by Jeff Clark, MD | Feb 22, 2021 | Ambivalence, Baby Steps, Behaviorism
Why do we do what we do? Because it makes sense. Our actions may not be fully aligned with our long-term goals. But in the moment, there is a reason for what we do. We may want to feel better or avoid immediate pain. We may do something we’ve always done without...
by Jeff Clark, MD | Feb 15, 2021 | Baby Steps, Brain, Cognitive Fusion/Defusion, Values, Vision
Cognitive fusion is a powerful observation that comes from acceptance and commitment therapy. In essence, cognitive fusion describes times when our thoughts become “fused” with our beliefs, preventing us from acting in a way that enriches our lives. In short, it’s a...
by Jeff Clark, MD | Feb 8, 2021 | Addiction, Ambivalence, Baby Steps, Brain
Mental health is complex. The brain is an intricate structure that we don’t understand well. And when it interacts with culture, relationships, life experience, stressors, trauma, and all the other usual and unusual parts of life, we’re bound to encounter complexity....
by Jeff Clark, MD | Dec 7, 2020 | Addiction, Baby Steps, Harm
The word addiction is almost always met with strong emotions. There are several technical definitions, and in my opinion, it’s nearly impossible to adequately define terms without making some form of moral judgment. Everyone is comfortable with applying the term...
by Jeff Clark, MD | Nov 30, 2020 | Baby Steps, Gratitude, Mindfulness
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” A true saying, but not always helpful. It’s important to recognize where things aren’t going well and apply deliberate pressure. At the same time, there is power in being able to recognize problems, set aside the ones that aren’t...
by Jeff Clark, MD | Nov 23, 2020 | Baby Steps, Public Policy
Few problems have simple solutions. Most require sustained, consistent work. And so when an easy, one-time solution comes along, we naturally gravitate towards it. There has been a lot of enthusiasm about the upcoming vaccines to prevent COVID-19. I’m excited...
