The Fourth of July holiday in the United States is a celebration of freedom and autonomy from Great Britain. The declaration of Independence laid not only the foundation of a new nation, but a new concept in the world. It is the turning point in history towards self-rule, not governance ordained by a privileged, elite […]
Category Archives: Meaning Centered Psychotherapy
What’s Wrong With the Pursuit of Happiness – Part 2 (Texas Bar)
Michael continues his “What’s Wrong With the Pursuit of Happiness?” piece in part two. Here is an excerpt and link. Part 2: Meaning is available even when happiness is not. Imagine that you are representing pro bono a 19-year-old client who is seeking asylum. She has fled her home country, a land in which women […]
Finding the Invincible Summer
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” ~ Albert Camus It is deep in January and the northeast US […]
Dr. Michael Winters Talks Street Harassment with Houston Matters
Dr. Winters once again joins Houston Matters to discuss street harrassment in Houston. Plus: From an unwelcome passing remark from a stranger to more overt cat calls, we discuss street harassment in Houston, with area psychologist Dr. Michael Winters, and Hermie Escamilla, Director of Hollaback Houston, a local chapter of a global network of activists […]
Therapy is for Everyone!
“ I really believe that everyone out there could benefit from therapy, whether they are dealing with relationship or job issues, or stress or depression.” ~ Howie Mandel A common misconception is that psychotherapy is beneficial ONLY for people who are mentally ill. The history of psychology makes this misconception understandable. Originally counseling and psychotherapy […]
Restoring Integrity
The Scar that Heals
“Whenever we give up, leave behind, and forget too much, there is always the danger that the things we have neglected will return with added force.” ~ Carl Jung The above quote contains an important cautionary tale. In psychotherapy I often see people that believe that they have resolved an issue, only to see it […]
Overwhelmed by Choices? – Focus on your Deepest Values
I recently posted a comment on Facebook – (why I even read Facebook posts is another matter). The comment was about the TED talk by Barry Swartz on the Paradox of Choice. Schwartz claims that we have too many choices and it paralyzes us, rather than makes us freer. I responded and several people responded […]