Self & Other

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.