“Rapunzel” in Fairy Tales and Real Life – Missoula Therapy
Today we will be looking at the fairy tale of Rapunzel from a psychoanalytical perspective. We will be exploring some of the key themes in the story and how they might relate to real life experiences. What Is Rapunzel About? Rapunzel is a classic fairy tale that has been retold countless times. The basic story goes like this: A couple are expecting a baby. And behind their house is this
Connecting with Children Through Play
National Public Radio (NPR) published a story recently about “The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better.” As a father of a three-year-old toddler, the advice resonated with me. In a way, it is part of what my wife and I have been doing all along. The idea that what we’re doing is ensuring that our kiddo listens to us—which she does pretty well most
Transitional Phases in Modern Parenting
I’ve written before about my evolving style of parenting, calling it “Daoist parenting” as I seek to implement principles of Eastern philosophy into my life as a father. As a long-time meditator, this has come somewhat naturally. I already try hard to pause, breathe, and open up to the world around me several times a day. Even if I’m just in my office working, I’ll naturally recall the need for
Trauma Bonds and How to Escape Them – Missoula Therapy
What is Trauma Bonding? Do you find yourself getting attached to people who mistreat you? Do you keep going back to relationships that are unhealthy for you? If so, you may be experiencing something called "trauma bonding." But what is trauma bonding? Simply put, trauma bonding is when we form an emotional attachment to someone who is harmful to us. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but typically
Fall for a Joyful Season – Musings in Missoula
Here in Missoula, Montana, fall is in the air. We’ve had another record-setting summer of heat and thus far a mild entry to the new season, but the leaves are changing and a chill is definitely in the morning air. For many mindfulness and other wellness practitioners, the changing of seasons provides a welcome time to pause and reflect. How has our year been going thus far? What do we
Exercise, purpose, and task lists: habits for happiness – Musings in Missoula
One of the greatest insights from both ancient philosophy and modern psychology is that the happiness that is most important in our lives is not a matter of just how we feel in any particular moment. The happiness of a Missoula gathering with friends or pizza and an exciting movie is great - but always fleeting. Marketing agencies, with their endless budgets and many smart people, try to convince us