Psychologist, Author, Speaker, and …
I was preparing to see my first client of the day when a previous client came to mind. It was early on in therapy that I shared with her that "I appreciate you." She paused for a moment and then politely asked if she could ask a question without me getting offended. After assurance, she … Continue reading I Appreciate You
Walking along this trail the other day I was thinking about the frequent terminology I hear spoken in psychological circles. At times it feels like one is trying to dominate another by using terminology that sets them apart from the everyday individual and sometimes fellow colleagues. The first question I had was if they are … Continue reading How Many Words Does It Take?
So many times I have heard clients, family, friends, and random strangers recite the cliché, "it is what it is", which can be a powerful statement on the acceptance of a situation. However, this statement is incomplete and often leaves the declarer a victim to whatever "it" is. My marriage is on the rocks... … Continue reading It Is What It Is…..Is Incomplete.
After having worked with a young woman in therapy that had struggled with depression and suicidal intentions, I reflected over the course of our work and allowed my thoughts and emotions to be held within the container of paper and ink. It's emotional work to accompany individuals within their darkness, as well as their journey … Continue reading Adrift
To see things anew, change your perspective. It's amazing how much more beauty you will find.
A couple of years ago my wife and I hiked from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As we were hiking in the canyon we came across a sign that said "Toilet" that directed us to the nicely built structure housing three separate thrones of magnificence. In the middle of … Continue reading Yeah, I Hit That!
The mind is a fascinating little ball of gel. It is a network of pathways that have the ability to prune, thicken, and reroute, which keeps us questioning things, such as wormholes, more efficient technological devices, the meaning of an art piece, which underwear to buy, and even where I left the sunglasses that are … Continue reading Welcome to DrMichaelMoats: A Meandering Existential Journey through Daily Life, Nature, Beauty, Darkness, Observation, Inquiry, and Awe!
For those of you that understand and have experienced the ability for nature to provide a space for growth and healing have an opportunity to submit poetry for an anthology that addresses this content. Even if you don't feel that this is an avenue you would like to take, feel free to share this with … Continue reading A Call for Poetry
Driving home from the office after a long week and a very full day I found myself in bumper-to-bumper traffic, even before getting on the interstate. It was evident that I would be going nowhere fast....or somewhere very slow. Cars were jockeying for the imaginary fast lane and fantasy of launching ahead of everyone in … Continue reading Change Your Attitude, Change Your Environment
Day after day I delve into the depths of emotion and mentally map out points of connection in people’s lives and how this web of connectivity sometimes creates clear paths and sometimes create repetitive traps in their lives. I absolutely love the honor of being invited into these individual’s lives to symbolically walk with them. … Continue reading Finding Balance in Life, Work, and Self-care