Author: Keith Norris

This author has written 28 articles

Navigating the Spiritual Journey: Psychedelics and Underhill’s Mystical Framework

Spiritual growth is a deeply personal and transformative journey. We often draw upon Evelyn Underhill's (1911) framework of mysticism to help individuals navigate their spiritual paths. Underhill outlines stages that many experience as they seek deeper meaning and connection in their lives. In parallel, there's a resurgence of interest in the potential role of psychedelics—such as psilocybin and LSD—in facilitating spiritual experiences (Richards,…

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Writing for Therapy

Writing is often an integral part of therapy, such as using thought record sheets and mood or activity diaries. Additional therapeutic techniques that involve writing may be helpful at particular times. There are many benefits to writing, including “getting it out of our head”, seeing things from another perspective, a part of exposure work (distressing memories), or externalizing the problem. Just putting words…

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ADHD – Often Misdiagnosed

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most increasingly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children ages 6 to 11. This recent increase has created concern among clinicians and researchers who must consider that potentially, ADHD may be over-diagnosed. It is becoming more broadly understood that traditional assessment tools based on DSM-5 criteria for example, have limitations. Accurate diagnosis necessitates a more holistic and multifaceted…

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Symptoms of ADHD Overlap with those Found in Trauma-Related Disorders

The symptom cluster of ADHD often overlaps with those found in trauma-related disorders. Observations from clinical practice and research indicate that behaviors typically associated with ADHD could also stem from experiences of trauma (Burke Harris, 2014). For instance, a child exposed to significant stress may develop symptoms resembling ADHD, such as inattention and impulsivity, due to the brain's adaptive response to adverse conditions.…

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Exploring Psychedelic Therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Concept and Pilot Project

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by persistent grandiosity, a need for excessive admiration, and a pronounced lack of empathy, posing substantial challenges to psychotherapeutic efforts. Recent advances suggest that psychedelic therapies, particularly those inducing ego dissolution, might offer new pathways for treatment. This concept paper examines the potential of psychedelic-induced authentic self-construction for treating NPD, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and…

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Mandatory vs Aspirational Ethics in a Professional Counselling Framework

In the field of counseling, understanding the distinction between Aspirational and Mandatory Ethics is crucial for navigating the ethical landscape of the therapeutic relationship. Aspirational Ethics represent a counselor's endeavor to exceed basic ethical standards, focusing on the spirit rather than the letter of ethical guidelines. This approach encourages personal growth, moral responsibility, and a client-centered decision-making process. Conversely, Mandatory Ethics outline the…

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Exploring Mindfulness-Based Therapy: A Path to The Present

In the current model of psychological well-being, mindfulness-based therapy stands out as a transformative approach, integrating the ancient practice of mindfulness with modern therapeutic techniques. This combination creates an effective modality for enhancing mental health, promoting an increased awareness of the present moment, and fostering an attitude of nonjudgmental acceptance toward one’s thoughts and feelings (Kabat-Zinn, 1994; Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002). Mindfulness-based…

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Your Privacy and Preserving The Personal Touch in Mental Health Care

The expanding role of online mental health support offered by firms like BetterHelp, merits some critical inquiry. These companies took advantage of the relaxed regulations around mental health care during the COVID pandemic resulting in some serious ethical breaches. Your public health data is strictly confidential and protected under privacy laws like the Canada’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Under very few…

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Navigating the Psychedelic Journey: The Imperative of Qualified Integration Therapy

The field of mental health treatment is evolving, and recent research highlights the significant benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapies. These therapies, which utilize psychedelic compounds, have shown promising results beyond their recreational use. As more individuals seek these benefits, there's a growing demand for professional psychedelic support. However, alongside these advancements, there's a rise in negative experiences. By Keith Norris  Many individuals feel confused,…

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Harnessing Self-Affirmation: Insights for Personal Growth

Life's challenges, from health concerns to academic pressures, often put our self-esteem and identity to the test. Understanding how to positively respond to these challenges is crucial for our mental and emotional health. The concept of self-affirmation provides a valuable lens through which we can view and manage these challenges. David K. Sherman's paper, "Self-Affirmation: Understanding the Effects," offers a thorough exploration of…

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Stop Rumination

Stop Rumination Reflecting extensively on past, present, or future occurrences can present a formidable challenge, yet viable strategies exist for its management. Herein lie several discerning recommendations: Discern the Underlying Causes of Your Rumination: It is imperative to recognize that the primary event or circumstance catalyzing rumination may not necessarily constitute its root cause. Deeper-seated factors, encompassing latent anxiety disorders, depression, perfectionistic tendencies,…

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Transformative Experiences

“Living rationally and authentically means understanding that life centrally involves making leaps of faith, both small and large, and that the value of living is to a large extent the value of experiencing your life, whatever that experience is”. – L.A. Paul The concept of a "transformative experience" comes from philosophy, particularly in the work of L.A. Paul, and it refers to an…

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What Does it Mean to Be “Spiritual”?

Spiritual wellness encompasses being connected to something greater than oneself and cultivating a set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide a profound sense of purpose and meaning in life. It involves using these principles to guide one's actions and choices. While spiritual wellness can be fostered through various avenues, including religious practices, it is important to note that being spiritual doesn't…

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How Do I know if Counselling is Working?

Determining whether counselling or therapy is effective for improving your mental health can be a subjective process, influenced by various factors unique to you. I want to provide you with some indicators that can suggest positive outcomes and help you assess if counselling or therapy is working for you. Improved symptom management: If you've noticed a decrease in the intensity, frequency, or duration…

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To Lament or Desire to Rewrite the Past.

Imagine living a life replayed on a loop, every victory, every setback, every joy, every heartbreak, repeating endlessly. What would stir within you? Would fear take hold? Would you long to rewrite the story? Or could you, perhaps, find peace and even longing within this unbroken cycle? Friedrich Nietzsche, the celebrated philosopher of the 19th century, grappled with this idea of the eternal…

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Are You Burned Out?

There are misconceptions surrounding burnout, and it is not merely feeling slightly overworked, stressed, or tired. Burnout manifests as a distinct clinical syndrome characterized by several key symptoms. There are misconceptions surrounding burnout, and it is not merely feeling slightly overworked, stressed, or tired. Burnout manifests as a distinct clinical syndrome characterized by several key symptoms. One significant symptom is emotional exhaustion, which…

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What Happens in Couples’ Therapy

Couples therapy often conjures an unromantic image, associated with patience, arduous work, and uncomfortably intimate discussions about matters we would rather avoid contemplating, let alone discuss with both our partner and a trained stranger.  Our culture places great emphasis on trusting and following our feelings. However, couples therapy understands that relying solely on our feelings can lead to disaster, as our emotions are…

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Why We Use Small Talk

Many people experience discomfort when attending social events, which can often stem from a distaste for small talk. The thought of being trapped in conversations about mundane topics such as the weather, traffic, or holiday plans can be overwhelming, particularly when one craves more meaningful and dignified discourse. This can create a sense of resentment towards social gatherings, as they hold up an…

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