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Off the Couch

Thoughts about the therapeutic process, and the dynamics of client-therapist interactions.

Productivity
You Really Can Accomplish More by Doing Less

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on November 4, 2023

We're taught to always do more, more, more. But downtime is crucial not just to our health, but also to our ability to think, accomplish difficult tasks, and be productive.

We're taught to always do more, more, more. But downtime is crucial not just to our health, but also to our ability to think, accomplish difficult tasks, and be productive.

Career
5 Ways to Set Healthy Limits

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on April 30, 2023

Boundaries are not always clear-cut or easy to figure out. Here are 5 ways to start setting healthy limits.

Boundaries are not always clear-cut or easy to figure out. Here are 5 ways to start setting healthy limits.

Friends
Making New Friends at Any Age Is Easier Than It Seems

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on April 9, 2023

Research shows that it's hard to make new friends as we get older. But understanding what makes it hard and shifting your perspective just a little can make it much easier.

Research shows that it's hard to make new friends as we get older. But understanding what makes it hard and shifting your perspective just a little can make it much easier.

Stress
6 Tips for Managing Stress When You Have to Keep Going

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on March 31, 2023

Stressed, overworked, exhausted? Suggestions to slow down, set boundaries, and cut back can feel like just more tasks and criticism to boot. Try these suggestions instead.

Stressed, overworked, exhausted? Suggestions to slow down, set boundaries, and cut back can feel like just more tasks and criticism to boot. Try these suggestions instead.

Jealousy
"I'm Not Jealous—I Just Hate You"

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on March 3, 2023

Jealousy is a complex emotion that most of us would happily never feel. But it often contains important information about us, our relationships, and our needs and wishes.

Jealousy is a complex emotion that most of us would happily never feel. But it often contains important information about us, our relationships, and our needs and wishes.

Therapy
I Wish My Mother Would Just Listen to Me Once in a While

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on February 4, 2023

It's hard when your parents can't give you what you need from them. But does it have to be the end of the relationship? Sometimes acknowledging their inability can open new doors.

It's hard when your parents can't give you what you need from them. But does it have to be the end of the relationship? Sometimes acknowledging their inability can open new doors.

Career
Why It's So Easy to Feel Like No One Understands Us

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on January 29, 2023

If someone whose opinion is important to you sees you as bad, you can end up feeling like you are bad. Some psychological understanding can help you change that pattern.

If someone whose opinion is important to you sees you as bad, you can end up feeling like you are bad. Some psychological understanding can help you change that pattern.

Career
One Mistake to Avoid When You Go Back to Work

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on January 2, 2023

It can be hard to go back to work after a holiday or a vacation, regardless of whether the break was restful or stressful. Avoiding this one mistake can make it a lot easier.

It can be hard to go back to work after a holiday or a vacation, regardless of whether the break was restful or stressful. Avoiding this one mistake can make it a lot easier.

Grief
Are You Grieving? Want to Talk About It?

F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on December 28, 2022

Much has been written about grief and how to manage it, but less has been written about the role of shared feelings when it comes to grieving.

Much has been written about grief and how to manage it, but less has been written about the role of shared feelings when it comes to grieving.