Todd Smith

Throughout history, new technologies have often caused apprehension. From concerns about machines replacing human labor to fears that televisions would control minds, technological changes have long incited anxiety. These reactions reflect an all-too-familiar human response to change that feels too fast, complex, and difficult to fully understand or anticipate. As artificial intelligence becomes integrated into […]

A guilt trip is a manipulative tactic in which one person intentionally tries to make another feel guilty to influence their behavior or decisions. Rather than expressing needs directly, the individual uses guilt as a means of control. This differs from healthy guilt, which is a normal emotional response that helps people reflect on their

We’ve all heard questions like, “Was it really too much to ask?” or “You didn’t have a moment to spare?” While these questions may appear harmless, they often carry an implicit weight meant to make the listener feel guilty. Importantly, these are not genuine inquiries; they are rhetorical strategies designed to provoke self-blame or compliance.

When’s the last time you accepted an invitation you wanted to decline? Or let the pressure of your boss’s expectations keep you back late at work? Too many of these seemingly small moments can signal a lapse in our boundaries. Left unchecked, they may leave us feeling drained and quietly filled with resentment. This is

Are more of your clients distressed about the future of the planet — and do you know how best to support them? Eco-anxiety, which is also referred to as climate anxiety or climate distress, is not just worry about the environment (Pihkala, 2020). It’s a strong emotional and cognitive response to the profound threat that

In my work as a relationship trauma therapist, clients often pause when I first mention the idea of self-abandonment. The concept sounds paradoxical; how could I abandon myself? Yet understanding and recognizing this paradox is only the beginning. It also sets you on a path of healing and trust. What follows is an explanation of

Worry, anxiety, and fear are part of the human experience. In fact, they serve important functions that have kept us alive for thousands of years. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re distinct experiences with different purposes. And because they can have a negative impact on your quality of life if not managed properly,

In the previous post, we explored the difference between anxiety and worry and their role in preparing us for potential future threats or danger. Where, then, does fear fit into the picture? Let’s explore this question by looking at worry versus fear: what each one is, how to tell them apart and how they can

How do you help a cynical client? Convinced that therapy will fail, the limp handshake and persistent frown makes for a chilly introduction. It is this aura of distrust that can damage their wellbeing and relationships. “A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely

Watching the news, I sometimes feel hopeless about how humans treat one another and the environment we share. And yet, when I step into the world, connect with others, and witness everyday acts of kindness, I find myself filled with hope. Ultimately, it’s a choice. We can choose hope over despair, desperation, and despondency (Snyder,