We avoid our feelings by worrying too much

A client of mine tended to worry a lot before giving a talk in front of a group of people.  He worried that his mind might go blank or he might make mistakes in the talk.  He also worried about the possible negative responses from the audience.  Despite he had prepared the topic of the …

What is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) reported that Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is one of the most common personality disorders.  In fact, it is common for us to spot some of our relatives or friends being extremely perfectionistic, overly controlling, and cognitively rigid.  These traits could contribute for these …

Disconnection with an immature parent

For those who come from an intact family with both parents providing them with sufficient basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education, it may be difficult for them to tell others that they felt discontented with their relationships with their parents.  It is common for friends to tell them not to complain when they …

Addicted to social media? Or addicted to ourselves?

It is beyond dispute that most of us use social media apps for virtual socializing and connecting with our family and friends.  From the ritual of photographing our food every time before enjoying physically to showcasing our healthy daily living during each exercising regime, many people incorporate social media posting as their daily routine.  In …

From the complexity of human in the movie, “Broker”, to the dichotomous thinking of Borderline Personality Disorder

“Broker” is a Korean movie directed by a Japanese director, Kore-eda Hirokazu.  The actor in the leading role, Song Kang-Ho was also awarded best actor in the Festival De Cannes this year.   This is a movie about abandonment and baby trafficking.  From the conventional level, abandoning one’s baby after giving birth and engaging in baby …

Are you emotionally unstable? How can you learn to regulate your emotions?

Many of my clients have unstable emotions in their daily lives.  They might suddenly feel very sad in a gathering with their friends.  They might also experience out of proportion anger towards their children when working from home.  Sometimes, in the evening when being alone, they might experience a mixture of shame or guilt that …