The place where Juan Blea writes about all that is good and strong and beautiful!

Tag addiction

Depression is just dark soil awaiting a seed

The other morning, while visiting my grandmother’s grave, I lifted a pinecone off of her headstone. I looked at it’s woody cradles and cursed its audacity: It covered the “Que” from the Madrecita Querida inscription and I launched that pinecone… Continue Reading →

Interpersonal boundaries should be flexible, safe, and connected

I feel the need to make a quick comment on interpersonal boundaries.  What are boundaries?  Boundaries are the limits to behaviors within any given relationship.  For example, a person who has difficulties saying no, even when he needs to say… Continue Reading →

Jesus is my favorite psychologist

I’ve studied and liked tons of psychologists.  Maslow’s triangle of human needs and Jung’s collective unconscious continue to whet my intellectual appetite.  Educational psychologists Piaget and Vygotsky continue to inform my work and open up avenues of exploration.  But, without… Continue Reading →

There's always a reason to celebrate

Battling addiction is a lot like looking out onto the ocean: Addiction is a big enemy that can swallow me whole.  When I look out into the ocean, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed.  I know that if I tried… Continue Reading →

Six ways to reduce the chances of children developing an issue with alcohol/drugs

According to the Parents Translational Research Center and the Partnership for a Drug Free America, there are six (6) things parents can do to prevent their child from developing an alcohol and/or drug issue: Build a warm and supportive relationship… Continue Reading →

Being present is the key to recovery

Several months ago, I read an interview with an acclaimed opera singer/actress named Joyce DiDonato where she said, “I need to be in the moment, I need to be present, I need to be listening. And if I’m doing those things, then… Continue Reading →

Focus on the future, not the past

When I was little, I used to sit on the floor and watch my Grandma sew.  She’d guide the fabric with expert skill until pieces of cloth became dresses that would rival those hanging in fancy stores.  But, what was… Continue Reading →

We all have a lot to lose

It seems to me that many times people seek help when they are faced with loss.  Then, they see value in the situation and realize that change is needed to keep the source of value. For example, when a married… Continue Reading →

"Bad" behaviors don't define a person

When it comes to treatment, one of the first exercises I put clients through is to attempt to distinguish between shame and guilt.  It’s critical to me that they dig deep and think about the differences between the two emotions. … Continue Reading →

If you write it, it will come…

I’ve always liked Pygmalion, the legendary sculptor who carved a woman out of ivory so realistic; he fell in love with her.  He secretly wished and believed that she was real until one day, Cupid kissed his statue and brought… Continue Reading →

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