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Healthfully Negative vs. Unhealthfully Negative Reactions
[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
Deric Hollings
4 days ago10 min read
Negative, but Unhealthy Sadness: You Aren’t Disturbed by Events From Childhood
[DISCLAIMER] In the above photo, I’m depicted holding a toy rifle while posing with my female sisters and cousins. Three people in that picture were said to have been sexually assaulted and/or raped by members of our family. Yet, I knew nothing about this matter until I became an adult. During a time when I owned real rifles and would likely have sought subjective justice against the alleged offenders, I had a discussion with one of the family members in the photo above.
Deric Hollings
6 days ago10 min read
Harm: Negative, Though Healthy or Unhealthy Disgust
[DISCLAIMER] In the above photo, I sat in a wheelchair at a hospital and attempted to portray the look of despondency (a state characterized by feelings of hopelessness and despair). Yet, my buddy who took the picture was cracking jokes, so I tried to hold back a smile. We then laughed quite a bit! To some people, my depiction of a person with a disability may seem inappropriate. Moreover, some individuals may claim that my behavior was harmful (of a kind likely to be dam
Deric Hollings
Sep 28 min read
I Don’t Give a Damn ‘Bout My Reputation
[DISCLAIMER] I recently watched The Runaways (2010), a biographical drama film about the 1970s rock band The Runaways, as I was reminded of band member Joan Jett. In particular, I recalled Jett’s debut solo album Bad Reputation (1980). It featured the song “Bad Reputation”, on which Jett sang: I don’t give a damn ‘bout my reputation Livin’ in the past, it’s a new generation A girl can do what she wants to do And that’s what I’m gonna do And I don’t give a damn ‘bout my
Deric Hollings
Aug 98 min read
Nonconscious Distress and a Centipede
[DISCLAIMER] When undergoing graduate studies for social work (2012-2014), I’d already earned a master’s degree in counseling (2009-2011). In both graduate programs, I participated in amateur photography, as well as having used the tools of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Regarding the photo above, I set out for an evening of nighttime photography in 2013. I wanted to capture the scenic Pennybacker Bridge in Austin, Texas—where I attended the University of Texas
Deric Hollings
Jul 1312 min read
Self-Distress and Distress Tolerance
[DISCLAIMER] Photo credit, fair use Early in my graduate studies regarding professional care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I chose to practice Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a psychotherapeutic modality developed by the late psychologist Albert Ellis. REBT uses the ABC model to illustrate that when an undesirable Action occurs and you Believe an unhelpful narrative about the event, it’s your unfavorable assumption,
Deric Hollings
Jul 711 min read
The Sheep Detectives: Repression and Suppression
[DISCLAIMER] *The Sheep Detectives (2026) spoilers contained herein. Photo credit, property of Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Releasing International, et al., fair use A Sucker for Anthropomorphism Admittedly, I’m a sucker (a person irresistibly attracted by something specified) for anthropomorphism (the ascribing of human personality, appearance, conduct, cognition, or other attributes to non-human entities, often including non-human animals). Allow me to explain.
Deric Hollings
Jul 517 min read
Displeasing: Choose How You Will Suffer
[DISCLAIMER] The American Psychological Association defines the term suffering as “the experience of pain or acute distress, either physical or psychological, in response to a physical trauma or a significant event, particularly one that is threatening or involves loss (e.g., the death of a loved one).” When providing psychoeducational lessons on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I differentiate between physical and psychological trauma, as well as separating disp
Deric Hollings
May 1811 min read
Havoc: How Do You Want It, Nigga?
[DISCLAIMER] *Havoc (2005) spoilers contained herein. I recently posted a blog entry on The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026), as I stated, “I enjoyed it due to appreciating the acting of Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt.” Since then, I’ve become aware of controversy surrounding Hathaway, as one source states: She’s currently riding high on the success of the hotly-anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Yet Anne Hathaway’s life couldn’t have be
Deric Hollings
May 916 min read
Negative, but Healthy Anger and Aggression
[DISCLAIMER] In 2024, progressive house supergroup Swedish House Mafia released the song “Lioness” that featured Swedish indietronica duo Niki & the Dove. It’s a subjectively phenomenal track! For the sake of familiarity, the refrain states: You can’t keep me down, I am done, I am furious Fear the lioness, paint her face black and golden [x2] The term “furious” is defined as exhibiting or goaded by anger, indicative of or proceeding from anger. Herein, I’ll make a case
Deric Hollings
Apr 2617 min read
PLUR: Addressing Sexual Assault and Rape
[ DISCLAIMER ] Employing the psychotherapeutic technique known as professional use of self , I recently spoke with client X about my past attendance at electronic dance music (EDM) concerts , music festivals , and raves . This individual, significantly younger than I, also attends similar events. Perhaps it’s comprehensible for a current younger raver to dismiss the lived experience of an older person who used to rave in the ‘90s and ‘00s as being passé or even unbeliev
Deric Hollings
Apr 1313 min read
My Laissez-Faire Attitude About Your Disturbance
[ DISCLAIMER ] On his debut studio album Excuse My French (2013), rapper French Montana (“Montana”) released the song “ Ain’t Worried...
Deric Hollings
Mar 11, 20257 min read
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