[DISCLAIMER] As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) was formed by the late psychologist Albert Ellis, who reportedly developed the first cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) psychotherapeutic modality in 1955, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding his book, Ask Albert Ellis?: Straight Answers and Sound Advice from America’s Best-Known Psychologist. On page 32, Ellis stated that REBT “has many techniques of helping people overcome their strong tendencies

[DISCLAIMER] When practicing personal and professional care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I often encounter unproductive narratives related to one’s environment, which the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines: [T]he aggregate of external agents or conditions—physical, biological, social, and cultural—that influence the functions of an organism. The physical environment may be measured in terms of temperatur

[DISCLAIMER] When dabbling in amateur photography while residing in Bomb City during 2009, I met person X. She was an alternative model, associated with the scene subculture, and someone I once considered a relatively close friend (one attached to another by affection or esteem). To provide an adequate example of our tight bond, when person X told me that she received a death threat of imminent potential, not wanting to involve the police – as was the case with many of my

[DISCLAIMER] The James Talarico Fiasco In my personal and professional practice of care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I sometimes encounter the unhelpful effects of stigma—which the American Psychological Association thusly defines: [T]he negative social attitude attached to a characteristic of an individual that may be regarded as a mental, physical, or social deficiency. A stigma implies social disapproval and can lead un

[DISCLAIMER] On the album Brighter Days (2014), by lyricist Awon and music producer Kameleon Beats, is the track “Still Waters”. Containing a sample of the Four Tops’ song “Still Water (Love)” (1970), Awon states on the hip hop track: We all know what it’s like, surviving nights after fights With the love of our life, it’s never right You[’re] so restless, butt naked, even your mind’s froze Seeing his face every time your eyes close Words do hurt, you chopped down that ma

[DISCLAIMER] My late stepmom sometimes voiced the expression, “The same thing’ll make you laugh’ll make you cry.” Regarding this saying, it’s worth noting that the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines laughter: [V]ocal expression of amusement, enjoyment, or derision, characterized by inspiratory and expiratory movements occurring in rapid succession. Laughter is pleasurable because it serves to release tension built up when people listen to an amusing sto

[DISCLAIMER] When listening to an electronic dance music (EDM) DJ set by Kristen (formerly Kris May), I heard her spin the track “House (Solomun Remix)” (2024) by London Grammar, remixed by Solomun. The lyrics include, “This is my place, my house, my rules.” When living with my dad from half of my fifth grade to half of my seventh grade years, and then for a brief time after graduating high school, I often heard a similar narrative as was expressed in “House (Solomun Remi

[DISCLAIMER] Earlier this morning, when checking my mailbox while the sky was still dark, I observed the behavior of an armadillo, of the nine-banded variety. Because the placental mammal is nocturnal by nature, it likely didn’t anticipate or expect me to be out and about while it strolled around. The creature probably had poor hearing, as my knees and ankles make the sound of crackling firewood when I walk. Thus, the armadillo didn’t hear me approaching, as I apparently

[DISCLAIMER] As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) was formed by the late psychologist Albert Ellis, who reportedly developed the first cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) psychotherapeutic modality in 1955, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding his book, Ask Albert Ellis?: Straight Answers and Sound Advice from America’s Best-Known Psychologist. REBT uses the ABC model to illustrate that when an undesirable Action occurs and you Believe an unhelpful n