More Diaries of a Traveling Therapist
I stepped forward, asking, “Llamas are the ones that spit, right?”
Soulache
Our nation, our culture, our American Empire that we lust after so voraciously does indeed oppress the needy.
Recalculating Route
“You guys definitely are through the worst of it. So you should be alright. You’ve got four wheel drive right?”
Fear the Deer
But for me—a Wisconsin sports fan all too familiar with gut-wrenching disappointment—it’s difficult to fully lean into the excitement without the nagging feeling that heartbreak is on the horizon.
Dealbreakers
Upon your return to the States, he dubs himself Mayoman, taking to the streets to deliver sweet slippery justice.
The Tribe Has Spoken
This authenticity and unfettered humanity is what reality TV set out to show the world, and Survivor continues to be the standard bearer.
Diaries of a Traveling Therapist
I have gagged on the suffocating stench emanating from chicken farms down the road from one of my client’s schools. Each day is truly a new and unique day.
Anchor
The problem is not that progressive folks misidentify problems.
Don René
He did not use grand showmanship or elaborate displays. He used simple, humble, everyday love.
Baby Talk
The man: “Wow, how great. Now you be sure to take super special care of that beautiful baby. What’s her name?”
Porcelain Nightmare
I located the shutoff valve on the piping and gave it a twist.
Sounds of Salamá
From the kitchen comes the pitter-patter of the pressure cooker, rap tap tapping, hissing spurts of steam, signaling that something delectable will be on the table at the next meal—most likely black beans.
The Butterfly Effect
Not only did this miscreant have the gall to stop far too distant from the proper spot, he had the utter audacity to hesitate and linger when the blessed green light at last showered itself onto us lowly plebeians.
Dignity
We are incessantly inundated with tips, narratives, and guidelines for how to be sexy.
Increasing Empathy
Ask yourself, “What if I’m wrong?”
Teenagers
Teenagers, though, go right for the emotional jugular, draining self-esteem and confidence dry and leaving a husk of a defeated therapist.
Terrible, Wonderful Love
Never had I been overcome with such a surge of euphoria accompanied by petrifying fear and grief.
Discovering Self-Compassion
But that’s not the world we actually inhabit, so why do we continue to encourage kids to engage in these comparisons? And why are we so terrified of negative emotions?
Beware of Dog
Before you plunge the pitchforks into my gut and toss the torches on my belongings, hear me out.
Anticipation and Imagination
Shrouded in myth, internship was spoken of in the same way people talk about Voldemort: they act as if it’s taboo, but they all secretly love to spread their anxiety and feel a bit naughty.
You Don’t Understand
My supervisors all tell me you never forget your first patient.
Coffee and Ants
The winged six-legged something-or-other was diligently scaling the coffee shop window, which was thick with the moist mess of condensation.
Bootleg Baby
We’ve since come to realize that there’s no perfect way to feel while pregnant. There’s not an emotional experience you’re supposed to have.
1.8-Lingual
It’s one thing to order pork or enchiladas, but I’ve reached a level of fluency where I want to take my skills beyond family and friends.
Courage
This balancing act bestows a lot of power on therapists. It also becomes a breeding ground for callousness.
