I included this page because I wanted a space where I could write about relationships other than parenting and mentoring. I called the page Self & Other because that’s what relationships are—the task of forming and sustaining a connection between self and other.
As a clinical psychologist, I have the privilege of helping people who are struggling in the most intimate areas of their lives. One of those areas is, of course, the quality or quantity of their interpersonal relationships. Some folks are frustrated in their relationships; others are frustrated because they’re not in relationships.
I see interpersonal relationships as one side of a triangle that embodies our emotional health and wellbeing. The other 2 sides are also commonly heard concerns in the office of a clinical psychologist: self-worth and emotions.
These 3 factors generally move in the same direction.
When relationships are going well we tend to feel good and also feel good about who we are as a person. When relationships are going poorly or end badly, the feelings can be quite strong and very negative, just like the self-doubt that also creeps in.
So my goal is to offer a bit of guidance and insight about how to understand and manage emotions, self, and relationships.
By the way, nothing I offer here should be viewed as therapy or professional advice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, but that’s not my role on this site.
Fact #5: Emotions are Unpredictable Consequences
Today’s post is the fifth in a series that I call “The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions.” I wrote this for a forthcoming book about parenting. I was trying to find a way to [...]
Fact #4: We Can Act Out an Emotion and Not Feel It
Today’s post is the fourth in a series that I call “The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions”. I wrote this for a forthcoming book about parenting. I was trying to find a way to [...]
The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions: #3
Today’s post is from a series I call “The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions”. I posted an earlier version of this series when I launched DrTimCavell.com (September, 2014). I thought it wise to revisit [...]
The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions: #2
Today’s post is from a series I call “The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions”. I posted an earlier version of this series when I launched DrTimCavell.com (September, 2014). I thought it wise to revisit [...]
The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions: #1
Today’s post is from a series I call “The 10 Most Useful Facts about Emotions”. I posted an earlier version of this series when I launched DrTimCavell.com (September, 2014). I thought it wise to revisit [...]
Coincidence, Iwo Jima, and the Original Dr. Phil
This week I’ve noticed a number of interesting coincidences, most of which involve my friend and occasional mentor, Dr. Philip Trapp, who I affectionately call The Original Dr. Phil. Phil is my colleague and Professor [...]