by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Oct 22, 2021 | Blog, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evangelicalism, Love, Mindfulness, Religion, Self Compassion, Spirituality
I recently read—and loved—Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s excellent book, Jesus and John Wayne. Like so many of her readers, I was amazed to read the story of my own upbringing. It was a bit eerie to learn about all the levers that were being pulled behind the scenes to shape...
by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Sep 10, 2021 | Anxiety, Blog, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evidence-based Treatment, PTSD Treatment, Trauma
“This is a stick-up!” I never thought I’d hear that expression in real life, but oddly enough those were the words a man chose to tell my wife and me that he was mugging us. The “stick-up” happened many years ago on a warm night in July as we walked home from dinner...
by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Sep 1, 2021 | Blog, Self-Help, Suicide
“I have suicidal thoughts, but I don’t dare tell a therapist.” That comment was left on a blog post I wrote a couple years ago about what happens when you mention suicide in psychotherapy. This individual wasn’t alone. Reader after reader described painful experiences...
by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Aug 25, 2021 | Agency, Blog, Grit, Happiness, Purpose
I’m willing to bet that you’re holding yourself back from doing something important to you. We often create obstacles to living the life we want in many areas: Personal: moving to a new city; coming out as non-binary; ending a relationship; giving up alcohol...
by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Aug 18, 2021 | Anxiety, Anxiety Treatment, Blog, Children, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evidence-based Treatment, Family, Parenting
It’s hard for parents when their kids are dealing with overwhelming anxiety, as I know from personal experience. My now-ten-year-old daughter Ada went through an intense couple of years of fear and panic that started in second grade. Even as a psychologist who...
by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD | Aug 5, 2018 | Blog, Depression, Evidence-based Treatment, Exercise, Self-Help
Anyone who’s been depressed knows how hard it can be just to keep up with daily responsibilities. Trying to figure out the best way to treat the depression can present a whole other level of challenge: What works? Should I try medication or therapy? What about...
