The Psychology of...

In 2012 Charles Duhigg wrote a best-selling book called the Power of Habit  in which he discusses the concept that there are "keystone habits" that act as a sort of behavioural linchpins. Having worked extensively in behaviour addictions I saw this concept in action. I observed that some people have habits that, while not taking up much of their day, permeate every aspect of their lives, and in the case of my clients, for the worse. It was incredible to see how many other behavioural changes occurred when people started exercising regularly or stopped looking at pornography.  Just one change was initiating a domino effect, providing the individual with the impetus and the motivation to tackle their other previously impossible goals. I have observed this phenomenon recently with my wife Sarah. With her permission I share her story. We have two beautiful girls and on the surface it appears that we have a perfect life. Most people, even in our closest of circles, were not

A few years ago Drs. Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson wrote one of the most helpful parenting books I have ever read;  The Whole Brain Child . I think every parent should read it... twice. One of the most effective strategies presented in the book is the "Connect & Redirect" approach to dealing with an emotionally escalated child. The more I use this technique with children however, the more I realize that it works just as effectively with EVERYONE. Not just as a technique to get someone to stop freaking out but a skill that will allow you to maintain and even improve your relationships, even in times of distress. Let me explain, We are all aware of the neurological concept of a left and right hemisphere. The left hemisphere is logical and linear while the right is more emotional and experiential. Small children have not developed their left hemisphere sufficiently enough to rationalize their way through some problems so they experience elevated emotional states.

"Failure is instructive" - John Dewey. I made this post in 2016 and in light of the last few days I think it's time to update it. Just to be clear, this is not a pity party. I heard of the idea from a Ted Talk and the idea is that we celebrate our failures so that we highlight the incredible risk of trying difficult things. I don't regret anything on this list. Unsuccessful initiatives 2019 - Placed in a distant third in my bid for MLA in Lethbridge West  2017 - Participated in my first and only professional wrestling match in which I botched a move twice and then got submitted with very painful "camel clutch" in front of my family. 2016 - Charter school in Lethbridge did not pass local school district phase. 2015 - Rejected by publisher for my book of affirmations. 2014 - Private practice not busy enough for full-time work. 2013 - Did not complete Master's thesis research; graduated with project instead. (supposedly closing the do