empowering | Hollings Therapy

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DISCLAIMER

Self-Mastery Required for Real and Lasting Power

[DISCLAIMER] As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. Before discovering Stoicism, I pondered the self-mastery (conscious control over one’s behavior) required (called for as suitable or appropriate) for real (having objective independent existence)

The Daily Stoic

Deric Hollings

Jul 56 min read

Empowerment vs. Disempowerment: Just Doing It for the Love of the Game

[DISCLAIMER] When assigned to the Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachment (det) in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (1999-2000), my Brasilian Portuguese tutor gave me advice which she’d plausibly have given to those about whom she cared. “Xuxu,” she said, “Stay away from piranhas!” For context, “xuxu” (pronounced “shoo-shoo”) is a Brasilian Portuguese slang term that, in my case, was used endearingly to mean “cutie.” As for “piranhas,” the tutor wasn’t referencing fish. Rather, it’s

EDM and REBT

Deric Hollings

May 2311 min read

Pain Away: Learned Helplessness

[DISCLAIMER] On his fifth studio album OMW2 Rexdale (2025) rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Nav released the song “Pain Away”. Lyrics of the chorus state: (Take all my pain away) You just like medicine, you take my pain away (Take all my pain) You just like therapy, you take good care of me (Take all my pain away) You just like Novocain, you gon’ numb the pain (Take all my pain) You just like therapy, you take good care of me On the track, Nav addresses t

The Daily Stoic

Deric Hollings

Apr 268 min read

Outcome: Victim Mentality and Playing the Victim

[ DISCLAIMER ] * Outcome (2026) spoilers contained herein. Photo credit , property of Apple Studios, Apple TV, and Strong Baby Productions, fair use When discussing mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “ mental health ”), I often discuss what it is to be a victim (an individual who is the target of another person’s violent , discriminatory , harassing, or assaultive behaviors). There’s a reason that I address this matter. I posit that there’s a di

Deric Hollings

Apr 1917 min read