Why A Blog?

Hi there! Thanks for taking a moment to explore my blog. 

Why would a clinical psychologist have a blog on his website? Especially a blog that will hopefully cover many topics in which I’m interested, and which aren’t (obviously) directly related to my work as a psychologist. 

Well, there are a few reasons. I’ve been doing clinical work since January 2004, which makes 21+ years of experience at the time that I’m writing this blog entry. I have found that the most successful and rewarding clinical work that I have done is when there is a strong connection between me and the other person. I sometimes think of this as the beverage test: would we enjoy a more casual conversation in a different setting, enjoying a beverage of choice together? 

Through my writing you should be able to get a sense of whether I am your type of person, if you’d want to sit down and share a drink with me. That you’re even reading this suggests that we’re on the right track. 

Finding a therapist who will be helpful to you is first and foremost informed by your level of comfort, trust, and confidence in that therapist. It’s hard to get anywhere productive if you’re on the fence about who you’re sitting in the room with. Therapists refer to this concept as the therapeutic alliance, and research has repeatedly shown that the alliance is the best predictor of positive therapy outcomes.

To peel back the shroud of therapist mystique though, I am also writing because it’s helpful to me. 

First, I have a desire to be known and seen, as all of us do. If I can find like-minded people through my writing then it is worth the time and energy that goes into writing. Whether or not those people become my clients doesn’t matter as much to me as it does to establish that connection. 

Second, and finally, writing allows me to be creative. It stretches a part of my brain that I often don’t take the time to stretch during the busy nature of day-to-day life. I have journaled off and on through my life and when I go back and read past entries, I often surprise or delight myself with a turn of phrase or especially brilliant insight (tongue lightly planted in cheek).