Eva Mendes

"I know a lot of people think therapy is about sitting around staring at your own navel - but it's staring at your own navel with a goal. And the goal is to one day to see the world in a better way and treat your loved ones with more kindness and have more to give." ~ Hugh Laurie 

"I've been in group therapy. I'm always keeping my mental health in check." ~ Halle Berry. 

"I was almost 50 before I felt able to face the things that lay at the heart of my [troubles], but all the therapy I've had subsequently has been of help." ~ Joan Baez

"My dreams are pretty vivid. I talk about them in therapy." ~ Robin Williams

Inkblot Fun

So, what do you see?

I see two baby carriages in the little blots on the upper left and right corner. An angel with a funky hat in the center. Two ghosts dancing with outstretched arms at the bottom, some bunnies in the middle and a host of other things.

As always, inkblots posted here are not original Rorschach inkblots. 

Obese Toys?

Active Life is an organization that advocates physical activity, good nutrition and the creating of a well balanced environment that supports healthy lifestyles. I am totally all for that.

In an effort to highlight obesity in children, they have launched an interesting advertising campaign.

Obese toys.

More specifically a Barbie doll, a Superman doll and Playmobil Pirates.

Now, I can understand what the campaign is trying to do here. And there is no doubt that we've become less active and more sedentary. Our ancestors used to live most of their lives outdoors. Hunting. Gathering. Walking miles and such. We spend more time indoors now than outdoors. Hunting and gathering can be accomplished with the click of a button and a delivery to your front door. And the walking for miles things has gone by the wayside with the invention of the wheel.

So physical fitness continues to grow as a significant global concern. And props go out to the creative and artistic minds who think of advertising like this.

But I don't know how I feel about it. I mean, for starters, Barbie is an unrealistic toy to begin with. Her measurements are not attainable for any girl living in the real world. And Superman is, well, a guy with super powers. Not a real person. The Pirates are certainly more reality based, but maybe I'm just reading too much into things. It is a campaign geared for children and families.

What do you think?

Anti-Abuse Make-Up Kit

Women who have been physically assaulted by a partner or spouse tend to camouflage injuries. Wearing make-up, accessories like sunglasses, scarves and/or skin-hiding clothing is often accompanied by not talking about the abuse.

An interesting make-up campaign is addressing the issue of physical violence by suggesting to speak up rather than hide injuries. The "It's Time You Spoke" campaign hopes to lift the veil of shame and helplessness of this aspect of domestic violence.

Support Groups and professional therapies can help bring understanding to the cycle of violence and traumatic bonding - and shelters can offer a safe haven.

Physical abuse has recently made headlines. The good that comes from something so tragic is that it brings awareness to the forefront. For more on the subject, visit the World Health Organization.

The "F" word. "Fat", that is.

Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States are highlighting Eating Disorders Awareness in the month of February.

The statistics regarding the prevalence and fallout from these disorders are eye-opening. And as more societal pressure is placed on the ideal look, more unhealthy behaviors are emerging in females and males. And starting at even younger ages. Orthnorexia and Compulsive Exercising are two that come to my mind as I write this post.

Much goes into who we are - and genetics sets the stage for body size, bone structure and shape. Being healthy and fit is what it's all about.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an Eating Disorder, help is available.

Remember, vive la différence! How boring would the world be if we all looked alike.

Don't Skip Play Time

All work and no play can really make Jack a dull boy.

Or Jane for that matter.

The importance of play has been noted for decades. And now a recent study of 11,000 third-graders showed that even a daily short break of 15 minutes in the school day improved learning, social development and health.

Play is important for adults too. Life has become a fast-paced, demanding place for us - where work, finances and practical issues take center stage. So, go find your funny bone. Lose yourself in imaginative moments. Get your air-guitar on. Whatever it is, have some unstructured, unfettered fun.

Barros, R., Silver, E., & Stein, R. (2009). School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior PEDIATRICS, 123 (2), 431-436 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-2825