7 results for tag: Strength

Sexy Weakness – The Sexual Power of Emotional Vulnerability

Sexy weakness? What on earth is that? As a man, like millions of other men, I was taught that being vulnerable was bad and a sign of being weak. I was taught women want a man who is strong, stable, and "tough," whatever the heck that means. I was taught that you keep your emotions in check and never let anyone see who you really are. Like never. It has taken me decades to unlearn some of this programming. Parts of it were easy and simple to leave behind; other elements took longer and needed more attention and intention. More importantly, women did not feel safe around me because I didn't feel safe around me or my thoughts. I typically attracted ...

Self-Doubt & The Big Question Mark

I am fascinated by how many strong, courageous, and successful people have layers upon layers of self-doubt.  Self-doubt creeps into almost every nook and cranny of their being. When others see them as bright, amazing, and enjoyable, they see themselves as stupid, mediocre, and a burden. This is where self-doubt interrupts the ability to achieve our internal and external dreams and aspirations. Self-Doubt - The Big Question Mark - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counselor, Coach and Reiki ...

The Six Types of Courage

Courage. Bravery. Boldness. Fearlessness. When I think of courage, I see an image of someone standing by themselves with shredded clothes full of blood and sweat. Other images of courage that appear in my mind are a parent carrying children through a storm or desert or a group of people holding hands with eyes filled with tears, caring for each other as if there is no other choice but to love and love more. I recall an image of a person in the flood water of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina bringing supplies to their family....

Better Men’s Support Group!

We have created a Men’s Support Group on Zoom. Six men are already participating. We have been meeting bi-weekly since the Spring, and it is amazing. Get your seat at the table.

What are we doing?

We are a group of men discussing their honest feelings on relationships, drugs, love, sex, money, and work. We’ll pick a topic, trade stories, have a moderated discussion, and maybe yell (if needed).
Better Men's Support Group of Providence! - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counselor, Coach and Reiki
...

You’re Basically Good — The Benefits of Contemplative Psychotherapy

You're basically good. This perspective is often left out of modern Western counseling, therapy, and life coaching. Here in the West, the typical approach focuses on what is wrong with you and what needs to be "fixed". The counselor, therapist, or life coach gets paid as long as you are "sick" or "need" them to function in the world. This is not my approach to working with clients. I assume you're basically good. You have what you need inside you to be successful in life and relationships. You know what you need.  You have as much strength, courage, wisdom, and love as necessary to enjoy your work, family, friends, relationships, and the world around you. I see my role as the facilitator in helping you bring these qualities to the surface so you can be a productive member of society and achieve what you came here to do in this life.

Although the practices described in the article below are not exactly what I do, there are many similarities, and the concepts feel like they come from the same place. I hope you enjoy reading this piece. I think it is fascinating and inspiring. How about you?

You’re Basically Good — The Benefits of Contemplative Psychotherapy - Providence Holistic Counseling Services

...

Building Bridges or Building Walls

In relationships, we typically either build bridges or walls. When we build bridges, we work towards connection, intimacy, and safety. In contrast, when we build walls, we move towards distance, isolation, discomfort, and/or lack of safety. When we think about conflict resolution, it usually comes down to building bridges or walls. Building Bridges or Building Walls - Providence Holistic Counseling Services - Amaryllis Fox Everybody believes they are the good guy
...

17 Lies We Need to Stop Teaching Girls About Sex

It is common knowledge that young girls experience incredible pressure pushing them towards and pulling them away from sex. As if girls do not have a choice or vote on their sexuality. In reading 17 Lies We Need to Stop Teaching Girls About Sex by Julianne Ross, I am reminded of just how many ways young girls are influenced and pressured to meet the needs of others, whether that be their father, mother, friends, clergy, or boyfriends. It's time we collectively begin teaching girls the truth about sex and their sexuality. The lies we teach them are not productive nor in their best interests. ...